A tragic incident unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district late Monday night as a 24-year-old Territorial Army soldier lost his life due to electrocution after coming into contact with a live railway wire. The unfortunate event occurred when the soldier climbed onto the roof of a passenger train, and was fatally struck by the high-voltage electric line.

Identity of the Deceased Soldier

The soldier has been identified as Ramchandra Choudhary, a native of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. According to officials, he was serving in the Territorial Army battalion stationed in Srinagar and was in the process of moving to his new posting in Sikandrabad when the incident happened.

Choudhary’s journey turned tragic near the Bari Brahmana railway station, a suburban transit point in the Samba district, where he climbed onto the roof of the train. The exact reason for this action remains unclear, as the officials have not been able to confirm whether it was an intentional act, a miscalculated move, or a necessity arising from logistical confusion.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to the preliminary information, Choudhary was traveling by a passenger train and at some point during the journey, climbed onto its top — a space dangerously close to the overhead live wires. As soon as he came into contact with the electrified overhead line, he was electrocuted instantly.

Railway officials and local authorities reached the spot quickly after being alerted. However, Choudhary had succumbed to his injuries by the time help arrived. His body was later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the death.

Role and Movement of the Soldier

Officials stated that Ramchandra Choudhary was on official movement related to his new deployment in Sikandrabad. Such movements are standard among army personnel who often travel between postings across the country via public or defense-arranged transport.

While the Territorial Army functions as a reserve force, many of its soldiers often perform duties in sensitive and high-security areas. Choudhary’s transfer may have been a part of broader personnel rotations conducted within the Indian Army structure.

Investigation Underway

Although the incident appears to be an accident, railway authorities and police are conducting a probe to determine the exact sequence of events. They are reviewing CCTV footage, if available, and speaking to eyewitnesses or fellow passengers to understand why a trained soldier would climb atop a moving or stationary train — an act known to be extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited by railway rules.

It is still not confirmed whether he was traveling in general class compartments, which are often overcrowded, prompting passengers to sit or stand in dangerous spots like doorways, footboards, or even rooftops, especially in rural belts or during peak hours.

Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents

This unfortunate event once again brings into focus the dangers of train roof traveling, which, though rare today, still occur in remote areas or under exceptional circumstances. Railway electrification, while essential for modern transportation, comes with deadly risks if safety norms are not strictly followed.

Despite extensive safety campaigns run by the Indian Railways, electrocution due to contact with high-tension overhead wires continues to claim lives when unauthorized access to train roofs happens.

Additionally, railways and the Indian Army are expected to coordinate better logistics for personnel travel, ensuring dedicated seating and safety instructions, particularly for young soldiers unfamiliar with train travel or traveling without direct supervision.

Reaction from Authorities

There has not been any official statement from the Territorial Army command or the Indian Army regarding the loss. However, local police officials confirmed that a report has been filed, and Choudhary's family in Rajasthan has been informed of the tragedy.

An autopsy report is awaited to establish electrocution as the definitive cause of death, though the evidence already points strongly in that direction.

Final Thoughts

This incident underscores the importance of awareness and strict adherence to railway safety protocols. The loss of a young, serving soldier in such a preventable accident is heartbreaking and highlights the need for better safety infrastructure and guidance during inter-posting travels for defence personnel.

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