In a devastating incident amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control, Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, was killed on May 10, 2025, when a Pakistani artillery shell struck his residence in Rajouri town, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which also left two of Thappa’s staff members critically injured, underscores the severe risks faced by civilians and officials in border regions as cross-border hostilities intensify.
The shelling is part of Pakistan’s retaliatory actions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a major counter-terrorism offensive targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Pakistan’s response has included drone strikes, missile attacks, and heavy artillery barrages targeting civilian and military areas in Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu, escalating the conflict to alarming levels.
Raj Kumar Thappa, a respected officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services and a 1989 MBBS graduate from Jammu Government Medical College, was at his home when the shell hit. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries. The attack damaged several civilian structures, including homes and a gurdwara wall, plunging Rajouri into fear and prompting a complete blackout in the district.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow, noting Thappa’s dedication to public service. Omar Abdullah said, “Shocked and saddened by the loss of ADDC Rajouri, Sh Raj Kumar Thappa, in Pakistani shelling. He was a committed officer who served with distinction. May his soul find peace.” Abdullah highlighted that Thappa had attended a meeting he chaired just a day prior, underscoring the sudden and tragic nature of the loss.
Indian forces have responded with precision, neutralising Pakistani drones, downing two fighter jets, and conducting airstrikes on terror launchpads and Pakistani airbases. However, the targeting of civilian areas like Rajouri town has raised concerns about the safety of residents and administrative officials. Authorities are now exploring measures such as relocating key personnel and reinforcing bunkers to protect against future attacks.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for de-escalation from the international community. The ongoing conflict, fuelled by tit-for-tat military actions, threatens further loss of life and disruption in the region. As Rajouri mourns Thappa, his death serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of cross-border violence.