Braveheart in Uniform: Lt Shashank Tiwari Dies Saving Fellow Soldier in Sikkim

Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, a 23-year-old officer from the Sikkim Scouts Regiment, died while performing a heroic rescue during an operational task in Sikkim.

Officials stated that the incident occurred on May 22, 2025, as the officer was leading a team to a tactical location being developed for future deployment.

Heroic Act During a Routine Patrol

At around 11 am, a soldier, Agniveer Stephan Subba, lost his balance while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by a fast-moving stream.

Without hesitation, Lieutenant Tiwari jumped into the torrent to save him. Naik Pukar Katel followed to assist in the rescue. Together, they managed to pull Agniveer Subba to safety.

However, Lieutenant Tiwari was carried away by the strong current. Despite immediate rescue efforts by the team, his body was found 800 metres downstream after nearly thirty minutes.

Army Pays Tribute to Fallen Officer

The Indian Army praised Lieutenant Tiwari’s selfless act as a true embodiment of its core values: selfless service, integrity, and leadership by example.

“His bravery and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,” the Army said. The officer had been commissioned just six months earlier and was on his first assignment in Sikkim.

Officials described his sacrifice as a reflection of the enduring bond between officers and soldiers, built through shared hardship in both peace and conflict.

Mortal Remains Reach Ayodhya

The mortal remains of Lieutenant Tiwari were flown from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and arrived in Ayodhya, his hometown, late on Friday. The funeral will be held at Jamthara Ghat on Saturday with full military and state honours.

Tiwari hailed from Gaddopur in the Ayodhya Cantonment area. He had cleared the NDA entrance exam in 2019 and joined the Army last year.

According to officials, the officer lost his life while attempting to save a fellow soldier during a routine patrol. Though he succeeded in the rescue, he himself was swept away.

Family and Education Background

Lieutenant Tiwari studied at a school in Faizabad and had always aspired to join the armed forces. Family members recalled that he was bright in academics and determined to serve the nation.

His father, Jung Bahadur Tiwari, is employed with the Merchant Navy and is currently posted in the United States. He is expected to arrive in Ayodhya by Saturday morning.

Lieutenant Tiwari is survived by his parents and a sister.

Tributes and Government Support

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Ayodhya on Friday to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi and inaugurate the Hanumat Katha Mandapam, paid tribute to the young officer.

The Chief Minister announced a memorial in Lieutenant Tiwari’s honour and financial assistance of ₹50 lakh for his family.

Officer’s Final Mission in Sikkim

Army officials explained that Lieutenant Tiwari was leading a Route Opening Patrol to a Tactical Operating Base in North Sikkim. This base was being prepared for future strategic deployment.

“Around 11:00 a.m., Agniveer Stephan Subba — a member of the patrol — lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream. Lieutenant Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation,” an official said.

Naik Pukar Katel also entered the stream to support the rescue. While they succeeded in saving the Agniveer, Lieutenant Tiwari was swept away. His body was recovered by 11:30 a.m., 800 metres downstream.

The Army highlighted that the officer’s actions represented the unbreakable bond between officers and soldiers — a bond nurtured not just during wartime, but also in daily operations.

Lieutenant Tiwari’s sacrifice remains a powerful example of leadership and courage in service of the nation.