A 23-year-old Indian Army officer died while trying to save a fellow soldier, who had been swept away by a powerful mountain stream in north Sikkim, during an operational patrol on Thursday.
Lt Shashank Tiwari was commissioned less than six months ago and belonged to Sikkim Scouts—a specialised infantry regiment, raised mainly for mountain warfare and border defense in the high-altitude terrain of Sikkim.
The officer was leading a route-opening patrol towards a tactical operating base (TOB) in Sikkim—a key post being prepared for future deployment, a senior official said. Agniveer Stephan Subba, a member of the patrol, lost footing while crossing a log bridge around 11 am and was swept away by a powerful mountain stream.
"Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to his team, Lt Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment of hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer," the official said.
However, Lt Tiwari was swept away by the current. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by around 11:30 am.
"The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come," the official said.
Lt Shashank Tiwari's heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army's core values —selfless service, integrity, leadership by example and the unbreakable bond between officers and men, the official added.
"Lt Gen RC Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks express deepest condolences on the demise of Lt Shashank Tiwari who made supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier from being swept away in a river during an operational patrol in HAA in #NorthSikkim. #IndianArmy stands firmly with the bereaved family," a tweet from the Eastern Command said.
