Kundapur soldier among 5 killed after army vehicle falls into gorge in JK's Poonch

In a tragic accident on Tuesday (Dec 24), an Army vehicle fell into a 300-foot-deep gorge in Mendhar, Jammu & Kashmir, leading to the death of five soldiers. The incident has left the families of the deceased in profound grief.

Among the martyrs were three soldiers from Karnataka, including Anoop Poojary (31) from Bijadi, Kundapur. Anoop, the son of Chandu and Narayana Poojary, had served in the Indian Army for 13 years and was part of the Maratha Light Infantry Battalion.

Anoop leaves behind his wife and a two-year-old daughter. Just last month, he had visited home on leave and participated in the Koti Festival at Koteshwar on December 15. He also celebrated his daughter’s birthday during his visit.

The martyr is survived by his mother, two sisters, wife, daughter.

Final rites in Bijadi:

The mortal remains of Anoop Poojary will arrive at Tekkatte on December 26 (Thursday). A procession will be held through Koteshwar before reaching his hometown, Bijadi, where the last rites will be performed with full honors. Arrangements for public viewing have been made at Padushale, Bijadi.

Community leader Ashok Poojary, Bijadi Gram Panchayat President Prakash Poojary, and local residents are organizing the funeral.

Anoop’s fellow soldier, Anjaneya Patil from Chikkodi, currently on leave, rushed to inform the family upon hearing of the incident.

Other victims from Karnataka:

The accident also claimed the lives of Mahesh Marigond (25) from Mahalingapura in Rabkavi-Banahatti taluk, Bagalkote district, and Dayanand Kalappa Tirkannavar (45) from Belagavi.

Two other soldiers from Maharashtra were also martyred in the tragedy.

Reports indicate that several other soldiers sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at the hospital.