Lagatar24 Desk
Lucknow: Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, a 23-year-old officer from Ayodhya, lost his life while heroically rescuing a fellow soldier during a route-clearing operation in Sikkim. A member of the 1st Battalion Sikkim Scouts, Lt Tiwari jumped into a fast-flowing river on Thursday to save his comrade, AV Stephan Subba, who was being swept away by the current.
Rescue mission turns tragic
With the help of another colleague, Lt Tiwari managed to pull Subba to safety. However, he was unable to save himself from the river’s powerful current and was swept away, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Lt Tiwari, a National Defence Academy graduate, was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 14, 2024. He was unmarried and the only child of his parents. His father, Jung Bahadur Tiwari, currently serving in the Merchant Navy, is stationed in the United States and is expected to reach Ayodhya by Saturday morning.
State honours and tribute
On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was visiting Ayodhya, announced that a memorial would be built in the city to honour the young officer’s sacrifice. The state government has also declared financial assistance of ₹50 lakh for Lt Tiwari’s family.
Lt Tiwari’s mortal remains were flown from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri to Ayodhya on Friday afternoon via a special aircraft. Military officials transported the body to the Faizabad military hospital, where it will remain overnight. The final rites will be conducted with full state honours at Jamthara Ghat on Saturday.
An inspiration from childhood
“He was always bright in his studies and had a passion to serve the country since childhood,” said his uncle, Rajesh Dubey. The Army Commander of Eastern Command, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, also expressed his deepest condolences on the tragic loss of the young officer.
