A tragic incident in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir has claimed the lives of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and his son. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Salukh Ikhter Nallah area of Dharmari when a massive boulder, dislodged by a landslide, struck the vehicle they were traveling in.

Rajinder Singh Rana, a 2011 batch Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, was posted as the SDM of Ramnagar in the Udhampur district. He was traveling with his family to his native village, Pattian, from Dharmari when the landslide occurred. Rana and his young son died on the spot.

The accident occurred when a large boulder, triggered by heavy rains, struck their Bolero vehicle, crushing it under the debris. Rescue operations were immediately launched by local residents and police. The injured, including Rana's wife and other relatives, were rushed to a nearby hospital. Critically injured individuals were then referred to the district hospital in Reasi for advanced treatment. Some reports indicate that five other passengers in the vehicle sustained injuries.

The news of Rana's death has been met with widespread grief and condolences. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his profound shock and sorrow over the tragic loss. In a statement, he conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and assured all possible assistance to Rana's kin and the injured. He also directed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the incident.

The Lieutenant Governor also expressed his sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi in which we have lost an outstanding officer Sh Rajinder Singh, JKAS 2011, SDM Ramnagar and his son. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to bereaved family & I pray that the injured recover quickly”.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her shock and conveyed solidarity to the survivors. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also expressed grief, calling Rajinder Singh a sincere officer respected by colleagues and the community.

The tragic death of the JKAS officer and his son highlights the dangers of landslides, especially during the monsoon season, in the hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures and preparedness in landslide-prone areas to prevent such devastating losses.