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The heroic tale of Lt Shashank Tiwari, who died while saving a fellow soldier in Sikkim
Lt Shashank Tiwari was deployed with the Sikkim Scouts regiment of the Indian Army. The 23-year-old, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, made the ultimate sacrifice while saving a young agniveer officer from drowning in an icy, fast-moving mountain stream. Here's what happened read more
Lt Shashank Tiwari hailed from Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. He was the only child of his parents. He was commissioned with the Sikkim Scouts of the Indian Army. Image courtesy: X
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari had only been in the Indian Army for six months, but when the moment came, he didn't hesitate.
During an operational patrol in North Sikkim, the 23-year-old Army officer jumped into an icy, fast-moving mountain stream to save a fellow soldier from drowning. He successfully rescued his comrade, but in doing so, lost his own life.
The Indian Army's Eastern Command paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice. '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 official statement read.
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In this explainer, we take a closer look at what happened and the young officer behind the uniform.
What happened?
On Thursday morning, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari was leading a route-clearing team in a high-altitude area of North Sikkim. The team was on its way to a strategic forward base that was being prepared for future deployment.
Around 11 am, one of the soldiers, Agniveer Stephan Subba, lost his footing while crossing a makeshift log bridge and was swept away by a strong current.
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Without a moment's hesitation, Tiwari jumped into the freezing water to save him. He was soon joined by Naik Pukar Katel, who also entered the stream to assist. Together, they managed to pull the Agniveer to safety.
Tragically, in the effort to save his comrade, Tiwari was himself caught in the powerful current. Despite swift rescue efforts from the patrol team, his body was recovered nearly 30 minutes later, around 800 metres downstream.
'His bravery and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,' the Army said, as it announced the loss of the young officer, who had been commissioned just six months earlier.
Also read: Operation Sindoor: Who was the Indian Army jawan killed in Pakistan shelling along LoC?
Who was Shashank Tiwari?
The young officer hailed from Gadopur Majhwa village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. He was the only child of his parents, according to The Times of India.
His father, Jung Bahadur Tiwari, served in the Indian Merchant Navy and is now retired. Those who knew Tiwari remember him as a disciplined, dedicated, and bright young man.
'His sacrifice has been hailed nationwide. He stands as a symbol of courage and selflessness,' read a statement from the Defence Ministry.
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His uncle, Rajesh Dubey, told The Hindustan Times that Tiwari had always dreamed of serving the nation. He excelled in academics and completed his schooling at a CBSE-affiliated school in Faizabad city. After passing his intermediate exams in 2019, he was selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The officer was commissioned into the Sikkim Scouts unit of the Indian Army on December 14, 2024.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Facebook post:
'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.'
Following the incident, Tiwari's body was flown from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri to Ayodhya on Friday afternoon. It reached his hometown later that evening, according to Ayodhya SP (City) Madhuban Singh. His last rites were performed with full military honours.
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Lest We Forget
Lt Shashank Tiwari made the supreme sacrifice while rescuing a fellow soldier during an operational patrol in high-altitude North #Sikkim.
A wreath was laid with full military honours by Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla, GOC Trishakti Corps, at Bengdubi Military Station,… pic.twitter.com/v4qzekcpBe — Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) May 23, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present in Ayodhya that day, paid tribute to Tiwari's sacrifice. He announced that a memorial would be built in Ayodhya in his memory and the state government would provide the family with financial support of Rs 50 lakh.
Tiwari is now survived by his parents and sister.
In its tribute, the Indian Army said his actions reflect the very ethos of the force—selfless service, integrity, and leadership by example. His sacrifice, the Army noted, stands as a powerful reminder of the deep bond between officers and soldiers, whether in times of war or peace.
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With input from agencies
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