The North News
New Delhi, April 28
The Ministry of Defence has cautioned the public against a fraudulent WhatsApp message soliciting donations for the modernisation of the Indian Army and the welfare of injured or fallen soldiers. The message, falsely claiming to cite a Cabinet decision, urges contributions to a specific bank account and invokes the name of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as a key supporter. However, the Ministry said the bank account details provided are incorrect, causing online donations to be dishonoured.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and not fall prey to such misleading appeals.
The government clarified that official welfare measures for soldiers are already in place. In 2020, it established the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of service personnel killed or severely injured during active operations.
The Indian Army, through the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, manages the accounts for the fund. Donations can be made directly to the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund through verified channels. Official account details are available on the Ministry of Defence’s platforms.
Details of the bank accounts are given below:
1st Account: Fund Name Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name: Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code CNRB0019055
Account No 90552010165915
Type of A/c Saving
2nd Account: Fund Name Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name: State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code SBIN0000691
Account No 40650628094
Type of A/c Saving
The Defence Ministry’s statement said donations can also be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favour of AFBCWF payable at New Delhi, which may be sent by post to the following address:
Accounts Section
Adjutant General’s Branch
Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate
Room No 281-B, South Block
IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi – 110011
