Major Sharyf Bhonsle, a dedicated officer in India’s elite Para Special Forces, has become the center of a perplexing case following his disappearance in 2014. His unauthorized travel abroad has raised numerous questions concerning the circumstances of his vanishing, creating a decade-long mystery that continues to baffle authorities.
Originally hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Bhonsle was a graduate of the National Defence Academy, commissioned into the Indian Army in 2009. He joined the well-regarded 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, noted for its high-risk missions involving counter-terrorism and airborne operations. At the time of his disappearance, he served as Aide-de-Camp to Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, a position that included substantial responsibilities in a strategically sensitive border state.
The timeline of events leading to his disappearance is marked by significant departures from protocol. In June 2014, Bhonsle began a scheduled leave, intending to return by August 18. Instead, he traveled to Spain for an international para-jumping festival and then on to Norway for BASE jumping, all without the necessary military clearances. His last known communication was a social media update on August 15, after which he cut off all contact with his family and military unit.
Efforts to trace Bhonsle involved extensive searches by the Indian Army and collaboration with embassies in both Spain and Norway, but these ultimately proved fruitless. The nature of his unauthorized activities in remote areas made tracking him exceedingly difficult. Theories regarding his fate abound, ranging from a fatal accident during BASE jumping to the possibility of intentional desertion. However, no concrete evidence has emerged to support any specific conclusion.
In October 2014, following a Court of Inquiry, the Army declared Bhonsle a deserter. Subsequent searches yielded no substantial leads, and by 2026, termination proceedings were initiated under the Army Act due to his prolonged absence. This decision underscores the military’s adherence to strict disciplinary standards, especially in cases concerning personnel from elite units.
The mystery surrounding Major Bhonsle is further complicated by the lack of official records from his unauthorized travels, limiting the military’s ability to monitor or assist in his case. The absence of confirmed sightings or credible leads has only intensified speculation about his whereabouts and the reasons behind his actions.
As the military closes the chapter on Major Bhonsle’s service record, the questions surrounding his disappearance endure, reflecting not only the complexities of military protocol but also the intersection of strict duty with personal ambition and passion for extreme sports. The lingering uncertainty leaves his family and friends grappling with a painful silence, and the case remains a poignant illustration of the potential risks faced by elite officers pursuing their interests beyond the confines of military regulations.
