Authorities in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, have decided to directly reach out to the family of a missing Agniveer from Uttar Pradesh, inviting their formal concerns after a provisional declaration of his death. This move follows a report highlighting the family's distress over the decision made without what they call conclusive evidence of his demise.
Missing in Action During Flash Floods
The case involves Sachin Ponia, a 24-year-old Agniveer from Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh. Ponia, who was attached to the 14th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, was deployed in Uttarkashi when devastating flash floods hit the region on August 5, 2025. He has been missing for four months since the natural disaster struck.
Following an investigation, the Uttarkashi police filed a closure report, stating that Ponia and other missing personnel could not be traced despite extensive search efforts. A magisterial inquiry was also conducted into the incident.
Provisional Death Declaration and Family's Anguish
Based on these reports, the Matwadi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Uttarkashi, Shalini Negi, issued a letter declaring Ponia "dead on a final (provisional) basis under the presumption of death." This was done in accordance with standard operating procedures from the central and state governments.
Subsequently, the Hathras district administration, upon receiving communication from Uttarkashi, issued a proclamation order inviting objections from the public. The order stated that any objections to declaring Ponia dead could be submitted within 30 days at the SDM's office.
However, the soldier's family expressed deep dissatisfaction. Chandraveer Singh, Sachin's father and a farmer, told The Indian Express that his son was declared dead after what seemed like a brief inquiry. "Despite there being no proof that Sachin is no longer alive, he has been declared dead," Singh said, adding that the family continues to hope for his safe return.
Administration's Revised Approach
In response to the family's claims published in the media, SDM Shalini Negi stated that the administration has decided to treat the concerns raised in the news report as a formal objection from the family. While the report from the Hathras SDM to invite objections is still awaited, Negi confirmed that a fresh notice would be issued directly to Ponia's family.
"We will be treating the concerns raised in The Indian Express report as an objection raised by the family," Negi said. She explained that the decision was made after considering evidence from the police investigation, the magisterial inquiry, the Hathras SDM's report, and an affidavit submitted by Sachin Ponia's mother.
Chandraveer Singh confirmed that the family has been informed about the Uttarakhand government's declaration and the 30-day window for objections. "After discussing the matter within the family, we will decide our next course of action," he stated.
