The residents of Diglipur mourned the loss of Agniveer Rakesh Das, 23, as his mortal remains were brought to his native village, Ramakrishna Gram, late on October 8. Das was cremated with full military honours, with family, friends, and hundreds of local residents in attendance.
Rakesh Das joined the Indian Army in 2023 under the Agnipath Scheme and was serving with the 219 Medium Regiment (Artillery). He reportedly fell critically ill with pneumonia while posted in a remote border area of Rajasthan, where advanced medical care is limited. He passed away on October 5, 2025.
Following his death, Das’s body was flown to Port Blair and transported to Diglipur in a convoy of defence personnel. The procession was joined by representatives from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and local residents, reflecting the respect and recognition for his service.
During the cremation ceremony, the Army presented Das’s uniform to his father as a mark of respect for his son’s service and sacrifice. The gesture symbolised the commitment of the armed forces and the nation’s acknowledgement of his contributions.
Rakesh Das had previously served in Ladakh and had last visited his family home during Raksha Bandhan earlier this year. He is survived by his father, a labourer, his mother, and a married sister.
The cremation highlighted the dedication of young soldiers who serve in challenging and remote regions, often away from their families. The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the hardships faced by Indian armed forces personnel deployed along border areas.
Local residents, alongside defence personnel, gathered to pay tribute to Das, honouring his commitment to the nation. His passing underscores the sacrifices made by young soldiers and the risks involved in protecting India’s borders.
The farewell ceremony in Diglipur also reflected the strong bond between the armed forces and the local community, recognising the courage and dedication of those who serve the nation in difficult terrains. Rakesh Das’s service, though brief, is remembered for his devotion to duty and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country.
