Killed in Sikkim landslide, soldier flown home to Lakshadweep 2,500 km away

In this image via Indian Army on June 9, 2025, Mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen PK, who was killed in the landslide at Chatten, North Sikkim, being brought to his native island of Androth in Lakshadweep. | Photo Credit: Indian Army via PTI Photo

The Army, Air Force, and the Navy coordinated the final journey of a soldier from a disaster site at an altitude of 9,000 feet in Sikkim’s Mangan district to a little above sea level in Lakshadweep.

The mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen P.K., who died after a landslide hit a military camp in northern Sikkim’s Chhaten on June 1, were flown about 2,500 km to his native island of Androth in the Lakshadweep archipelago on Monday.

His body was recovered on Sunday under the debris in the disaster zone after eight days of relentless search efforts. Five others, including Lt. Col. Pritpal Singh Sandhu, his wife and daughter, remained traceless.

“Sainudheen P.K. was among the six missing personnel after the landslide. Three other Army personnel were killed and four were injured in the disaster,” Mangan’s Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia said.

Known for discipline

Born on December 20, 1991, Mr. Sainudheen joined the Army on March 24, 2012. “Over the past 13 years, he served with honour and distinction across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the forbidding heights of the Siachen Glacier. He was known among peers and seniors alike for his professionalism, discipline, and unflinching dedication to duty,” a statement from the Defence Ministry said.

“His final journey was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-Services operation involving the Army, IAF and the Navy, supported ably by the local administration,” it said.

Army Aviation helicopters and IAF aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey.

A ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at the Bengdubi Military Station in West Bengal. At Androth, the Navy rendered a guard of honour.

“Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he (Sepoy Sainudheen) served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us,” the Sepoy’s commanding officer said.

Published - June 09, 2025 09:14 pm IST