Captain Anshuman Singh tragically lost his life in a fire accident in July 2023 at the Siachen glacier, where he served as a medical officer. His wife, Smriti Singh, and mother, Manju Singh, were presented with his Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5, 2024.
Anshuman designated Smriti as the Next of Kin (NOK) in his will, as required by law, to ensure that his pension would be given to her in case of his demise. Allegations have emerged from Anshuman’s parents, who claim that Smriti left their home with the award and his money.
Anshuman’s father, Ravi Pratap Singh, a retired serviceman and pensioner, referred to his son’s brief five-month marriage to Smriti without children, implying that she might remarry.
Ravi and his wife believe it unfair for Smriti to utilize their son’s funds. They insist that Smriti can access Anshuman’s pension only if she remains with the family. Ravi Pratap Singh accused Smriti of not loving their son and fleeing to Australia with the funds and award. Earlier he even suggested that she marry his younger son.
Smriti faced cyberbullying on social media, portraying her as a heartless daughter-in-law who absconded with the funds for personal gain.
The behavior reveals the gender-based criticism faced by women who do not conform to the traditional ‘ideal daughter-in-law’ image.
