Jawan whose video on poor diet went viral has been alleged for having dodgy record by BSF
Highlights
- BSF jawan's video talking of near starvation diet served went viral
- 'His record not good, includes intoxication, insubordination,' says BSF
- Home ministry has ordered an inquiry into allegations by soldier
, has a dodgy record that also features "intoxication and insubordination", the Border Security Force (BSF) has alleged.
In the videos, constable Tej Bahadur Yadav, shows what he calls extremely poor quality food served to soldiers posted at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
He has now been shifted from the Line of Control to the headquarters of his 29 battalion in Poonch."This is breakfast - one burnt parantha and a glass of tea...no butter, no jam, no pickle..." he says in one video. "Can a jawan do his duty with this kind of food? Share this video as much as possible and take our message to the government. Jai Hind!"
Within hours, the videos had gathered 2.6 million views and 165,000 shares.
"I am amazed at how he uploaded this video," said BSF Inspector General DK Upadhyaya today, declaring that the soldier would be shifted for a fair inquiry.
"His record is not good...intoxication, insubordination. Keeping his family in mind a lenient view was taken and he was not court-martialed," said the top officer.
He said his deputy had visited the same post just four days ago but "there was no such complaint". The best supplies are provided in the area, he insisted,
In one of the clips, Tej Bahadur Yadav films dinner being cooked in semi-darkness. "Dal with only haldi (turmeric) and salt. No onion, no garlic, no seasoning...not even cumin," the soldier complains. He also berates his comrades for cooking without any light.
In another, the 40-year-old in his fatigues looks straight into the camera and says: "This is the quality of the food we get...we are on duty for 11 hours in the snow and at times we have to stand throughout... how can a jawan do his duty?" Often, he claims, jawans go to bed on an empty stomach.
"The government's store is full but everything is sold. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an investigation," says the soldier, also alleging that "anything can happen to me after I put out this video."
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he had asked for a report and appropriate action. His deputy Kiren Rijiju said "any anomaly will be dealt with firmly".