In a heartbreaking incident that shocked the nation, Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia, a decorated officer of the 14 Sindh Horse Regiment, lost his life on July 30, 2025, when a massive mountain boulder fell onto his Scorpio army vehicle in the Durbuk region of Ladakh. The fatal rockfall not only claimed the life of the senior officer but also that of Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh, while injuring three others critically.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that even in non-combat environments, the Indian Army faces extreme dangers—this time, not from enemy fire, but from the volatile and unforgiving terrain of our own Himalayas.
The Incident: Nature’s Fury Strikes Without Warning
The convoy was moving through the Durbuk sector, a high-altitude mountainous region approximately 200 km from Leh. Around noon, as their Scorpio vehicle navigated a narrow bend along the cliffside, a sudden rockslide sent a boulder hurtling down from the mountains above. The boulder, weighing several tonnes, crushed the army vehicle instantly.
Lt Col Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Singh died on the spot. The three injured soldiers were rushed to Field Hospital Durbuk, where they are receiving treatment. The Indian Army’s Northern Command confirmed the tragedy in an official statement, calling it a “loss of brave warriors in the line of duty.”
Who Was Lt Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia?
Lt Col Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia was not just an officer; he was a symbol of courage, discipline, and dedication. A member of the 14 Sindh Horse Regiment, he was deeply respected by his peers and juniors. Having served in various operational areas including counter-insurgency zones and border territories, his demise is a profound loss not just to the Indian Army but to the entire nation.
He hailed from Himachal Pradesh and came from a military background. Known for his sharp leadership, tactical skills, and deep sense of patriotism, Lt Col Mankotia had received numerous commendations during his service.
Harsh Terrain, Hidden Dangers
This incident raises awareness about the environmental hazards soldiers face in remote and mountainous regions like Ladakh. Unlike combat injuries, these threats stem from geological unpredictability, where landslides, rockfalls, avalanches, and flash floods are constant threats.
In the Durbuk sector, especially during summer months when the permafrost melts and heavy rains loosen rocks, the risk of massive rockfall accidents significantly increases. Convoy routes like these often pass through unstable cliffs with minimal warning systems. Soldiers travel with constant alertness, not only against strategic threats but also against natural disasters.
A Recurring Pattern in High-Altitude Zones
This isn’t the first time such an accident has taken lives in India’s rugged frontiers. Over the last few years, there have been several military deaths due to environmental causes in mountainous terrains:
- In 2023, an avalanche in North Sikkim claimed the lives of 7 soldiers.
- In 2024, a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh injured 4 jawans.
- In June 2025, a similar rockfall in Himachal narrowly missed an army truck but damaged equipment.
Despite advanced equipment and training, nature remains unpredictable. The need for geological assessments, early warning systems, and improved road infrastructure in sensitive zones like Durbuk is more pressing than ever.
Public and Official Reactions
Social media flooded with condolences and tributes. #LtColMankotia, #LadakhRockfall, and #IndianArmySacrifice trended on X (formerly Twitter).
Politicians, veterans, and civilians expressed their grief:
“The death of Lt Col Bhanu Pratap and Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh is a terrible loss. They served with honor. Their memory will live on in the heart of the nation,” — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
“Even in peacetime, our soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice. The terrain of Ladakh is as dangerous as any battlefield,” — Retd Lt Gen Satish Dua.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The Indian Army has ordered a detailed probe into the incident to understand if the rockfall could have been predicted or prevented. Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and geological survey experts have been deployed to assess the risk level of the region.
Army engineers are now reassessing the safety of all cliffside convoy routes in Ladakh and recommending better shielding, netting, and warning mechanisms to reduce exposure to such fatal events.
Calls for Safety Reforms
Following this tragedy, defense experts have called for:
- Installation of rockfall barriers and early warning sensors in high-risk areas.
- Regular geological surveys by BRO and DRDO collaboration.
- Use of drones to map terrain cracks or movement patterns.
- Enhanced mountain driving training and use of armored, low-profile vehicles for convoy operations in sensitive zones.
While the Indian Army is already known for adapting quickly in challenging terrains, this tragic death underlines the urgent need to strengthen non-combat safety protocols.
Their Sacrifice Will Not Be Forgotten
Lt Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh died serving the nation under conditions that most civilians cannot imagine. As we mourn their loss, we must also take steps to ensure that such incidents do not repeat.
The Indian Army, revered for its resilience and courage, will no doubt rise from this sorrow, but the void left by these brave men will be deeply felt. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the hidden wars our soldiers fight—against nature, against the odds, and for the safety of 1.4 billion Indians.