The National Security Guard (NSG) on Saturday rebutted the charges by the India Against Corruption (IAC) that there were financial irregularities in the distribution of gift cheques to commandos who participated in the 26/11 operation. Rejecting the claim of former commando, Naik Surender Singh, that cheques donated by individuals for the welfare of commandos were mismanaged, the NSG said that it had received several cheques for individual commandos, but these were returned on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Fifteen cheques amounting to Rs. 22 lakh were received from Shri Deep Kapuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Hi-tech Gears Ltd, Gurgaon, payable to serving personnel who were injured during ‘Op Black Tornado’ [Mumbai operation]. This included one cheque ... of Rs. 2 lakh in favour of Surender Singh,” the NSG said.
“The proposal regarding acceptance of financial aid was referred to the MHA and same was returned with intimation that [the] proposal had been considered under CCS [Conduct Rules] and same had not been agreed to by the Competent Authority. However, it was informed that it would be appropriate that the money should be deposited in the NSG Welfare Fund. Therefore, all the 15 cheques amounting to [a] total of Rs.22 lakh, including cheque No. 409796 dated 09.01.2009 of Rs.2 lakh in favour of Surender Singh, were returned to Mr. Deep Kapuria. No amount was received back,” NSG Group Commander (Intelligence) Ajay Singh said.
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Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that the commandos were deprived of recognition by the State for their sacrifice and also their share in private donations made for their welfare.