Havildar Gajendra Singh was killed in action in Singpura area during the operation, dubbed TRASHI-I, the Indian Army said in a statement. A gunfight had broken out between security forces and the terrorists during a counter-terror operation in Kishtwar on Sunday.

Prateek and Aparna got engaged in 2011 and married in 2012. Several high-profile figures including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Anil Ambani attended their wedding. The two were in a relationship for ten years before getting married and had known each other since their school days.

Officials launched a rescue operation but could not save Mehta, who kept pleading for help, according to eyewitnesses. The incident has triggered protests by residents, who have alleged lapses in the rescue efforts and apathy on part of the authorities.