SDM Ramnagar, son laid to rest amid tears

Reasi, Aug. 2: Amid heart-wrenching scenes and tearful goodbyes, the mortal remains of SDM Ramnagar Rajinder Singh Rana and his 8-year-old son Arav Rana were consigned to flames on Saturday at their native village of Thuroo Pattian in Reasi district.

Thousands, including political leaders, senior civil and police officials, and residents from across the region, gathered to pay their last respects to the 2001-batch JKAS officer and his son, whose lives were tragically cut short in a landslide on Friday evening.

The family was traveling near Sulkh Pattian Nallah on the Pattian road when their vehicle was buried under debris triggered by a massive landslide. SDM Rana and Arav died at the scene, while six others including the officer’s wife, daughter, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and the driver were injured and are currently being treated at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.

Hospital authorities said Nisha Rana, the officer’s wife, sustained a serious spinal injury and remains under close medical supervision. Her daughter suffered a neck injury, while the other family members are reported to be stable.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region, sparking widespread grief. Condolences poured in from public representatives, government officials, and citizens.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited GMC Jammu on to meet the injured

Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that doctors are withholding news of the deaths from the officer’s wife due to her critical condition.

“She asked about her husband and son, and I told her both were safe,” Choudhary said. “I lied, but there was no other option. Her health is too fragile to handle such devastating news right now.”