JKAS officer Rajinder Singh Rana, serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramnagar, and his 10-year-old son were killed when a landslide struck their SUV in the Dharmari area of Reasi district. The officer was traveling with his family to their native village in Reasi when the vehicle was crushed under massive debris. Six others, including his wife and daughter, sustained injuries. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo expressed deep grief over the tragedy and assured all necessary support and medical aid to the injured family members.
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, Rajinder Singh Rana, a young officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramnagar, and his 10-year-old son lost their lives in a devastating landslide in the Dharmari area of Reasi district on Wednesday.
The incident occurred as the officer was travelling with his family to their native village, Pattian in Reasi. Their SUV was suddenly struck by a massive landslide near Suckh in Dharmari, leaving the vehicle buried under heavy debris. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was completely crushed.
Locals and police teams rushed to the scene and pulled the victims from the wreckage. All occupants were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, but Rajinder Singh Rana and his son were declared dead on arrival, plunging the family—and the administrative fraternity—into shock and mourning.
Rana’s wife Nisha, daughter Pooja Rajput, and at least four others were injured in the mishap. The other injured persons have been identified as Tahir, Surjeet Singh, and two others. The condition of some is stated to be critical. Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Further details are awaited.
Shock and Condolences Pour In
The tragic loss has sent waves of grief across the administration and the wider community.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressing profound sorrow, paid tribute to the late officer, calling him “an outstanding officer and a dedicated public servant.”
Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi in which we have lost an outstanding officer Sh Rajinder Singh, JKAS 2011, SDM Ramnagar & his son. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to bereaved family & I pray that the injured recover quickly.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 1, 2025
“Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi, in which we have lost an outstanding officer Shri Rajinder Singh, JKAS 2011, SDM Ramnagar, and his son. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray that the injured recover quickly,” the LG wrote on X.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke to senior officials, instructing them to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and to extend full support to the grieving family.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also expressed deep anguish over the loss of the officer and his young son. In his condolence message, he described Rana as a sincere and dedicated officer, admired for his integrity and commitment to public service.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family in this hour of immense grief,” the Chief Secretary said. “The entire administration stands in solidarity with them and prays for strength and courage to bear this unimaginable loss.”
He further assured that all necessary medical care and support will be provided to the injured family members, affirming that every effort would be made for their recovery and well-being.
The tragic accident has not only claimed two precious lives but has left a deep void in the administrative services and the hearts of many who knew and worked with Rajinder Singh Rana. His commitment to duty, even in the most challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, will be remembered with respect and admiration.
EOM
