Body of Martyred CRPF Jawan Reaches Guwahati, Officials Pay Floral Tribute

The mortal remains of CRPF jawan Praneshwar Koch, who was martyred during an anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, were brought back to Assam on Wednesday.

Koch, a commando of the elite 209 CoBRA battalion, was critically injured during an early-morning operation in Bokaro district's dense Birhordera forest. The encounter, which took place around 5:30 AM as part of the Centre’s anti-Naxal crackdown under Operation Sankalp, involved CRPF, CoBRA, and Jharkhand Police forces. Two Maoists were also neutralised in the operation.

Though Koch was rushed to Ranchi for medical care, he succumbed to his injuries.

A native of Magur Mari village in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, the 29-year-old jawan had been serving in one of India’s most dangerous combat units, specially trained for jungle warfare and counterinsurgency.

His body was flown from Ranchi to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, where a solemn tribute ceremony was held. Senior officers from the CRPF and Assam Police, along with fellow jawans and airport officials, gathered to pay their last respects.

The atmosphere at the airport was heavy with emotion. As the tricolour-wrapped coffin was brought out, officers and jawans stood in silent rows, paying homage to their fallen comrade. Floral tributes were laid gently on the coffin, while many offered silent prayers. Some saluted, others bowed their heads.

From the airport, his mortal remains were taken to his hometown in Kokrajhar, where friends, neighbours, and villagers awaited his final return.

Earlier yesterday, Director General of the CRPF, GP Singh, paid a heartfelt tribute to the fallen jawan via X.

In a deeply moving message, he wrote:“CT/GD Praneswar Koch, of Vill - Magur Mari, Distt: Kokrajhar, Assam, posted to 209 CoBRA, CRPF, attained martyrdom this morning in an Anti-Naxal Operation where two Naxals were also neutralised. Entire CRPF family would remember his sacrifice and re-dedicate ourselves to eliminate the scourge of Naxalism from our country. Rest in Peace, Brother.”

Echoing this sentiment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his condolences, calling Koch a “valiant son of Maa Bharati.”

In a statement shared on social media, the Chief Minister wrote: “A proud son of Kokrajhar, I bow to his supreme sacrifice and pray for the eternal peace of his soul. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. We stand firmly with the family of our martyr — now and always.”

The Chief Minister also praised Koch’s courage and vowed that the state would support his family in every possible way. 

Also Read: CRPF Jawan from Assam Killed in Naxal Gunfight in Jharkhand