NEW DELHI: A young Army officer from the Sikkim Scouts regiment , Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari , lost his life while rescuing a fellow soldier from drowning in a fast-flowing mountain stream during an operational patrol in North Sikkim.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning as Lt. Tiwari led a route-clearing team towards a tactical forward base in the high-altitude region. Around 11 am, Agniveer Stephan Subba slipped while crossing a makeshift log bridge and was swept away by the strong current.
Without hesitation, Lt. Tiwari dove into the icy waters to save him. Naik Pukar Katel joined the rescue effort, and together they successfully pulled Subba to safety. However, Lt. Tiwari was caught by the powerful current and carried nearly 800 meters downstream. His body was recovered within half an hour.
In a statement, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command paid tribute: “Lt Gen R.C. Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC, and all ranks offer heartfelt condolences on the loss of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing a comrade during an operational patrol in the high-altitude area of #NorthSikkim. The #IndianArmy stands united with his family.”
Commissioned on December 14, 2024, Lt. Tiwari had already shown exceptional bravery in his brief service. A native of Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, he was the only child of his parents. His father, a retired Indian Navy sailor, and his community remember him as a disciplined and devoted young man.
“His sacrifice has been hailed nationwide. He stands as a symbol of courage and selflessness,” the defence statement said.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his grief in a heartfelt Facebook message:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, who laid down his life while on patrol in the severe terrain of North Sikkim. His courage, sense of duty, and commitment to the country will forever be remembered. On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We honour his sacrifice with the utmost respect and gratitude.”
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning as Lt. Tiwari led a route-clearing team towards a tactical forward base in the high-altitude region. Around 11 am, Agniveer Stephan Subba slipped while crossing a makeshift log bridge and was swept away by the strong current.
Without hesitation, Lt. Tiwari dove into the icy waters to save him. Naik Pukar Katel joined the rescue effort, and together they successfully pulled Subba to safety. However, Lt. Tiwari was caught by the powerful current and carried nearly 800 meters downstream. His body was recovered within half an hour.
In a statement, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command paid tribute: “Lt Gen R.C. Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC, and all ranks offer heartfelt condolences on the loss of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing a comrade during an operational patrol in the high-altitude area of #NorthSikkim. The #IndianArmy stands united with his family.”
#IndianArmy #EasternCommand #InTheLineofDuty
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) May 22, 2025
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks express deepest condolences on the demise of Lt Shashank Tiwari who made supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier from being swept away in a river during an operational patrol in… pic.twitter.com/7rNLNDquWg
Commissioned on December 14, 2024, Lt. Tiwari had already shown exceptional bravery in his brief service. A native of Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, he was the only child of his parents. His father, a retired Indian Navy sailor, and his community remember him as a disciplined and devoted young man.
“His sacrifice has been hailed nationwide. He stands as a symbol of courage and selflessness,” the defence statement said.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his grief in a heartfelt Facebook message:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, who laid down his life while on patrol in the severe terrain of North Sikkim. His courage, sense of duty, and commitment to the country will forever be remembered. On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We honour his sacrifice with the utmost respect and gratitude.”
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