Memorial Sign Honouring Fallen Army Officer Stolen in Faridabad, Family Seeks Urgent Police Action

The family of a brave Army officer laid down his life in service of the nation. They are devastated after a signboard installed in his memory was stolen in Faridabad. The board marked a road named after Lt Col Rishabh Sharma, located in Sector 21, near Asian Hospital. The police station is nearby. However, no arrests have been made. The response from the authorities has left the family disheartened.

A Tribute Hard-Fought

Lt Col Rishabh Sharma was an Army Aviation pilot. He died on January 26, 2021. This occurred during a night patrol when his Rudra helicopter crashed due to a technical fault. In his final act of bravery, he guided the aircraft wreckage away from a nearby border village. This action saved civilian lives. While the co-pilot survived, Lt Col Sharma made the ultimate sacrifice.

Following his tragic death, his family—Dr. Kalpana and Dr. Rajinder Sharma, his parents, and Mrs. Radha Sharma, his wife—faced a long struggle. They worked for years to get the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) to approve naming a road after him. Approval was finally granted in early 2024, but the placement of the official board was repeatedly delayed despite several reminders.

Family’s Efforts Undermined

On July 3, 2024, Lt Col Sharma’s birthday, the family installed the board as a heartfelt tribute. They did this after securing the required permissions and at their own expense. “The authorities should have done it, but we took it upon ourselves. He deserved to be remembered,” said Mrs. Radha Sharma.

Recently, the family discovered the signboard missing. Their initial inquiry with local police was met with indifference. “They first told us it might have been broken in an accident and towed away,” said Mrs. Sharma. However, the family inspected the location and found no signs of an accident. It was only after further insistence that police admitted the board had likely been stolen for its steel content.

A Sub-Inspector has been assigned to the case, but no progress has been made, adding to the family’s pain. Even Lt Col Sharma’s nine-year-old son is disturbed by the disrespect shown to his father’s memory.

Public Outcry and Call for Justice

The incident has sparked outrage on social media. It has also angered local residents. Many of them have expressed solidarity with the family. “This isn’t just about a stolen board. It’s about honouring a soldier who gave his life for our country,” said a neighbour.

The family is now urging the Faridabad Police to act swiftly and restore the stolen tribute. They hope that meaningful action will be taken. This includes finding the culprits and ensuring a more dignified recognition of India’s martyrs.