BJP: Leaders Visit Family of Army Soldier Killed in Doda Road Accident

BJP: Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday visited the home of Indian Army soldier Rinkil Balyan, who lost his life in a tragic road accident while on duty in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. The visit was marked by quiet condolences and assurances of support to the bereaved family during a period of deep personal loss.

Arun Govil and Sanjeev Balyan met family members to express solidarity and to acknowledge the sacrifice made by the fallen soldier. Their visit followed the fatal incident on January 22, when an Army vehicle carrying personnel skidded off a mountainous road amid severe weather conditions.

Assurance of Support from Political Leaders

Speaking after meeting the family, Sanjeev Balyan said the government would stand by them and respond to any assistance they might require. He described Rinkil Balyan as someone personally close to him, noting that the relationship went beyond politics.

Balyan added that families who lose loved ones in the line of duty rarely ask for anything, despite the magnitude of their loss. He said the government remained committed to supporting such families as part of its responsibility toward those who serve the nation.

Fatal Accident During Operational Movement

The incident occurred in the Doda district when an Army vehicle was moving troops for an operational task. According to official information, the vehicle encountered extremely difficult terrain combined with adverse weather, including snow-covered roads. The conditions reportedly caused the driver to lose control, sending the vehicle into a deep valley.

The accident claimed the lives of 10 Army personnel, making it one of the deadliest non-combat incidents in the region in recent months. Several others were injured and were evacuated promptly for medical treatment.

Last Rites Held in Hapur with Military Honours

The mortal remains of Rinkil Balyan were brought to his native village of Bhatel in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district on January 24. His final rites were performed with full military honours, reflecting the respect accorded to his service and sacrifice.

A large number of villagers, relatives, and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects. The atmosphere was marked by grief as the community came together to bid farewell to one of its own. Many were seen visibly emotional as the soldier was cremated according to military tradition.

Family Shares Details of the Tragedy

Rinkil Balyan’s brother, Rishabh Balyan, who is also serving in the Indian Army, spoke about the sequence of events leading up to the accident. He said the family received the news on the evening of January 22, shortly after the incident occurred.

According to him, his brother had been returning from an operation when the accident took place. He explained that heavy snow on the road contributed to the vehicle losing balance before plunging into the valley. Rinkil Balyan is survived by his wife and two young children, including a one-year-old son and a daughter aged two and a half years.

Rishabh Balyan said the family brought the mortal remains home the following day. During the final rites, the soldier’s young son was present alongside family members, underscoring the personal cost of the loss.

Village’s Long Association with Armed Forces

Relatives and villagers highlighted the family’s long-standing connection with the armed forces. A relative, Sandeep Balyan, said military service runs through generations in the family, with Rinkil Balyan’s father also having served in the Army.

He added that several dozen people from the village are currently serving in various branches of the armed forces, as well as in the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. The news of the accident, he said, sent a wave of shock and sorrow through the entire village.

Army Confirms Cause of the Incident

The Army’s White Knight Corps issued a statement confirming that the accident was caused by the vehicle slipping off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in poor weather conditions. The statement noted that the injured personnel were evacuated immediately for further medical care.

An investigation is expected to review the circumstances surrounding the accident, as the Army continues to operate in challenging environments across the region.