The mother of a martyred Army captain on Thursday accused Shahpur police in Madhya Pradesh of demanding a bribe to make efforts to trace the bravery medals of her son, that were stolen in 2014.
Nirmala Sharma, a resident of Shahpura locality in Bhopal, said that her only son, Captain Devashish Sharma of Punjab Battalion, was killed on 10 December 1994, during Operation Rakshak.
Speaking to CNNNews18, the mother of the martyr has requested the Army to provide her with duplicate medals.
Expressing disappointment, she also revealed that it has been two years since the theft, but she has not still received any assurance from the government on the matter.
Captain Devashish Sharma was posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra by the Government of India and a bravery award by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The medals were stolen during a theft at their house on 21 October 2014, regarding which a report was lodged at the Shahpura police station.
Nirmala said certain police officials demanded money to make efforts to trace the stolen medals, which she refused.
When contacted, Bhopal (South) Superintendent of Police Anshuman Singh said that police had not received any complaint in this regard.
"We got to know about this only from the media," he said and assured suitable action.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Meets Martyr’s Mother
After the news came into light, the Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Bhupinder Singh, met the mother on Friday, and assured her of reopening the case. He also added that he will take action against police officials who had asked for a bribe, reports CNNNews18.
The minister also assured that the government will speak to the Army for replacement of the medals.
PM Modi to Inaugurate War Memorial in Bhopal
This case of apathy for the kin of a martyr comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a war memorial in Bhopal on Friday The memorial is constructed by the state government to honour those who laid down their lives for the country.
Spread over 12 acres, the 'Shaurya Smarak' portrays the different stages of one's life. The valour gallery showcases the tradition of military honour.
According to official sources, the Prime Minister will arrive in Bhopal at 4 pm to inaugurate the war memorial. After the inauguration ceremony, he will attend other related events and leave for Delhi at 7 pm.
(With IANS, CNNNews18 inputs.)
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