Press Release
NDTV exclusive: Arun Singh breaks his silence on Bofors, fallout with Rajiv
Walk the Talk with Arun Singh on NDTV 24X7 on July 29 at 7.30 pm
July 27, 2006, New Delhi—For the first time ever, former Minister of State for Defence, Arun Singh, discusses his closed-door discussions with Rajiv Gandhi about the Bofors scandal. A highly-emotional Mr. Singh looks back on the Bofors controversy in a 2-part interview with Shekhar Gupta, Indian Express Editor-in-Chief and host of NDTV’s highly-acclaimed “Walk the Talk”.
Mr. Singh goes on record to state that he is convinced that “somebody” took money on the Bofors deal. He says he doesn’t know who that party is, but felt he could have found out, had Mr. Gandhi not stopped him from inquiring into it the way he wanted…
When asked by Shekhar Gupta if he is certain that Rajiv Gandhi did not accept any money as part of the Bofors scam, Mr. Singh says: “I cannot say that. I don’t think that he stopped me on the grounds that he took it. I have absolutely no idea of who took money in Bofors. I know only this much – somebody had. My argument – which cost me my friend – had nothing to do with who took the money. It had to do with who would catch the people who took the money. In my opinion, it was the job of the executive”. Mr. Singh adds that this suggestion did not go down well with Mr. Gandhi: “Mr. Gandhi believed, I think, that if I made a mistake, or I failed…then he would have to carry the can for what would then be perceived as a major cover-up”. Mr. Singh then describes a heated argument with Mr. Gandhi which ended their friendship.
Mr. Singh claims that he was accused by Mr. Gandhi of engaging in politics to get a more high-profile job within Mr. Gandhi’s government: “What hurt me the most was he wasn’t sure if I was making a power play. That was the biggest insult. I left him with great bitterness.”
In the second part of the interview, Mr. Singh shares the details of his relationship with Sonia Gandhi (“I have one sister…and that is Sonia”), and gives his insight into why she gave up the chance to be Prime Minister.
The first part of Walk the Talk with Arun Singh airs on Saturday, July 29 at 7.30 pm on NDTV 24X7, repeat on Sunday, July 30 at 4.30 pm.
Bali is full of memorable moments, and some of them involve animals. Temple monkeys tug at bags, beach dogs nap near sunbeds, and cats wander into cafés like they own the place. Most interactions are harmless, but a bite or scratch can change the day quickly, because you may need immediate medical care and follow-up treatment. This is where Bali travel insurance becomes more than a box to tick.
In this article, you will explore whether animal bite treatment is insured, the exclusions, and the steps to claim easily in Bali.
Why Animal Bites in Bali Need Special Attention
Bites are not only about the visible wound. Insurers and doctors both treat them as medical events that can pose an infection risk, especially when the bite breaks the skin.
A scratch that looks small in the moment can still lead to:
● A doctor’s examination and wound cleaning
● Medicines and dressings
● Follow-up consultations if the doctor advises observation or further care
From an insurance perspective, this matters because claims are usually assessed on medical necessity and documentation, not on how dramatic the injury appears in a photo.
How International Travel Insurance Looks at an Animal Bite
Most travel policies are built around emergency medical expenses for unexpected illness or accidental injury abroad. A bite or scratch usually fits the accidental injury bucket, but coverage is rarely blanket.
In many plans, the following may be considered if a doctor prescribes them and bills and medical notes support them:
● Consultation and outpatient treatment
● Emergency care and procedures, such as wound dressing or stitches, if clinically required
● Prescribed medicines and investigations
● Hospitalisation if the treating doctor confirms it is needed
Common Reasons Claims Get Reduced or Rejected
This is the part travellers often miss. Insurers usually do not deny claims because an animal was involved. Claims become difficult when the event looks avoidable, the reporting is delayed, or the paperwork is weak.
Avoidable-Risk Situations Insurers Scrutinise
Policies commonly exclude or limit claims linked to unsafe conduct or preventable exposure. For animal bites, scrutiny may increase if the incident appears connected to:
● Provoking, feeding, or trying to handle wild animals
● Ignoring warning signs at tourist spots
● Being intoxicated at the time of the incident
● Activities that a policy lists as excluded or restricted
The takeaway is simple: if your own description sounds like a risky choice rather than a sudden accident, the insurer may challenge it.
Delays, Missing Papers, and Policy Conditions
Even when your incident is genuinely accidental, claims can still stall due to basics such as:
● Not informing the insurer or assistance partner within the required time
● Missing itemised bills, prescriptions, or clinical notes
● No proof of travel dates or passport entry details when requested
● Submitting only pharmacy slips without a doctor’s consultation record
International travel insurance is paperwork-driven. If you document it well, you reduce the chance of avoidable back-and-forth.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Scratched in Bali
Your health comes first, always. But a few sensible steps can protect your recovery and keep your insurance file clean.
Medical Steps That Help You and Your Claim
Act fast, stay calm, and get proper care before worrying about bills.
● Clean the wound promptly and seek medical care, even if it seems minor
● Follow the doctor’s advice, including follow-ups if recommended
● Avoid self-medicating in place of a clinical assessment, because insurers often ask for a doctor’s report
Claim Notes and Documents to Collect
Keep these handy; they’ll save time and avoid follow-up questions later.
● Doctor’s notes that mention the nature of injury, treatment given, and advised next steps
● Prescriptions and pharmacy invoices
● Itemised hospital or clinic bills
● A brief written note of where and when it happened, while it is still fresh in your mind
Final Word
Animal bites in Bali are not rare, and they are not always dramatic, which is exactly why travellers underestimate them. Many travel policies can cover bite-related medical treatment when it is accidental and medically necessary, but the outcome depends on your policy terms and the quality of your documentation. If you buy cover thoughtfully, keep the assistance number handy, and respond sensibly if an incident happens, you give yourself the best chance of both good medical care and a smoother claim experience.
