Missing BSF soldier traced in Delhi after leaving Srinagar to attend ailing son

Srinagar, Aug 1: A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper who was earlier reported missing from his battalion headquarters in Srinagar has been traced in New Delhi, officials said here on Thursday.

The trooper, Sugam Choudhary of the 60th BSF Battalion, had left his post in the Panthachowk area of Srinagar late Thursday night without informing his superiors.

Initial reports of his sudden disappearance had prompted a large-scale search operation across nearby areas. Security forces launched a coordinated effort to locate the soldier, fearing possible foul play or distress.

“A massive search operation was initiated after Trooper Sugam Choudhary went missing from the Panthachowk deployment. His absence from duty raised concerns, and a missing report was immediately filed,” officials said.

However, clarity emerged when his mother was contacted BSF authorities, informing them that her son was heading home to attend to a medical emergency involving his child. Subsequent inquiries and location tracking confirmed that Choudhary had reached New Delhi, apparently en route to his native place.

Officials said that Choudhary had not sought formal leave before leaving his post, which led to initial confusion and concern. “Though he has been traced and is safe, the fact remains that he departed his station without prior approval, which is a violation of protocol,”officials added.