MARCOS commando critically injured during rescue mission in Jhelum

Srinagar, Mar 17: A marine commando of the Indian Navy’s elite MARCOS unit was critically injured on Tuesday during a high-risk rescue operation in the Jhelum River in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.

The incident took place in the Uri area, where a joint search operation was underway after a woman allegedly jumped into the river on March 13, triggering a large-scale rescue effort involving multiple agencies.

Officials said the woman, a middle-aged resident reportedly settled in Jammu, had leapt into the Jhelum from a wooden footbridge at Chandanwari, prompting immediate response from local authorities.

Initial search operations were carried out by teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Baramulla and the Civil Defence unit in Uri. However, due to strong currents and challenging river conditions, additional teams, including personnel from the Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS), were deployed to intensify the operation.

During the search, a MARCOS commando, identified as A.S. Badoria, slipped into the fast-flowing river.

“While conducting the operation, the commando lost footing and was swept away by the strong current for several minutes before being retrieved by fellow team members,” a police official said.

The official said the commando sustained critical injuries and was unconscious when rescued.

He was immediately evacuated from the site and shifted to the Army hospital in Boniyar for emergency treatment. His condition is stated to be critical.

The Jhelum River in the Uri sector is known for its swift currents and unpredictable flow, which often complicate rescue operations. Cold water temperatures and slippery banks further increase risks for personnel involved in such missions.

Meanwhile, the search for the missing woman was ongoing at the time of filing this report, with teams combing downstream stretches of the river.

Officials said efforts are continuing to trace the woman while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.

The incident underscores the risks faced by emergency responders operating in difficult terrain and highlights the role of specialised units like MARCOS in undertaking complex rescue operations under extreme conditions.