On Sunday, the Defence Ministry issued a statement. It clarified that the WhatsApp messages circulating were false. The messages urged individuals to donate to a specific bank account. This was supposedly to help the government upgrade the armed forces. However, the ministry confirmed these claims were untrue.
Fake WhatsApp Message Claims Akshay Kumar’s Suggestion to Modi
The message further stated that the suggestion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was made by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.
In accordance with an official statement by the Ministry of Defence, account details in the said message are wrong and asked people not to fall victims to such scams.
A fact check by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) also said the message was fake. “A WhatsApp message is going around claiming that the government has opened a bank account for the modernisation of the Indian Army. This claim is MISLEADING. The bank account mentioned in the message is NOT meant for modernisation of the Indian Army or for purchase of weapons,” the PIB said.
Misleading Information in the Fake Message
A portion of the fake message reads, “Another good decision by Modi Govt as suggested by Super Star Akshay Kumar. Only one rupee per day, that too for Indian army. In yesterday’s cabinet meeting, the Modi government opened a bank account for the modernization of the Indian Army and for soldiers who are injured or martyred in the war zone. In which every Indian can contribute any amount as per his/her own choice. It starts from Rs.1 and is unlimited. This money will also be used to purchase weapons for the army and paramilitary forces.”
The ministry added that the government has launched a number of welfare schemes for soldiers who were killed or disabled in active combat operations.
Government’s Established Welfare Funds for Soldiers
In 2020, the Government established the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF). This fund provides immediate financial relief to the families of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrifice their lives or suffer grievous injuries in active military operations.
The Indian Army keeps the fund in trust on behalf of the Defence Ministry’s Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. Donation can be done directly into the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund account.
