🕯️ A Hero Remembered, A Nation Grateful
In the remote highlands of North Sikkim, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and treacherous terrain, Sepoy P K Sainudheen of the Indian Army performed his final duty. A native of the Androth Island in Lakshadweep, Sepoy Sainudheen lost his life during a deadly landslide that hit Chaten — a forward post along the Indo-China border — in late May 2025.
What followed was not just a recovery mission but a 2,500-kilometre tri-services operation that united the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in honoring a soldier who symbolized dedication, courage, and duty.
📍 The Landslide in North Sikkim: A Natural Disaster Strikes
On May 28, 2025, a cloudburst-induced landslide struck the Indian Army’s post at Chaten, located in the rugged Himalayan terrain of North Sikkim, where troops operate under extreme weather and high-altitude conditions.
Several personnel were reported missing, and immediate search and rescue operations were launched. Sepoy Sainudheen, a seasoned soldier serving with the 19 Madras Regiment, was among those buried under the debris.
🚨 Operation Recovery: Indian Army’s Relentless Efforts
For eight grueling days, the Indian Army's rescue teams — braving inclement weather, slippery mountain paths, and falling rocks — continued their search for the missing soldiers. On June 5, 2025, Sepoy Sainudheen’s body was recovered, 70 hours after continuous operation under Operation HAT (High-Altitude Taskforce).
Despite the remoteness and the peril involved, the Indian Army's search teams, avalanche rescue dogs, and aerial recon units ensured that no man was left behind. The recovery underscored the unwavering brotherhood among India’s uniformed personnel — alive or fallen, a soldier is always brought home.
🚁 The Tri-Services Journey: Honoring a Soldier, United in Purpose
What made Sepoy Sainudheen’s final journey exceptional was not just its emotional depth — but its massive inter-services coordination. From the mountains of Sikkim to the faraway island of Androth in Lakshadweep, the journey covered more than 2,500 km by land, air, and sea.
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Indian Army moved his body from Chaten to the military base at Gangtok
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An Indian Air Force aircraft (C-295 tactical transport) flew the mortal remains to Kochi, Kerala
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From Kochi, the Indian Navy stepped in, flying the body to Androth Island via helicopter, ensuring arrival within 24 hours
This joint operation is a rare demonstration of military coordination across all three services, done with urgency, honor, and absolute precision — reflecting the military’s unshakeable respect for its own.
🌴 A Hero’s Homecoming: Lakshadweep Pays Tribute
Sepoy Sainudheen’s body reached Androth Island on June 6, 2025, where hundreds of islanders gathered to pay their final respects. The Lakshadweep Administration coordinated with defence officials to organize a state-level funeral ceremony.
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A full Guard of Honour was rendered
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Local religious leaders, civil officials, and youth groups attended
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Emotional scenes unfolded as his parents, relatives, and villagers laid wreaths
He was buried in accordance with local customs, draped in the Indian Tricolour, saluted by comrades, and mourned by the nation.
🧑✈️ Who Was Sepoy Sainudheen PK?
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Name: P K Sainudheen
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Age: 33 (born December 1991)
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Rank: Sepoy, 19 Madras Regiment
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Joined Army: 2012
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Service Record: Posted in Siachen, Rajasthan, and Sikkim
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Home: Androth Island, Lakshadweep
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Survived by: Parents and three siblings
A disciplined and warm-hearted individual, he was known in his unit for his resilience in high-altitude warfare and humble demeanor. His commanding officer described him as “the kind of soldier every platoon wants — brave, quiet, and utterly dependable.”
🗺️ Why This Story Matters: The Soul of the Indian Army
Sepoy Sainudheen’s story is not just about a soldier lost to nature’s fury. It’s a story of:
✅ Tri-service unity
✅ Dignity in death
✅ Geographic extremes overcome for human honor
✅ A forgotten frontier like Lakshadweep remembered by the mainland
At a time when many don’t realize the scale of sacrifice that soldiers from every corner of India make, this incident brings that truth home — whether from the mainland or from distant islands, every soldier is India’s son.
🕊️ Legacy and Inspiration
The 2,500-kilometre final journey of Sepoy Sainudheen PK is now etched in the memory of the Indian armed forces and the nation. His funeral was more than a goodbye — it was a message to every Indian youth:
“You will not be forgotten. Whether in the icy ridges of Sikkim or the sunlit shores of Lakshadweep, your name will echo in the story of India’s freedom.”
Credits for souce:
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The Times of India: This article reports on the recovery of Sepoy Sainudheen's body after eight days of search operations and details the tri-services effort to transport his remains to Lakshadweep.
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The Economic Times: This piece highlights the relentless search efforts by the Indian Army and the subsequent tributes paid to Sepoy Sainudheen.
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The New Indian Express: This article emphasizes the coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in ensuring a dignified repatriation of Sepoy Sainudheen's mortal remains. newindianexpress.com
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NE India Broadcast: This source provides insights into the ceremonial honors rendered to Sepoy Sainudheen and the significance of his final journey. neindiabroadcast.com
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India Today NE: This article offers a comprehensive narrative of Sepoy Sainudheen's service and the nation's tribute to his sacrifice.
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Onmanorama: This report details the transportation of Sepoy Sainudheen's body to his native Androth Island and the honors bestowed upon him.
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New Kerala: This piece underscores the coordinated efforts of the Indian military in repatriating Sepoy Sainudheen's remains and the ceremonies conducted in his honor. newkerala.com
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