Controversy Erupts Over Soldier's Death in Bikaner

Family and locals in Rajasthan's Bikaner district are protesting for martyr status for soldier Ramswaroop Kaswan, who died under suspicious circumstances in Jammu & Kashmir's Anantnag district. They allege the incident was wrongfully labeled as a suicide. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for an impartial investigation.

In Rajasthan's Bikaner district, family members and locals staged a dharna on Thursday, calling for martyr status for soldier Ramswaroop Kaswan, who died under suspicious circumstances in Jammu & Kashmir's Anantnag district. The family alleged that the district soldier welfare officer prematurely issued a release declaring the incident a suicide attempt, while the court inquiry is still pending.

Kaswan reportedly sustained a bullet injury to his head while on duty in Anantnag and was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital.

Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to address the matter. According to Beniwal's post on X, Kaswan, a native of Ranchu village in Nokha tehsil of Bikaner, served in the 75th Armed Regiment of the Indian Army in Anantnag. Beniwal emphasized that an impartial investigation is needed, condemning the welfare officer's hasty suicide declaration as a reflection of a narrow mindset. He demanded the officer's removal and that action be taken against him.

The parliamentarian also insisted that all martyrs' benefits be accorded to the soldier's family.

(With inputs from agencies.)