Srinagar- An Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) died after accidentally slipping during night patrolling in the upper forest belt of Hamam Markoot area in Rafiabad of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Monday.

The deceased officer was identified as Hira Bahadur Pandey of 32 Rashtriya Rifles. Officials identified him as Naib Subedar affiliated with P/Unit 3/9 GR.

According to official sources, the incident occurred during a night patrol operation in the dense upper forest region of Hamam Markoot when the Army personnel reportedly lost balance and slipped while moving through the area.

He sustained critical injuries in the fall and died on the spot, officials said.

The body was later shifted from the area, while Army authorities initiated necessary procedures following the incident.

Officials described the incident as accidental, saying police have registered a case in this regard.

The upper forest belts of Rafiabad are known for difficult terrain and are frequently patrolled by security forces, particularly during nighttime operations and anti-militancy surveillance missions. [KNT]