Indian Army court-martials soldier who crossed LoC during surgical strikes
The Indian Army has court-martialed Chandu Babulal Chavan, a Rashtriya Rifles soldier who crossed across the LoC during last year's surgical strikes. He was also reportedly sentenced to two months' imprisonment, sources said. His pension for two years has been forfeited. Though Chavan maintains he crossed the LoC inadvertently, there were reports he had consciously deserted his post.
22-year-old's grandmother died, wedding fell apart
During India's surgical strikes on September 29, 2016, Chavan crossed over the LoC. He was subsequently captured by their forces. A day later, his grandmother died apparently of a heart attack upon hearing the news. The 22-year-old was set to get married during Diwali.
He was 'traumatized and incoherent' when released
He was handed over by Pakistan in January this year in a "goodwill gesture". They alleged he had crossed over willfully over 'his grievances of maltreatment against his commanders'. At the time of release, Chavan was "traumatized and incoherent", Indian authorities had said. He needed help even to walk. The army then took him to an undisclosed location for medical examination and debriefing.
