'Lewd comments': Who is Smriti Singh, widow of Army Captain Anshuman Singh who died in Siachen

The NCW has asked the Delhi Police to promptly register a First Information Report (FIR) against the person and to arrest him at the earliest.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly urged the Delhi Police to immediately address derogatory comments made by Delhi resident Ahmad K at Smriti Singh, widow of Kirti Chakra awardee Captain Anshuman Singh. In a sternly worded letter issued on Monday, the NCW invoked Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, highlighting violations related to insulting a woman's modesty and transmitting obscene material online.

Who is Smriti Singh? 

In July 2023, Captain Anshuman Singh of the Indian Army displayed extraordinary bravery by rescuing people during a fire accident in Siachen. Tragically, he lost his life in the process after sustaining severe burns and injuries. A year later, Captain Singh was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu in recognition of his heroic actions.

For those unfamiliar, the Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India. On July 5, Captain Singh's widow, Smriti Singh, accepted the Kirti Chakra on his behalf. In a poignant video interview following the ceremony, Smriti reminisced about her love story with her late husband. "It was love at first sight," Smriti recalled of their first meeting in college. "We met on the first day of college. I would not be dramatic, but it was love at first sight. After a month, he was selected for the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)... We met in an engineering college, and he got selected into a medical college," she shared. Reflecting on his character, she described him as a "super intelligent guy."

Despite falling in love immediately, the couple endured a long-distance relationship for eight years before deciding to marry. "After just one month of meeting, it was a long-distance relationship for eight long years and then we thought we should get married now, and so we did," Smriti explained, sharing their unique love story.

However, fate had other plans for the newlyweds. Just months after their wedding in February 2023, Captain Singh was posted to Siachen, where he tragically lost his life on July 19, 2023. Smriti tearfully recounted their final conversation, "On July 18 (2023), we had a long conversation about how our life will be in the next 50 years. We are going to build a house, we are going to have kids, whatnot. On the 19th morning (the next day), I get up, I get a call that he is no more."

What has National Commission for Women (NCW) demanded?

The commission stressed the gravity of Ahmad K's offensive remarks, based on a screenshot depicting his disparaging comment on Smriti Singh's photograph. They called for the immediate filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against him, stressing potential penalty of up to three years in jail along with fines under the applicable laws.

Also Read | Captain Anshuman Singh's wife collects Kirti Chakra, recalls their story: 'It was love at first sight'

Expressing profound condemnation for the disrespectful language used against Smriti Singh, the NCW demanded Ahmad K's prompt arrest and urged the Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. They have requested a comprehensive report detailing the actions taken within the next three days to ensure justice is served and women's dignity is respected online.

"In light of the severity of the offence, the Commission has prima facie identified violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, stipulates penalties for acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, emphasising the need for decisive legal action," stated the NCW in its letter to the Delhi Police.

Also Read | Martyr Capt Anshuman Singh's mother reignites ‘Agniveer Controversy’ after meeting LoP Rahul Gandhi

Recalling the bravery and sacrifice of her husband, Captain Anshuman Singh, Smriti Singh tearfully recounted his words: "I would die with a brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death." Captain Singh, a member of the Army Medical Corps, posthumously received the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for exceptional valour.

Conferring Kirti Chakra upon Captain Singh, President Mumru said, "Disregarding his own safety, he exhibited exceptional bravery and resolve to rescue many people in a major fire incident." The Kirti Chakra was received by Captain Singh's widow, Smriti, and her mother-in-law.

The incident occurred on the night of July 19, 2023, when a fire broke out due to a short circuit at an Indian Army ammunition depot in Siachen where Captain Singh was stationed. Despite the perilous conditions, Captain Singh courageously rescued several trapped individuals from a blazing fibreglass hut. Tragically, he re-entered the inferno to save more lives but succumbed to the flames, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service.

Captain Singh was laid to rest with full state honours in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on July 22, 2023, commemorated for his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.