Raj Kumar Thapa: A Dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Official Killed in Pakistani Shelling
Raj Kumar Thapa, a 54-year-old officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), was killed on May 10, 2025, when a Pakistani artillery shell struck his residence in Rajouri town, Jammu and Kashmir. His death, amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor, marked a tragic loss for the region, prompting widespread condolences from political leaders and colleagues. Below is a detailed look at who Raj Kumar Thapa was, his contributions, and the circumstances of his death.
Background and Career
Raj Kumar Thapa was a highly respected civil servant known for his dedication and people-friendly approach. An MBBS graduate from Jammu Government Medical College (class of 1989), Thapa joined the JKAS in 2001, bringing a medical perspective to his administrative roles. At the time of his death, he served as the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Rajouri, a border district prone to cross-border tensions, a position he assumed in March 2024.
Thapa’s career was marked by exemplary service, particularly in crisis situations. He played a pivotal role in managing a mysterious health crisis in Badhaal village, Rajouri, between December 2024 and January 2025, where 17 people, including 13 children, died under unclear circumstances. Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma praised Thapa’s “exemplary dedication” during this incident, calling him “a true hero in service.” His approachable nature and commitment resonated deeply with the communities he served, earning him widespread admiration.
Described as “an insightful mind, a gifted writer, and a remarkable administrator” by social media user Jehanzeb Allaqaband, Thapa’s multifaceted talents left a lasting impact. His professional devotion was evident in his active engagement with senior officials, including accompanying Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on a district tour and attending an online meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah just hours before his death on May 9, 2025.
Personal Life
Thapa, aged 55 at the time of his death, is survived by his wife, a doctor, and their two children. His family resided with him in Rajouri, where he occupied official quarters as ADDC. The loss of such a prominent figure deeply affected both his family and the broader Rajouri community, where he was seen as a pillar of support.
Circumstances of His Death
On May 10, 2025, at approximately 5:30 AM, Thapa’s residence in Rajouri town was hit by a Pakistani artillery shell during intense cross-border shelling, part of Pakistan’s retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan’s response included heavy shelling and drone strikes across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu districts, killing at least five civilians, including Thapa, and injuring several others.
Thapa and two staff members were seriously injured when the shell struck his home. They were rushed to the Government Medical College in Rajouri, where Thapa succumbed to his injuries. The condition of his staff members remains critical, according to officials. The attack was part of a broader wave of Pakistani aggression, with shelling reported in Akhnoor, Gurez, Uri, and Poonch, and drone attacks targeting civilian and military sites across northern India. Other victims in Rajouri included two-year-old Aisha Noor and 35-year-old Mohd Shohib, killed near an industrial area, highlighting the civilian toll of the conflict.
Tributes and Condolences
The death of Raj Kumar Thapa elicited an outpouring of grief from political leaders, colleagues, and the public:
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: In a post on X, Abdullah expressed shock and sadness, calling Thapa a “dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services” and noting his active role just a day prior. “I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote, later visiting Thapa’s residence to console the family.
- Lieutenant Governor of J&K: The LG’s office condemned the “unprovoked shelling by Pakistan,” expressing anguish over the loss of “brave citizens including our ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, in the line of duty.”
- Mehbooba Mufti, PDP Leader: Mufti described the loss as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the tragedy of civilian deaths in the “cycle of retaliation.” She extended condolences, stating, “War is always a tragedy but it becomes even more heartbreaking when innocent civilians including children bear the brunt.”
- Ravinder Raina, BJP Leader: Raina, a close friend, mourned Thapa’s death, possibly due to a “missile/drone attack,” praising his “daring and people-friendly” nature and “selfless service.”
- Other Figures: Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami, and Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Jawaid Iqbal lauded Thapa’s dedication, with Iqbal noting, “His sacrifice will always be remembered with the highest regard and deepest respect.”
Context of the Conflict
Thapa’s death occurred amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, which India attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Operation Sindoor’s strikes on nine terror sites prompted Pakistan to launch drone sw Fondazione and heavy shelling, targeting civilian areas and administrative quarters in Rajouri and beyond. The Indian Army’s D4 anti-drone system intercepted many of these threats, but civilian casualties, including Thapa’s, underscored the conflict’s toll.
Chief Minister Abdullah criticized the international community, particularly the IMF, for approving a $1 billion loan to Pakistan, arguing it indirectly funds Pakistan’s military actions. “I’m not sure how the ‘International Community’ thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places,” he posted on X.
Legacy and Impact
Raj Kumar Thapa’s death is a stark reminder of the human cost of cross-border conflicts. His service, particularly in addressing crises like the Badhaal incident, cemented his reputation as a compassionate and capable administrator. The loss of such a figure has galvanized calls for de-escalation, with Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and others urging dialogue to prevent further casualties.
Thapa’s sacrifice has been framed as an act of martyrdom, with posts on X, such as one from @NCMIndiaa, stating, “The Nation will always be indebted to you. Om Shanti.” His contributions to Rajouri and Jammu and Kashmir will be remembered, as leaders and residents alike honor his memory.
Critical Perspective
While Thapa’s dedication is undisputed, the narrative around his death reflects broader geopolitical complexities. Pakistan’s claim of Indian attacks on its airbases, denied by India as “propaganda,” suggests both sides may exaggerate or obscure details to shape public perception. The targeting of civilian areas, including Thapa’s residence, raises questions about the precision and intent of Pakistan’s shelling, which some analysts view as a deliberate escalation to pressure India. Conversely, India’s Operation Sindoor, while framed as “targeted,” has fueled a cycle of retaliation, with civilian deaths like Thapa’s highlighting the risks of miscalculation in a nuclear-armed region. The lack of independent verification of casualty figures and attack specifics complicates a full understanding of the incident.
By [Your Name], with contributions from NDTV, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Quint, and posts on X
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