Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami of the Indian Army was killed on Sunday, 7 June during Operation Sheruwali, an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Manjakote area of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir — now in its 15th day. The officer reportedly slipped into a deep gorge while conducting search operations in the rugged, forested terrain, succumbing to injuries despite immediate rescue efforts by fellow troops.

How the Incident Unfolded

Lieutenant Goswami was part of a joint security team conducting a cordon and search operation in the dense forests of Manjakote, where security forces have been hunting suspected terrorists believed to be concealed in the region. According to officials, the officer fell into a deep gorge amid extremely challenging conditions — steep mountainous terrain, dense forest cover, and adverse weather.

Fellow troops launched immediate rescue efforts, but Lieutenant Goswami could not be saved, succumbing to the injuries sustained in the fall. He is described as a young officer who had been actively engaged in operational duties throughout the ongoing operation.

Army Pays Tribute

The White Knight Corps, headquartered at Nagrota, expressed profound grief over the loss. In an official statement, the Corps said: 'GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks express profound grief on the untimely demise of Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami, who made the supreme sacrifice while undertaking operational duties. His unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the Nation will remain an enduring inspiration to all ranks.'

The Army also conveyed heartfelt condolences to Lieutenant Goswami's bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Background: Operation Sheruwali

Operation Sheruwali was launched 15 days ago after an Army patrol party came under terrorist fire in the Dorimal Mughlan forests of Rajouri district. Additional reinforcements were swiftly mobilised and a large area was brought under a cordon and search operation (CASO). The joint forces — comprising Army and other security agencies — have since maintained an extensive search grid to track down the suspected terrorists.

Notably, the Rajouri-Poonch belt has witnessed a series of terror incidents over the past two years, making it one of the most operationally active zones in the Jammu region. This is among the most prolonged single-operation deployments in the area in recent memory.

Operation Continues

Despite the loss, officials confirmed that the anti-terror operation in Manjakote is continuing. Joint forces are maintaining an extensive search and cordon to track down the terrorists suspected to be operating in the area. The sacrifice of Lieutenant Goswami, officials said, underscores the immense challenges security forces face while operating in hostile and difficult terrain.

As the operation enters its third week, all eyes are on whether the joint forces can neutralise the threat that triggered the largest recent deployment in this part of Jammu and Kashmir.