Bhagalpur: Havildar Ankit Yadav (35), a soldier from Chappar village in Rangra block of Bhagalpur district, was martyred during an encounter with terrorists at Tika Post in Uri sector of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday night.
According to Army officials, terrorists suddenly opened fire on security forces late at night. The Army retaliated, but Ankit sustained a bullet injury during the exchange of fire. He was immediately shifted to AIP-06 and later to Devi Post, where the Regimental Medical Officer treated him for over two hours. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at 6:15 am on Wednesday.
Army personnel informed his elder brother, Niranjan Yadav, about the martyrdom at around 10 am.
Flooded Village Prepares for Final Farewell
Ankit’s ancestral village is currently submerged in floodwaters, with even his home inundated. A tent has been set up outside the village, where his mortal remains will be kept for the last rites with full military honours.
Service and Sacrifice
Ankit Yadav had joined the Army in 2009 and was recently transferred from Meerut to Kashmir a month ago. He had returned from home leave just 15 days before the encounter. Speaking about his younger brother, Niranjan Yadav said, “It was his childhood dream to serve the country. We are grieving his loss, but it is a matter of pride for our family and our district.”
Family and Personal Life
Ankit married Ruby Kumari, a resident of Kadha Gola in Katihar district, in 2017. They have two sons — Utkarsh (4) and Upansh (2). His wife, who lives in Katihar, has not yet been informed of his martyrdom. She was taken to her maternal home by her brother after receiving news of the incident.
The martyr was the youngest of four brothers. His father, Laxmi Yadav, is a farmer, and his mother, Savita Devi, is a homemaker. His eldest brother, Niranjan, is a retired JCO from the Army and currently serves in the Jharkhand SAP. The second brother, Mithilesh Yadav, is an SI in the RPF, posted in Bakhtiyarpur, Patna, while the third brother, Mukesh Yadav, is a retired Army man now working as a teacher in Purnia.
Village Mourns Its Braveheart
Villagers described Ankit as a friendly and humble person. “He was not only a brave soldier but also a good human being. We are proud of him,” said a resident. The entire Navgachiya subdivision and Bhagalpur district are preparing to give him a hero’s farewell.
The administration is coordinating arrangements for the last rites amid challenging flood conditions. The mortal remains are expected to reach the village today, with people gathering to pay their final respects to the fallen hero.
