Ram Kishan Grewal, a former Army jawan, who was protesting over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Delhi Cantonment Commando Surender said Ram Kishan Grewal had come to the Capital to protest against the government's alleged backtracking on the implementation of the OROP scheme.
“He was protesting at Jantar Mantar and had then proceeded to meet the Defence Minister with a group of fellow protesters when he consumed poison,” Mr. Surender said after meeting the deceased's sons.
A senior police officer told The Hindu that the 69-year-old Ram Kishan consumed poison around 1.30 p.m. even as he and four others accompanying him were waiting to meet Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to submit a memorandum reiterating their demands on the OROP scheme.
Manish Sisodia detained
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was dragged away and later detained by the police even as he attempted to talk to Ram Kishan's son. Mr. Sisodia and Mr. Surender were detained by the police.
Defence Minister seeks details
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has sought details of Sub Ram Kishan Grewal from the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.
“Saddened by the death of Subdr. Ram Kishan Grewal. I express my heartfelt condolences. I have asked for officials to provide me details,” Mr. Parrikar tweeted on Wednesday.
One official said that the Mr. Parrikar asked for details of his service details, if he is eligible for OROP and if his arrears had been paid in time.
Defence officials also said that as per their records Sub Grewal has not sought any appointment with the Minister.
(With inputs from Dinakar Peri)
PTI adds:
Rahul not allowed to see body
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too was prevented from seeing the body.
Mr. Gandhi was not allowed to enter Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where Grewal’s body is kept.
“I urge the PM once again: soldiers should not have to struggle to claim what is their due.OROP must be implemented in a meaningful way! My heartfelt condolences to the family of Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal. Extremely sad to learn of his death,” he tweeted.
When he was not allowed to meet the family of the deceased, Mr. Gandhi wondered whether democracy works in this fashion.
