MHA rejects BSF soldier's allegations, says no "substance" found in complaint: Sources

In a report submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday said that no substance was found in the claims of the Border Security Force (BSF) soldier's video, which alleged that poor quality food was being served to the security personnel among other charges of untoward treatment, sources stated.

In a video gone viral, BSF soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav of the 29 battalion Seema Suraksha Bal was seen exposing the alleged rot in the system by revealing the deeply ingrained corruption in the higher order, saying that the troops are not even getting three basic square meals.

Following this, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh sought a report from the Home Secretary and ordered him to take appropriate action.

"I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS [Home Secretary] to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action," Mr. Singh tweeted on Monday.

The BSF was quick to respond to the video with a statement saying that a senior officer has already reached the location from where Yadav sent the video.

It also rejected the claims made by Yadav, clarifying that even though conditions for soldiers were tough they were provided with regular rations while asserting that the jawan in particular had a troubled past.

"Mentioned BSF Constable who has uploaded his selfie declarations on his Facebook page is posted in a Battalion deployed on Line of Control. In comparison to the International Border deployment, serving conditions are harsh as weather and counterpart both poses difficult challenges. However, ration is authorize to all including Officers at LoC and available in good quality, quantity and in variety," an official statement read.

The statement further read that Constable Yadav has a difficult past and was a habitual offender of absenteeism without permission, chronic alcoholism, misbehaving and using force with superior officers, besides other acts against good order and discipline.

The statement added that a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-level rank officer has been deployed to reach the location and added that the investigation will 'reveal the facts' soon.