Jammu, Aug 02 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with a the locals, is in deep mourning following the tragic loss of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramnagar, Rajinder Singh Rana, and his 10-year-old son, Arav, in a devastating landslide incident at Dharmari area of Reasi district on August 01 evening.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the incident occurred when a massive boulder struck their vehicle in the Salukh Ikhter Nallah area while they were travelling from Dharmari to their native village, Pattian.
The cremation of the deceased was today performed at their native village, Pattian, Reasi amidst heartfelt tributes from the community and administration, where many political and social members of society expressed their grief.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, former BJP President Ravinder Raina, BJP MLA Reasi-Kuldeep Dubey among many prominent leaders of political parties and social life were present during the cremation.
Many officers and citizens for Ramnagar, where the officer was presently serving also participated in his last rites.
The landslide, triggered by recent heavy rains, claimed the lives of Rajinder Singh Rana, a 2011-batch Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, and his young son on the spot.
Three others, including Rana’s wife, daughter and a relative, sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital. The administration has assured the best possible care for the injured and full support to the bereaved family.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief. “Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi, in which we have lost an outstanding officer, Sh Rajinder Singh, JKAS 2011, SDM Ramnagar, and his son. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray that the injured recover quickly.”
He further directed senior officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured and to provide all necessary assistance to the family.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his sorrow. In a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister wrote, “Chief Minister has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of SDM Ramnagar, Rajinder Singh Rana, and his son in a landslide at Thuroo, Reasi. Terming it an irreparable loss, the Chief Minister offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace for the departed souls. He also assured the best medical treatment to the injured and full support to the bereaved family.”
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo mourned the untimely demise, describing Rajinder Singh as a sincere and dedicated officer.
In his condolence message, he said, “Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of Shri Rajinder Singh, JKAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramnagar, who lost his life in a tragic road accident in Reasi earlier this evening when he was travelling with his family.
Rajinder Singh was a sincere and dedicated officer whose unwavering commitment to public service and integrity in duty earned him respect of his colleagues and the community alike.
Adding to the sorrow, the Chief Secretary also expressed deep anguish over the loss of Singh’s young son, who also lost his life in the unfortunate accident.
He made out that his heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family in this hour of immense grief. The whole administration stands in solidarity with them and prays for strength and courage to endure this unimaginable loss.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her shock and conveyed solidarity to the survivors.
Congress Party also expressed condolences to the grieving family and urged the government to provide best treatment to the injured family members of the deceased officer.
The officers of the 2011 JKAS batch also paid tribute to their colleague, saying, “We, the officers of the 2011 KAS batch, are deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely and tragic demise of our esteemed colleague, Rajinder Singh, SDM Ramnagar. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in our fraternity and the administrative family of Jammu and Kashmir. Rajinder Singh was a dedicated, compassionate, and diligent officer whose commitment to public service was exemplary.”
Meanwhile, the administration has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the landslide, noting that the area is prone to such incidents during the monsoon season—(KNO)