Uttarakhand mourned the death of Lieutenant Colonel Prabhakar Thapa, a resident of Dehradun’s Nagnath area who died while on duty in Leh on 9 November. He breathed his last at around 7:15 AM in the evening.

His death brought grief to his family, neighbours and the Gorkha community. His last rites were performed with military honours at Tapkeshwar in Dehradun on Thursday.

During the ceremony, his wife became unconscious after placing a garland on his mortal remains. His 9-year-old daughter cried after seeing her father’s face, leaving mourners visibly distressed.

Military service and background

Lieutenant Colonel Thapa was serving with the Indian Army’s 5/3 Gorkha Rifles. At the time of his death, he was ed as AAG with a Special Forces uniform unit based in Leh.

Born in 1984, he studied at Cambrian Hall School and belonged to the 2002 batch. After completing his graduation, he cleared the Combined Defence Services examination and received his commission in the Army on 9 December 2006.

During a military career spanning nearly 20 years, Thapa served in several difficult and sensitive areas. He was known as a skilled and fearless military officer.

A family connected with the Army

Thapa’s connection with military service extended across his family. His father, Nirmal Thapa, served in the Indian Army as a havildar before retiring. His mother, Kamla Thapa, was also associated with the Army.

He is survived by his wife and 9-year-old daughter. His death has cast a pall of mourning over the Nagnath area and across Uttarakhand.

Conclusion

Lieutenant Colonel Prabhakar Thapa’s death while on duty in Leh has left his family, the Gorkha community and Uttarakhand grieving. His final rites were conducted with military honours at Dehradun’s Tapkeshwar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who was Lieutenant Colonel Prabhakar Thapa?

Lieutenant Colonel Prabhakar Thapa was an Indian Army officer serving with 5/3 Gorkha Rifles.

Q. When did Prabhakar Thapa die?

He died while on duty in Leh on 9 November, breathing his last at around 7:15 AM in the evening.

Q. Where were his final rites held?

His final rites were held with military honours at Tapkeshwar in Dehradun.

Q. When did he receive his Army commission?

He received his Army commission on 9 December 2006 after clearing the Combined Defence Services examination.

Q. Who survives him?

He is survived by his wife and 9-year-old daughter.