Hours after a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier shared a heart wrenching video detailing his ordeal while carrying out his duties at the border, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday sought a report from the Home Secretary and directed him to take appropriate action on the same.
Singh took to his official Twitter handle to express his concern.
"I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action," he said.
In a video gone viral, BSF soldier Tej Badur Yadav of the 29 battalion Seema Suraksha Bal is seen exposing the rot in the system by revealing the deeply ingrained corruption in the higher order, saying that the troops there are not even getting basic three square meals.
Speaking from an undisclosed location, Yadav can be seen saying that the soldiers stand for 11 straight hours every day regardless the weather or temperature, but they are treated in the worst possible way imaginable.
"Neither the media, nor any minister ties to take a note on how are we going through this (harsh weather). Our conditions are still worst. (humare halat wahi darbartar hain). After this, I will send three videos that will show how our officials are mistreating us. We do not want to blame any government, because they give everything we need, but our senior officials sell everything (for their own profit)," the jawans can be seen saying.
The video then shows shots of dried up chappatis and runny daal, where Yadav's voice can be heard saying that there are even times when the soldiers have to go to sleep on an empty stomach.
Also Read
"I will show you that we get only one paratha in the breakfast that too without any curry, or pickle. We get it (stuffed chapatti) only with a cup of tea. In afternoon, I'll show you how we get 'daal' in afternoon, its only turmeric and salt and nothing else, I will also show you the condition of chapattis," Yadav said.
Reiterating that he is not blaming the government as food and other amenities are being supplied, Yadav further asserted that their rations are sold in the market, calling for a probe into the situation.
"I request honourable Prime Minister also to look into the matter. Friends, I may not live once I upload this video, as my officials have high approach. Kindly share the video as much as possible so that every media organisation come here and investigate and also witness how soldiers are living," he said.
The video, which has gone viral across the nation, has sent shockwaves, as the jawan's raw and unflinching revelation of the shocking conditions has shaken many.
The BSF was quick to respond with a statement saying that a senior officer has already reached the location from where Yadav send the video.
"BSF is highly sensitive to the welfare of tps. Individual aberrations,if any, are enquired into. A senior officer has already rchd the location (sic)," the BSF said in a tweet.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content