Barak Valley born Rashtriya Rifles jawan Birendra Sinha found dead in Kashmir

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Indian National Army recruit 30 Rashtriya Rifles Sepoy Birendra Sinha found dead in his bunker on March 7, 2018. Two days later his mortal remains has reached Silchar, but, along with the coffin came a set of mysteries.

Medical Officer Capt. Pawan Dhaman’s official report declares Birendra Sinha dead at 0135 hours. The report states ‘gunshot at lower back’ as the reason of death.

Chengcoorie road’s Birendra was deputed at Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir and there is no official record of combat at Kupwara on March 7, so, the very first question that arises here is how did he die of a gunshot?

His father’s email to the commanding officer, a copy of which is with us states that his elder son, (Birendra’s brother) got a call on March 8 from an unknown number, the person on the other side identified him as the commanding officer and informed the family that Birendra is no more as he has committed suicide. Jugendra Sinha (Birendra’s father) also stated in the email titled, “Mysterious Death of my Son” that he will not receive the body until the cause of death is clear.

He writes in the mail, “We have received calls at different times with ambiguous statements from different positions of the unit using the same number. All this facts have arisen serious doubts and confusion on the firing on him resulting into the death of my son. In view of above I have decided not to receive the dead body till the cause/causes of mysterious firing under your custody resulting into death of my beloved son is found out.”

Birendra Sinha Last RitesWe tried to reach out to the Army spokespersons but all we could get is an off the record, “The investigation is on,” message. Our reporter reporting the entire episode from Birendra’s house in Chengcoorie road informed us that the family members had decided not to perform the last rites until Birendra is recognised as ‘Martyr’ (Saheed). The army official present with the body on the other hand informed that they will salute the mortal remains but won’t offer a guard of honour.

The family members and local communities have accused District Administration and State Legislature of ignorance. They feel Birendra is not getting the respect he deserves. “Everywhere in media we see whenever a army dies on duty several Ministers and other important dignitaries pay respect to the mortal remains. Here we did not see anybody,” said a family member, a local community leader added, “Are we getting ignored because we are from minority community.”

Well, as per latest reports, Deputy Commissioner did sent two of his representatives who then spoke to the local communities and various Army officials present there. After the discussion, the army did agree to offer a guard of honour and the family members preceded the last rites.

May his soul rest in peace.