December 20, 2025 04:48 am (IST)
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Nation mourns Hanumanthappa's death, last rites in Karnataka tomorrow
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IBNS): India on Thursday mourned the death of Indian soldier Lance Naik Hanamanthappa, who was miraculously rescued alive from Siachen after remaining buried for six days under snow.
Hanamanthappa was pronounced dead in an army hospital in New Delhi on Thursday.
At around 11:45 am after being in coma ever since his rescue he died due to multiple organ failure, officials said.
The soldier's body draped in Tricolour has been taken to the national capital's Brar Square, where wreaths are being laid to honour him. His family is seated there.
From Brar Square, Hanamanthappa's body will be taken to the Palam technical area and will be flown to his home state, Karnataka. The last rites will be performed at his village Detdor in Dhadwaad.
He is survived by his wife, Mahadevi Ashok Bilebal, and a two-year-old daughter.
Hanamanthappa was recovered alive six days after he was buried under more than thirty feet of snow and ice after an avalanche stuck their post in the early hours of Feb 3 in Siachen.
Moments before his death a medical bulletin had said that his condition has deteriorated despite aggressive therapy and supportive care at the Army Research and Referral Hospital.
Breaking the news of his death, ADG Public Information of Indian Army wrote on Twitter: "Despite best of medical efforts L/NK Hanamanthappa K could not be saved. #COAS & all ranks #IndianArmy express heartfelt condolences RIP."
"The soldier in L/NK Hanamanthappa will continue to inspire generations in the Indian Army #COAS."
Hanamanthappa was one of the nine soldiers who was affected by the Siachen avalanche.
According to reports, he had pneumonia in both his lungs.
The soldier is survived by his wife and 2 kids.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of Lance Naik Hanumanthapp.
PM Narendra Modi tweeted: "He leaves us sad & devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India."
Main opposition Congress party posted on Facebook: "The valour of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad will never be forgotten. His sacrifice for the nation at the world's highest battlefield will remain an inspiration for everyone of us."
"His extraordinary spirit and tenacity, till the very end, is an inspiration for all. My thoughts & prayers are with his bereaved family. In his life and his passing Lance Naik Hanumanthappa has shown the world the meaning of perseverance & courage," the Office of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
A final send-off ceremony is likely to be organised on Thursday evening, media reports said.
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