On 13.03.2023 at about 2 PM, one Tilak Bahadur Rai, aged 50 years, resident of Totgaon, Near Totgaon Primary School, Bagrakote Gaon Panchayat under Mal Police Station lost his life as he had entered the Teesta Firing Range, Saugaon when live firing was going on.
It has been confirmed that the individual entered the restricted zone of Teesta Field Firing Range with the likely intention of scrap collection and an artillery shell exploded near him and he lost his life.
The Field Firing Range is on the banks of Teesta River and the area is a notified Firing Range. As per Standard Operating Procedure, all clearances from local administration, police station were obtained and villagers notified about the firing practices in advance. The bereaved family of the deceased decided not to lodge any FIR.
The unfortunate loss of life, once again highlights the dangers posed by entry into the impact area of field firing range, which results in such tragedies.
The Indian Army remains steadfast in its professional conduct and expresses deep sense of empathy for the departed soul.
