A soldier hailing from Kodagu district, K C Tilak (31), was killed in a heavy snow fall in Jammu and Kashmir. He is the eldest son of Kechimada Chettiappa and Muthamma hailing from Hausodluru village near Ponnampete and his dead body is expected to reach his home town within two days.  

Tilak went missing in the snow fall while on duty in Drass area on Monday at 11.30 am. His parents were informed on telephone by MEG control room officials. However, his family members were shell shocked and were not in a position to hear the news.

Another call received on Tuesday has confirmed the death of Tilak in the heavy snow fall and his dead body was also recovered. As there was heavy snow fall in Jammu and Kashmir, flights were not regular. Thus there is a delay in two or three days in bringing the dead body of the soldier to his home town. Tilak is a bachelor and has also left behind a sister Rekha, brother K C Suresh and his parents.

Tilak was serving in MEG since the last 11 years and was transferred to Drass in Jammu and Kashmir two years ago. He had visited his home during holidays in July and has joined duty again. Moreover, he had expressed desire to return home on February 25.

 The family members of Tilak were immersed in sorrow hearing the news. Father Chettiappa and mother Muthamma are speechless in grief.

The scene of neighbours pacifying the couple was heartrending.