Patiala: Former AAP minister Fauja Singh Sarari has been accused of misusing funds for ex-servicemen’s welfare to purchase air tickets for personal use. On December 9, 2022, Sarari had the Sainik Welfare Department buy two tickets worth Rs 39,800 for his travel from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh.

The department requested Sarari to return the sum on June 6, 2023. As per a letter (a copy of which is with TOI), “the department mentioned that on “his verbal orders two tickets costing Rs 19,900 each from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh were booked through Uniglobe Shergill Travels and payment was made by taking a loan from flag day fund”. “So, it is requested to repay the amount to the department,” the letter had stated.” 

There were reports of Sarari issuing a cheque to reimburse the amount, but no official confirmation followed. Sarari when contacted, denied remembering the purchase and questioned the media’s involvement in the issue. The fund in question is intended to assist ex-servicemen and their families in financial distress. DeshGujarat