Disrespectful remarks made against late captain Anushman Singh’s wife, Smriti Singh

‍Enraged individuals on social media are demanding repercussions against the people who made inappropriate comments about late captain Anshuman Singh’s wife Smriti Singh. This incident took place after Smriti Singh accepted the Kirti chakra award on behalf of her late husband Anshuman Singh, captain Singh was an Indian army medical officer stationed at Siachen. He was serving the 26 Punjab regiment.

On the night of 19 July 2023, Captain Anshuman Singh showed remarkable courage by rescuing people during a fire incident in Siachen When he saw the fiberglass house in flames, he quickly began rescuing the individuals trapped inside. The captain successfully saved four to five persons, but before he could completely secure the area and take himself to safety, the fire spread to the adjacent medical examination room. Sadly he tragically lost his life after suffering severe burns and injuries during the incident. One year later he was honoured with the kirti chakra by President Draupadi Murmur for his heroic act.

The Kirti chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle. It may be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel, including posthumous awards.

On July 5, 2024, Captain Singh’s wife Smriti Singh accepted the kirti chakra on behalf of her late husband as photographs and videos of the sad yet respectful award ceremony went viral on different social media platforms Some derogatory and sleazy comments were made against Smriti which made people infuriated and people expressed profound condemnation for the use of disrespectful language and urged the authorities to look into this matter.

The misuse of social media platforms to demean and disrespect someone has increased significantly and it is creating a harmful and unhealthy environment for everyone. The situation has gone out of control as now a martyr’s widow is being subjected to such vulgar and disrespectful comments online. This shows how people are not afraid of anyone before commenting about anything vile online. After this controversy, people are seeking the authorities to take proper action against the accused.

As a result, the NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (NCW) wrote a letter to Delhi police demanding action against the user’s alleged ‘lewd’ comment about late Captain Singh’s wife Smriti.

A user named k.Ahmad has been noted for making an allegedly objectionable remark against Smriti on Wednesday, which made the authorities take action against him. The NCW said that the comment violates section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (publishing sexually explicit content or transmitting obscene material in electronic form).

The NCW urged immediate action and requested the Delhi police arrest the accused and prepare a detailed report within 3 days. Only if strict actions are taken now against such crime and behaviors will people in future fear before writing anything disrespectful online. Strict standards and their application are critical in combating such issues.