Army officers often go over and beyond their call of duty to help others, no matter the personal consequences. 33-year-old Major Ankit Budhiraja of Corps Signals, attached with SSTC Gulmarg, was no different. Late last night, a fire broke out at his Gulmarg home and he lost his life while trying to bring his family to safety.
The officer hailing from Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh managed to rescue his wife and one pet dog. However, when he went back in to save another dog, he couldn’t come out as the fire had spread.
Jammu & Kashmir: Major Ankit Budhiraja lost his life at around 0230 hours today after a fire broke out at his house in Kashmir. He managed to get his family and a pet dog out of the house, but succumbed to fire injuries when he went inside to rescue another pet.
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2020
The Indian Express quoted a police officer saying,
“Around 2.45 am, we received a call that there is a fire. The officer had gone inside to rescue his dog. He couldn’t survive and died of severe burns and suffocation. The dog too died. The officer and the dog were found in the same room.”
His body was recovered at 4 am after fellow soldiers doused the fire. It has been taken to 92 Base Army Hospital. Hindustan Times quoted Station House Officer Gulmarg, Aftab Ahmad saying,
“There could be two reasons – either a short circuit or the Kerosene Bukhari which was being used in the hut. The FSL has taken samples and we can come to a conclusion only after a report from them.”
Condolences are pouring in for the braveheart online.
Humanity hasnt died yet ❤️
— Siddhahahaharth (@aageSeLeftLelo) March 1, 2020
Om Shanti
Brave Heart— हिमांशु गुप्ता (@himanshu11131) March 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/dewindia11/status/1234080677231902722
RIP Major!
— Rohan Rathi (@rohanspacerathi) March 1, 2020
This is so disheartening. 😔
— Dr Sunil Tiwari (@sunltwari) March 1, 2020
In even his last tym..he performed his duties 🙏🙏
— Heisenberg (@RationalArjun) March 2, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Major. We salute your courage and honour.