Govt flags fraudulent WhatsApp message for Indian Army welfare, provides correct donation details

The Ministry of Defence on Sunday warned the public against a misleading WhatsApp message seeking donations for the modernisation of the Indian Army and welfare of soldiers injured or killed in action, saying the bank account details mentioned in it are incorrect.

The message falsely claims that the initiative was based on a Cabinet decision and invokes the name of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as the prime mover of the proposal, the ministry said in a statement.

"The account details in the said message are wrong, leading to online donations getting dishonoured. People must remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent messages," it added.

According to the ministry, the government has instituted several welfare measures for soldiers killed or disabled during active military operations, including the creation of the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) in 2020.

The fund is maintained by the Indian Army on behalf of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.

Bank: Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters, New Delhi - 110011

Account No: 90552010165915

IFSC Code: CNRB0019055

Account Type: Savings

Bank: State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi - 110011

Account No: 40650628094

IFSC Code: SBIN0000691

Account Type: Savings

Contributions can also be sent via Demand Draft drawn in favour of AFBCWF, payable at New Delhi, and posted to the Accounts Section, Adjutant General’s Branch, Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate, Room No. 281-B, South Block, IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi - 110011.

The advisory comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the massacre of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Pahalgam last week.

As a retaliatory measure, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian carriers and suspending trade.