Army officer en route to Kashmir goes missing during train journey

Kolkata: A young Army officer has gone missing under mysterious circumstances while on his way to join duty in Jammu & Kashmir after leave.

The officer, Capt Shikhar Deep (25), is posted in 8 Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. He is the son of Lieutenant Colonel Anant Kumar living at Mahenderpur in Purnia of Bihar.

Lt Col Kumar, a serving officer of 623 EME battalion at Ranchi, told Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday that his son had spent around twenty days at home out of his leave period for a month.

Eastern Command spokesperson Wing Commander SS Birdi said, "A 5’6” tall Captain Shikhar was wearing a blazer in black and brown, off white T-Shirt, Blue Jeans and Green Jungle shoes while travelling on train No 15483 Mahananda Exp from Katihar to Delhi on 06-07. The officer did not reach his destination and went missing during Transit."

Lt Col Kumar said, "My son boarded the train at 7 pm on February 6. His berth number was AB1-14. He was scheduled to reach Delhi next day at night. Later he was to leave for J&K to join his duty. But the train was running late. Since February 7 we could not contact him. When the train reached Delhi and my nephew went to my son's berth he found my son missing. Only his luggage with his shoes and slippers was lying there. We have lodged a complaint of missing with the Katihar Government Railway Police station. They informed us that they have formed a special team to trace my son. I have neither enmity nor rivalry with anyone. I just want my son back safe and sound."

The incident of the officer going missing has been intimated to the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, according to sources.