Pak shells fell Bengal soldier

TT, 24 August 2019,  Alipurduar: Rajib Thapa, an Indian Army Naik who hailed from Alipurduar, lost his life in Pakistani shelling at Naoshera in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Thapa, part of the 5/3 Gorkha Rifles, was from Mechpara tea estate in Kalchini block.

According to sources in the Indian Army, Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation and fired at the Indian troops, which led to the death of 34year-old Thapa.

Around 4.30am on Friday, Thapa, along with some other others prevents infiltration at the border. In retaliation, the Pakistani army suddenly resorted to firing. Thapa sustained a bullet injury and collapsed on the spot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

He is survived by his wife Khushbu Mangar Thapa, their eight-month-old daughter and his parents and sisters.

As the news spread, several gathered in front of his house to stand by the bereaved family. Kumar Thapa, the father, is a retired tea worker while his wife Reena, a housewife, is bed ridden due to illness.

Around 45 days back, Rajib had left his home and had gone to Kashmir to join his duty. "It has come as a shock for us. He was the sole earning member of my family. I am yet to share the news with my wife and others but feel proud for my son," was all that the father said. Kumar and Reena are parents of three daughters and one son. Later in the afternoon, Mohan Sharma, the coordinator of Alipurduar district Trinamul, visited Kumar.

"He had retired from his job in Mechpara a year ago. Since then, Rajib was the only earning member of the family. The people of Kalchini are proud of him. I have told his father that he can contact me for any help," said Sharma.

"We have received information from the Indian Army. His last remains are likely to reach his home on Saturday afternoon. He will be honoured as per protocol," said Nagendra Tripathi, SP, Alipurduar..