Indian Army Officer Shashank Tiwari of the Sikkim Scouts who died while saving a fellow soldier was cremated on Saturday with full state honours in his hometown in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The funeral was held at Jamthara Ghat on Saturday with a guard of honour from the soldiers and police.
The District Magistrate who came to pay his tributes informed the family about the financial assistance provided by the state government, the offer of a government job, and the establishment of a memorial in honour of their son. He also asserted that the ex-gratia amount was not sufficient and that the service rendered by their son for the country is beyond any measure.
The incident occurred when the 23-year-old Lieutenant was leading a patrol towards a tactical operating base in Sikkim where one of the members of his team lost footing while crossing a bridge. Agniveer Stephen Subba tumbled from the bridge and was being swept away by the current when the lieutenant jumped into the stream in a bid to save his fellow officer.
Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel jumped in the water to assist the rescue which led the Agniveer to safety. However, Lieutenant Tiwari was swept away by the strong current and drowned. His body was recovered from 800 metres away after 30 minutes of the incident.
Tiwari had joined the army last year after clearing the National Defence Academy Exam in 2019. The posting marked his first assignment to which the Indian army asserted that "despite his tender age and brief service, Lieutenant Tiwari leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come," as reported by NDTV.
His remains arrived in Ayodhya on Friday night after they were flown from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri.
The Siliguri-based 33 corps or the Trishakti corps posted on X stating that, "A wreath was laid with full military honours by Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla, GOC Trishakti Corps, at Bengdubi Military Station, prior to the final journey of the braveheart's mortal remains to his hometown.바카라
"His bravery and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations. The Indian Army stands shoulder to shoulder with the family in this hour of grief," they added.
