Lieutenant Aritra Sinha, an Indian Navy officer stationed in Visakhapatnam, has found himself trapped in Tel Aviv amidst escalating tensions in Israel. Initially traveling to the region for training, Sinha was scheduled to return to India last Friday. However, the closure of Israeli airspace following missile attacks—significantly impacting civilian flight operations—has left him stranded.
Originating from Mallarpur village in Birbhum, West Bengal, Sinha has sought refuge in a hotel since the conflict intensified. His family maintains constant communication with him, but their worries have only deepened as the situation evolves.
Joy Sankar Sinha, Aritra’s father, expressed his anxiety regarding his son’s safety. “My son went to Israel for training on May 3. Everything was normal then. But now the flight he was supposed to take has been cancelled. We’re in touch, and he tells us he’s safe. The hotels have bunkers, and he moves there when sirens go off. But hearing about attacks on the American embassy is very disturbing,” he stated.
Aritra, an alumnus of Purulia Sainik School, joined the Indian Navy in 2022. His father, who operates a private security agency, shared that his own connections with defense personnel played a significant role in encouraging Aritra’s military aspirations.
Aritra’s mother, Anima Sinha, described her son as a “brave child.” She noted that during their conversations, he reassures them about his safety but refrains from discussing the gravity of the current situation. “He even tells us not to watch the news. Still, how can a mother stop worrying?” she lamented.
The family’s concerns have led them to appeal to the Indian government for immediate assistance in ensuring the safe and timely return of Aritra and other Indian nationals caught in the conflict in Israel. As the situation remains precarious, relatives and friends are anxiously awaiting a resolution that allows for their safe return home.
