Jalandhar, Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt, an officer in the Indian army, has passed away after an eight-year-long battle in a coma. Natt sustained severe injuries in a 2015 attack in Kupwara district, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and was being treated at Military Hospital Jalandhar, Punjab, India. His passing marks the end of a prolonged medical struggle following the incident that left him critically injured.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Brig BA Dhillon, Director Sainik Welfare, Punjab, confirmed the death of Lt Col Natt. He had been serving as the second-in-command of the 160 Territorial Army Battalion (JAK Rifles) during the time of the attack in November 2015. On November 22 of that year, Lt Col Natt was critically injured in an attack in Haji Naka village of Kupwara.

The nature of Lt Col Natt’s injuries was particularly severe. An officer from the Indian Army Medical Corps (AMC) described the extent of the damage, noting the significant trauma to his lower face. Despite extensive medical interventions, including emergency surgeries at Military Hospital Srinagar and Army Research and Referral Hospital New Delhi, Lt Col Natt’s condition remained critical. He underwent emergency tracheotomy and blood transfusion, and a surgical team was constantly engaged in his care.

In a surprising medical observation, EEG and MRI scans showed no damage to Natt’s brain or spine. This finding allowed the medical team to eventually remove him from the life-support system at the Indian Army Hospital Research and Referral. However, the grave nature of his injuries ultimately led to his demise after eight years.

Lt Col Natt’s death brings to a close a tragic episode that highlights the risks and sacrifices faced by military personnel in conflict zones. His prolonged medical struggle and the efforts of the AMC team underscore the challenges and complexities of battlefield injuries.