Colonel killed in Kupwara encounter

Colonel Santosh Mahadik of army’s elite Para Commando force was on Tuesday killed while leading his troops in an fierce encounter with a group of three terrorists in Manigah Forest Area of  Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir said officials.  

The Commanding Officer of 41 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Santosh, who was leading a search party, was critically injured when militants hiding in a dense forest area of Haji Naka opened fire, said officials.

Colonel Mahadik was evacuated and taken to a hospital but he succumbed to injuries, said officials. They said a police constable was also injured in the firing and was undergoing treatment. The officer had conducted many successful counter terrorist operations. Originally from the Special Forces, he was earlier awarded Sena Medal for exhibiting gallantry and leadership in counter terrorist operations.

Lt Gen DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command has expressed deep condolences on the loss.