Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, a 32-year-old soldier from Haryana’s Palwal district, was killed in Pakistan’s intense cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Armed Forces executed 'Operation Sindoor' against terror targets across the border.
Dinesh hailed from Mohammadpur village in Palwal and had been serving in the Indian Army since 2014. He was posted in Poonch district and had recently been promoted to the rank of Lance Naik.
According to his father, Daya Ram Sharma, the family was informed early on Wednesday morning about his death while on patrol duty near the LoC. “We were told that Dinesh and four other soldiers were patrolling when they were hit by a mortar shell. He died in the shelling. The entire nation is proud of him. His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Sharma said, holding back tears.
The grieving father added that Dinesh had long dreamed of joining the Army and his bravery had made the family—and the country—proud. “I have two other sons serving in the Army. I will allow Dinesh’s son to join the forces when he grows up. His legacy must continue,” he said.
Dinesh was the eldest of five brothers. Two of his younger brothers, Kapil and Hardut, have been recruited as Agniveers under the new military service scheme. His youngest brother, Pushpender, is a student, while another sibling, Vishnu, is a farmer.
His wife, Seema, an advocate by profession, is expecting their third child. The couple already have a son and a daughter.
Village sarpanch Bhup Ram said the entire community is mourning Dinesh’s death. “He always wanted to serve the nation. His loss is deeply personal for us all. His last rites will be performed on Thursday,” Ram said, adding that district officials had been in touch with the family.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldier in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “#GOC and all ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps salute the supreme sacrifice of L/Nk Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regt, who laid down his life on 07 May 25 during Pakistan Army shelling. We also stand in solidarity with all victims of the targeted attacks on innocent civilians in #Poonch Sector.”
Political leaders also expressed their condolences. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, in a message on X, wrote, “I salute his martyrdom and offer deep condolences for the bereaved family in the hour of grief.”
Follow us
