Three Karnataka soldiers among 5 killed after army vehicle falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

Five soldiers died after an army vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Tuesday. Of them, three -- Dayanand Thirakannavara, Anoop and Mahesh Marigonda -- were from Karnataka.

One amongst the five killed hailed from Beejadi in Kundapura taluk of Karnataka. Anoop Poojary (31) had been serving in the army for over 13 years and was part of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment - one of oldest regiments of the Indian Army.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, when the vehicle carrying 18 soldiers skidded off the road and fell into a 300-feet deep gorge. Officials ruled out a terror angle in the case.

CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, mourned their loss, on a message on X.

"I was saddened to hear the news of the martyrdom of Kannadiga soldiers Dayanand Thirakannavara, Anoop and Mahesh Marigonda in an army vehicle accident near Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir," the Congress leader said.

"I pray to God that the souls of the deceased soldiers may rest in peace and that their families may find the strength to bear this pain," he added.

Siddaramaiah continued, "The nation will forever remember the sacrifices and bravery of these martyrs who laid down their lives in service to the nation."

A soldier named Anjaneya Patil, who had served with Anoop and was on leave in his hometown Chikkodi, rushed to Beejadi with his brother late at night to inform Anoop's family about the tragic news. As soon as the news of his death spread, the village, including his family, went into mourning. 

Anup had availed leave recently to attend the Kodi Festival in Koteshwar on December 15. He had also celebrated his daughter's birthday recently. He was a soldier of remarkable courage and dedication, and served 11th Maratha Light Infantry Regiment with distinction, recollected Anoop's relative Ashok Poojary Beejady. 

From a young age, Anoop showed exceptional courage and an immense passion for sports. After completing his Pre-University Course (PUC), he chose to dedicate his life for the nation by joining the Indian Army, Ashok said. During his 13 years of service in the Army, Anoop was posted in various challenging terrains including Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir.

His commitment to duty had won many admirers in the Indian Army. Anoop was the son of late Narayan Poojary and Chandu Poojarthi. Anoop is survived by his wife Manjushree, 1.5 year-old daughter Eshanvi and two elder sisters. Anoop’s mortal remains will arrive in an open vehicle in a procession from Tekkatte to his hometown Beejadi, passing through Koteshwar on Thursday.

According to family sources, arrangements have been made for his final rites, which will take place at Padushale in Beejadi.

The soldiers were travelling in a military vehicle when, for reasons still under investigation, it veered off the narrow, treacherous road. The police official said an Army vehicle of 11 Maratha Light Infantry, which was on its way from Nilam headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post along the LoC, met with an accident near Ghora Post.

The vehicle fell into a gorge, around 150 feet deep, causing serious injuries to 10 soldiers including the driver, the official said.

A quick reaction team (QRT) of 11 Maratha Light Infantry and a police party from Mankote rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

A defence spokesperson said the cause of the accident is being ascertained but "possibly, the driver lost control at the turn of the road". The accident occurred in the Gharoa area when a convoy of six vehicles was en route from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. The officials quoted above said rescue teams have recovered five bodies from the gorge which is 300-350 feet deep.

The injured soldiers have been shifted to the field hospital in Poonch and one of them is in critical condition.

While five soldiers died in the accident, as many were injured.

(With PTI inputs)