Former Nepal police officer meets tragic end serving in Russian military

KATHMANDU: In a poignant turn of events, the family of 36-year-old Bharat Shah from Durganagar-1, Tikapur Municipality-1, Kailali, has cremated his body.

Bharat, who was serving in the Russian military, tragically passed away, and his family, upon receiving the heartbreaking news on Sunday, conducted the final rites by creating a symbolic body of kush (Darbha grass), following local traditions.

Bharat had recently joined the Russian military three months ago. The family was informed of his demise on Friday. Overwhelmed with grief, Bharat’s father, mother, and relatives crafted a symbolic representation of his body using straw and performed the last rites at the Daulatpur Ghat in accordance with local customs.

The family has not received official information about Bharat’s death from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Russian government as of now.

According to Bharat’s brother Mangal Shah, they learned about his death only on Friday through a colleague serving with Bharat. Due to the tense situation surrounding Bharat’s body’s return, the family decided to adhere to local traditions and perform the final rites on Sunday.

Bharat had been posted at the Russian border area and tragically lost his life due to gunfire on November 26. His colleague Rabin Thapa from Kanchanpur conveyed this devastating news.

Bharat had worked in the Nepal Police for seven years before resigning and relocating to Dubai, where he worked as a security guard and earned a decent income.

However, he decided to pursue a career in the Russian military three months ago. Despite the challenges, Bharat’s family has shown resilience, and their neighbors and well-wishers have extended their condolences and support during this difficult time.

Bharat, who hailed from Bannigadi Jayagadh Municipality-6, Achham, is survived by his wife, a four-year-old son, and a three-month-old daughter.

His younger brother Mohan is in Malaysia, while his elder brother Uttam resides in Romania.

The Shah family had relocated from Darna, Achham, to Tikapur in search of a better life.