Indian DGMO holds discussion with Pakistan over missing rifleman

Indian Director General of Military Operations Lt General Ranbir Singh spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza for the second time on the issue of Indian rifleman Chandu Chavan, who crossed the Line of Control (LoC) on September 30 and was apprehended by the Pakistan army.

Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan, who was posted with 37 Rashtriya Rifles at Mendhar along the LoC, was captured after he "inadvertently crossed over". But the circumstances that led to his capture, and the day it happened, remain unclear.

Born in 1994 in Jamner taluka of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, Chavan lost his father in 1997 and his mother in 2000. His maternal grandparents brought the boys to Mohadi village, next door to Borvihir. The brothers also have a sister, who is married in Indore and due to deliver a baby any day now.

On Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up the family of the solider and assured them that efforts are being made to secure his release. Chavan's grandmother had passed away after hearing the news of his crossing over to Pakistan.