The British Gurkha soldier, who was killed in Helmand province of Afghanistan on Saturday, has been identified as Bijaya Rai (22) of Sunsari.

Rai was shot dead by Taliban while providing security in Nahr-e Saraj along with Afghan Police partners. Rai, a permanent resident of Hasposha-2, joined the British Army three years ago. He is the fifth Gurkha soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

Rai’s family members are planning to go to Britain to receive his body.

Nagen, Bijaya’s elder brother, said, “British Gurkha Nepal is assisting us in going to UK to receive my brother’s body. We are shocked to hear the tragic news of his death,” he said.

His mother Dhan Kumari’s condition has been deteriorating after hearing the news of her son’s death.

Rai had come home on leave a year ago. His father Nagdhan is a former Indian Army soldier, while his two brothers Nagen and Prem are serving in the Indian Army. Nagen informed that the final rites would be performed in his home district itself.

Published on: 18 October 2011 | The Himalayan Times