Armyman on rafting expedition dies in Oz

Tasmania police on Wednesday retrieved the body of Captain Kailash Rana of the Indian Army from under boulders along Franklin river in Australia. Rana was leading a five-member team for an India-Australia white-water rafting expedition.

The 23-year old died last weekend after a raft carrying him and two Australian soldiers hit a rock throwing the trio in the river. According to Army officials, “While the two Australians surfaced and were pulled to safety, Capt Rana could not be found. Rana’s body was found stuck under some boulders after a two-day search mission.’’

A white-water rafting instructor said Capt Rana, who belonged to 9 Assam, had won various rafting expeditions, including the Army Adventure Challenge Cup three times consequently.

“He was selected to head the India-Australia Army white-water rafting expedition because of his outstanding performance. It is ironic that Rana, who in the past three years successfully navigated the wild Teesta river, should die in such a manner,’’ a senior army officer said.

Rana, who is from Almora in Uttranchal, has left behind his wife of two weeks. He got married in December. He has a brother who is posted with the Garhwal regiment.