Soldier on Leave Dies a Hero: Havaldar Saves Three from Drowning, Loses His Life October 26, 2025

Junagadh: In a moving display of courage and selflessness, an Indian Army soldier from Vanthali in Junagadh district lost his life while saving three youths from drowning in the Ozhat River.

Havaldar Bharatbhai Rameshbhai Bhetaria, a native of Tikar village and serving with the 20th Mahar Battalion in Leh-Ladakh, was home on Diwali vacation when tragedy struck. Two days ago, while out for a walk with friends near the Ozhat River, he noticed three young men struggling in the water. Without a moment’s hesitation, Bharatbhai jumped into the river and managed to rescue all three — but was himself swept away by the strong current.

The news of his death has cast a pall of grief over Tikar village

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