Bihar Govt denies 'martyr' status to Ram Babu Singh, says he was not a 'battle casualty'

The Bihar government on Wednesday issued a clarification regarding the identity and status of Ram Babu Singh, a soldier who died from injuries sustained during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir. Contrary to earlier reports from the Chief Minister’s Office, Singh was an Indian Army soldier, not affiliated with the Border Security Force (BSF).

The clarification came after an initial statement announcing Rs 50 lakh compensation had identified Singh as a "BSF jawan" and referred to him as a "martyr." Officials now state that while Singh did pass away in the line of duty, his death is not being classified as a "battle casualty" as per Army protocols.

As per reports, Ram Babu Singh (26) was injured recently and succumbed to his injuries on May 12 at a military hospital. He was posted in Nagrota under the 16 Corps and served in the Army Aviation wing. Singh joined the Indian Army in 2017.

Hailing from Vasilpur village in Barharia block of Siwan district, Ram Babu had married only five months ago, on December 10, 2024, to Anjali. His wife, currently residing with her mother in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, is said to be pregnant, compounding the grief for the young family.

Despite the technical classification of his passing, the villagers of Vasilpur continue to regard him as a hero. Locals mourned his loss, saying his legacy will live on not just in Bihar but across the nation.