Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur
Kundapur, Dec 25: In a tragic incident, an army truck overturned during a patrol near the Line of Control (LoC) in Balnoi, Mendhar area of Poonch district, resulting in the death of five soldiers. Among the deceased, one has been identified as Anoop Poojary (31), a resident of Bijadi in Kundapur, and the son of Narayana Poojary and Chandu Poojary.
The accident occurred on Tuesday evening when the truck, carrying 18 soldiers, veered off a narrow road and plunged into a gorge near the LoC in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. Five soldiers lost their lives, while the others sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Anoop had joined the army 13 years ago and was serving with the Maratha Light Infantry Battalion. He had recently returned to duty after spending a month on leave. During his leave, he attended the Kodi festival in Koteshwar on December 15 and celebrated his daughter's birthday before heading back. His fellow soldier, Anjaneya Patil, along with his brother, visited Anoop's family late at night to convey the tragic news.
Anoop, who was married, is survived by his wife, a two-year-old daughter, his mother, and two sisters.
The mortal remains of Anup Poojari, a soldier with the Maratha Light Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army, will arrive at Mangaluru International Airport on Thursday, December 26, around 1 am aboard an IAF AN-32 aircraft. Poojari, who was martyred in an accident at Mendhar in Jammu and Kashmir on December 24, will be brought home with full military honours.
After arrival, the remains will be taken in a procession from Tekkatte, passing through Koteshwara, to his hometown of Bijadi for the final rites. Arrangements for the public to pay their last respects have been made at Padushale in Bijadi.
Social worker Ashok Poojary, Bijadi Grama Panchayat president Prakash Poojary, and local villagers are leading the preparations for the funeral.