The Army’s investigation has confirmed that Agniveer Amritpal Singh took his own life, which is why he was not posthumously awarded military honours. The Army has released a statement through its official X handle to clarify this matter, and the Army spokesperson has dismissed the viral social media post as a baseless rumour.
New Delhi (Vishvas News) – A controversy has erupted surrounding the death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh. Many social media users are asserting that Amritpal Singh was denied military honours because the Central Government did not grant him martyr status.
In its investigation, Vishvas News discovered that soldiers who take their own lives while in the army are not posthumously awarded military honours. The Army has officially confirmed that Amritpal Singh’s death was a result of suicide. The Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Jammu has debunked the viral claims on social media as mere rumours. It’s important to note that Agniveer is a program, and soldiers enrolled in this scheme receive the same level of respect as their counterparts.
While posting the video on October 14, 2023, from the X account created in the name of Satyapal Malik, it was written, “Today the mortal remains of Martyr Agniveer Amritpal Singh reached his village Kotlikalan, where two army brothers left him in a private ambulance. When the villagers asked, they said that under the new policy of the Central Government, Agniveer has not been given the status of martyr, hence salute will not be given!” SP President Akhilesh Yadav also raised questions on the Agniveer Scheme in a post on October 15.
To investigate the viral claim, we initiated a Google search using specific keywords. According to a news report published on October 16 on the Dainik Bhaskar website, it was stated that “Amritpal Singh was on duty near the Line of Control (LOC) in the Mankot area of Mendhar subdivision within the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. During his duty, he suffered a gunshot wound to his forehead. His mortal remains were transported in a private ambulance, with two army soldiers accompanying the body. The deceased soldier’s family members raised concerns regarding the absence of military honors. Subsequently, on the evening of October 15, the Indian Army released an official statement indicating that Agniveer Amritpal had taken his own life. As a result of this, military honors were not conferred upon him. This statement was issued via the Army’s official X handle.”
“Agniveer Amritpal Singh died unfortunately on 11 October 2023. Several misconceptions and factual misrepresentations have arisen in connection with the unfortunate passing of Agniveer Amritpal Singh. In addition to the initial information provided by the White Knight Corps on October 14, 2023, we would like to provide additional details to clarify the situation. Agniveer Amritpal Singh sadly took his own life by discharging a firearm while on sentry duty, which has left a profound impact on both his family and the Indian Army,” the Army wrote on its official X handle.
“Following the necessary medico-legal procedures, his remains were transported to their original location under Army supervision, accompanied by an escort party for the purpose of cremation in accordance with established regulations. It is important to emphasize that the Armed Forces do not distinguish between soldiers who enlisted before or after the implementation of the Agneepath Scheme when it comes to the benefits and protocols they are entitled to,” the post further reads.
“Even in the unfortunate instances of death resulting from suicide or self-inflicted injuries, the Armed Forces offer heartfelt and enduring sympathy to the bereaved family, along with the respect they are due. However, according to a military order dated 1967, such cases are not eligible for a military funeral. The policy on this matter has consistently been upheld without discrimination. As per available data, there has been an average annual loss of 100 to 140 soldiers since 2001, which includes deaths resulting from suicide or self-inflicted injuries. Military funerals have not been allowed in these cases. The highest priority is given to the distribution of financial assistance and relief in accordance with eligibility criteria, including immediate financial support for conducting funerals,” said the post.
“Tragic incidents like these exact a heavy emotional toll on both the family and the broader security forces community. During such trying times, it is imperative for society to maintain the family’s respect, privacy, and dignity, and extend heartfelt sympathy in their hour of sorrow. The armed forces are renowned for their commitment to established policies and protocols, and they will continue to uphold these principles. The Indian Army seeks support from all segments of society as it adheres to its well-established procedures,” the post added.
A similar case came to light previously. According to a report by Zee News on March 26, 2022, it was revealed that Havildar Dhananjay from Gorakhpur, posted in Sikkim, had taken his own life. On March 25, his family brought his body to Gorakhpur, placing it in the Bhopa market and demanding martyr status. This situation stirred anger among local residents due to the absence of military honours.
We reached out to Shrutikant, a retired Brigadier and long-time Army Public Relations Officer (PRO), who explained, “Military honors are not conferred in cases of suicide within the army.”
Subsequently, we reviewed the Terms and Conditions provided by the Indian Army to gain insight into the Agniveer Scheme. According to these terms, candidates are enlisted for a service period under the Army Act, of 1950, spanning four years, including the training period. Agniveer participants are not entitled to receive a pension or gratuity. However, as per the prevailing Indian Army guidelines, Agniveer soldiers are eligible for honours and awards. Point 15 specifies compensation in the event of death, stating that Agniveer participants are not governed by the provisions contained in the Pension Regulations for the Army (as amended from time to time). Instead, they will receive appropriate compensation in the case of death, classified into categories X, Y, and Z to determine financial benefits for beneficiaries.
We had a conversation with Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Command in Jammu. He affirmed, “Agniveer is an initiative of the army, and all Agniveer soldiers are treated no differently than other members of the army. There is no discrimination among them. Certain individuals are circulating unfounded rumors regarding Amritpal Singh’s case. He tragically took his own life, and the Army has provided comprehensive clarification on this matter through its official X handle.”
On December 18, 2013, the Ministry of Home Affairs responded in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the government does not differentiate between the sacrifices made by soldiers from various security forces. The Defense Ministry clarified that the terms “Shaheed” or “Martyr” have not been officially defined, and no specific orders regarding this have been issued at present.
In our investigation of the viral claim made by the former user @SatyapalmalikG, this account appears to be impersonating Satyapal Malik, who served as the Governor of Bihar, J&K, and Goa. The genuine account of Satyapal Malik is @SatyapalMalik6. In a video posted on June 11, it was clarified that the other accounts created in his name are fraudulent. However, the viral post from the handle @SatyapalmalikG has also been shared through this account.
Conclusion: The Army’s investigation has confirmed that Agniveer Amritpal Singh took his own life, which is why he was not posthumously awarded military honours. The Army has released a statement through its official X handle to clarify this matter, and the Army spokesperson has dismissed the viral social media post as a baseless rumour.
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