Two BSF personnel die of 'extreme weather' in Kutch

Ahmedabad: A Border Security Force (BSF) assistant commandant and a head constable died due to "extreme weather" while patrolling the 'Harami Nallah' creek area along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat's Kutch district, the paramilitary force said in a statement on Saturday.

"Vishwa Deo, assistant commandant and his team, including head constable Dayal Ram, were on long-range border patrolling in the remote and inaccessible terrain along international border to the north of Harami Nallah, known for its treacherous terrain, when they were caught in extreme weather conditions and suffered medical exigencies. They were immediately evacuated to nearest medical facilities but succumbed to critical health situations," the BSF said.

Sources said that the duo suffered heat stroke and dehydration during the patrolling on Friday which led to their deaths. AAP has demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of the deceased personnel.

Harami Nallah is part of Sir Creek, the marshy, treacherous and uninhabited waters on the international border with Pakistan, where the BSF has been seizing Pakistani fishing boats regularly.

Earlier, patrolling was not done during monsoon but tension between the two countries resulted in the BSF stationing itself round the year for vigilance. Officials said that the area remains volatile and dangerous for troops in monsoon as strong winds containing high salt content make the jawans fall sick.