2 CRPF personnel die, 16 injured in Udhampur accident

Ramban, Aug 7: Two paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of the 137 Bn, including a Constable and a Head Constable, died while 16 others were injured after a Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) plunged into a several-hundred-feet-deep gorge on a narrow surface road between Punara and Lodhra in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday.

Officials said the accident happened when CRPF personnel returning to their base camp after performing operational duties met with an accident on a narrow road between Punara and Lodhra in Basantgarh.

They said that the vehicle carrying the CRPF personnel slipped into a gorge, resulting in the death of two CRPF personnel on the spot and injuries to 16 others.

All the injured were evacuated to Military Hospital Udhampur, officials said.

They said that the accident happened when a joint Quick Action Team (QAT) of 137 and 187 Battalion CRPF, who were out on an operational duty, were returning to their base camp in Basantgarh.

However, local officials in Udhampur said CRPF personnel were conducting routine patrolling in the area when this accident happened.

They said that the vehicle plunged into a gorge while negotiating a curve on the Kandwa-Basantgarh link road.

BMO Basantgargh identified the two dead CRPF personnel as Constable Anand Korch, 27, of Meghalaya, and Head Constable Arvind Singh, 36, of Bihar, both posted in 137 Bn CRPF in Basantgarh.

Hospital authorities identified the injured CRPF personnel as Constable Mukesh Kumar, 31, of Bihar, Constable Sonu Kumar, 29, resident of Jharkhand, Head Constable Sunil Kalkar, 32, of Jharkhand, Assistant Sub Inspector Udha  Raj, 50, of Uttar Pradesh, Constable Sukhwinder Singh, 27, of Delhi, Constable Jatinder Pardhan, 28, of Jharkhand, Head Constable Dhiyan Raj, 46, of Maharashtra, Constable Sudalal Mani, 38, of Tamil Nadu, Constable Zala Vijay Kumar, 29, of Gujarat, driver Constable Rakesh Kumar, 39, of R S Pura, Jammu, J Hebram, 46, of Orissa, Constable Millan Kumar Singh, 30, of Jharkhand, Constable Gopa Ram, 31, of Rajasthan, Constable Muhammad Mushtaq, 32, of Rajouri, Constable Aneesh Kumar, 30, of Kerala, and Head Constable Karle Gajanand, 45, of Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives of CRPF personnel in the Udhampur accident.

The Lieutenant Governor in a post on microblogging site ‘X’ said, “Saddened by the loss of CRPF personnel due to an accident near Udhampur. We will never forget their exemplary service to the nation. My thoughts are with bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed senior officials to ensure the best possible care and assistance.”

Union Minister Jitendra Singh condoled the loss of lives and said, “The vehicle was carrying several brave jawans of the CRPF.”

Singh said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saloni Rai, who was personally monitoring the situation.

“Rescue measures have been initiated immediately. Locals have voluntarily come forward to assist. All possible help being ensured,” he said.

Director General (DG) CRPF, G P Singh, expressed condolences on the demise of three CRPF personnel.

He said that CRPF stands with the families of those who die in the line of duty.