Off-duty deaths of soldiers serving in the Border Security Force are currently under review, while soldiers’ loans will also be closely monitored.

According to a recent communication, units have been instructed to engage with banks regarding loans to soldiers. This follows a rare incident in which a BSF soldier committed suicide to repay a loan.

In this particular incident, the brother-in-law of Amit Rana, a constable stationed in the 23rd battalion of the BSF, reported that a burnt body was found in the car of Jawan’s wife, and relatives believed that That’s Rana.

Later, according to social media reports, the battalion adjutant contacted the investigating officer of Himachal Pradesh police and found out that Rana had been arrested in Bengaluru. He is being interrogated over the fake news, while investigations have revealed that he took loans of at least Rs 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh from different banks. Unable to meet the EMI demands, he fabricated a story about his own death to claim the insurance money.

Senior officers are taking the incident seriously, recognizing the potential damage to the force’s reputation and management. Detailed instructions have been issued to all forces urging them to closely monitor soldiers’ loans.

The BSF stressed the need for proper registration of details of persons taking loans from banks and insurance companies. “A proper register should be maintained recording the details of persons taking loans from banks, insurance companies. All off-duty deaths must be re-identified with the relatives of the deceased. A list of habitual bad hats should be maintained within the unit and checked regularly.”

The BSF added: “Financial discipline should be imparted to the troops regularly through sainik sammelan and during visits of senior officers. The buddy system is followed in letter and spirit. Commanders at all levels must interact within the troops to understand their family background, financial Difficulties, etc., to get to know them better. The company commander should regularly check the people who borrowed money to determine whether they are repaying their loans in regular installments.”

All units have been asked to contact banks if there are loan defaulters; strict disciplinary action will be taken against such cases.