Granny of Indian soldier, captured by Pakistan, dies of shock

The aged grandmother of Indian soldier Chandu Babulal Chavan, who was captured by Pakistan troops, died of apparent shock on Friday on hearing of the news, a relative said.

Lila Chindha Patil died after hearing of his capture by the enemy forces, a close relative told media.

Patil fostered Chavan and his brother -- who too is in the army -- after the siblings lost their parents at a young age. Chavan is a resident of Borvihir town near Dhule.

Chavan is attached to the 37 Rashtriya Rifles while his brother Bhushan Babulal Chavan is posted with the 9th Maratha Light Infantry in Gujarat, their maternal uncle Ajit Patil said.

Chandu Chavan, 22, who was planning to get married around Diwali, was captured by Pakistani forces after he accidentally strayed across the Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday afternoon.

The development was confirmed by both governments and India is making efforts to secure his release.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who in New Delhi, has taken up the issue with the Centre, while the Indian government has raised the matter with Pakistan to bring back Chavan from captivity.

"I don't have the details. I am told the (Indian) government is working to bring him back," Fadnavis told media.

--IANS

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