Two days after his 27th birthday, Panchkula Major Anuj Rajput dies in helicopter crash

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 21

A pall of gloom descended over a group housing society in Panchkula after the news of the death of Major Anuj Rajput in a helicopter crash near Udhampur came in.

He was the only son of his parents, who left for Srinagar in the afternoon soon after receiving the tragic news.

His father is an advocate and mother a homemaker.

According to neighbours, Major Rajput had studied in Panchkula and Chandigarh before opting to don the olive green. They recalled him as a respectful and friendly person, ready to pitch in to help others whenever the need arose.

Incidentally, Major Rajput had turned 27 on September 18 and had got engaged to a Delhi-based girl about a month and a half ago. The family was making plans for his wedding.

Neighbours said he had only recently been promoted to the rank of Major and it had been a very proud moment for the family.

Major Rajput and Major Rohit Kumar, who belongs to Noida, had succumbed to their injuries after the Cheetah helicopter of the Army Aviation Corps which they were piloting forced-landed in a wooded area near Patnitop in the Udhampur area reportedly due to fog and bad weather.

Sushil Garg, councillor from Ward 14, in which the deceased officer’s parents live, expressed condolences and promised all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family.

Had got engaged a month & a half ago

Incidentally, Major Anuj Rajput had turned 27 on September 18 and had got engaged to a Delhi-based girl about a month and a half ago. The family was making plans for his wedding.