Pune Major Sharyf Bhonsle: A Decade-Long Unsolved Mystery

Pune: The Indian Army has initiated proceedings to dismiss a special forces officer from Pune, Major Sharyf Bhonsle, who has been missing since 2014. According to reports, the officer was last seen in Spain and later in Norway during international adventure activities.

Born in Pune, Major Bhonsle became notable not only for his valor in military operations but also for his sudden and mysterious disappearance in 2014. Despite repeated attempts, the army has been unable to locate him for over a decade, and formal dismissal procedures are now underway.

After graduating from the NDA in 2009, Bhonsle was commissioned into the prestigious 2 Para (Special Forces) regiment in Bengaluru. This elite airborne unit is renowned for high-risk missions, anti-terror operations, and deployments in challenging regions like Jammu & Kashmir and other border areas.

Unauthorized Leave and International Travel

On 23 June 2014, while serving as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Major Bhonsle took leave, scheduled to return on 18 August. Instead of returning, he embarked on an unsanctioned international adventure trip. Known for his thrill-seeking hobbies, he traveled to Paris on 1 July, participated in a six-day international parachuting festival in Spain, and subsequently went to Norway for BASE jumping—an extreme sport involving parachute jumps from cliffs and bridges.

Crucially, Bhonsle did not obtain prior clearance from the Military Intelligence Directorate, which is mandatory for all serving officers, especially those in sensitive roles. His last confirmed activities were between 18–27 July in Lysbotn, Norway, and he was reportedly scheduled for an event in Romsdal on 21 August.

Disappearance and Investigation

By mid-August, when Bhonsle failed to return to the Governor’s office in Itanagar, concerns grew. His family in Pune reported no contact, and his social media accounts were deactivated on 15 August. The Indian Army began inquiries through its headquarters, contacting the Indian embassies in Madrid and Oslo. Assistance was sought from local BASE jumping communities. His passport details (No. G 8620998, issued in Pune on 6 May 2008) were circulated to aid the search.

A regimental inquiry committee in Bengaluru conducted a formal investigation. By October 2014, with no leads, Major Bhonsle was declared a deserter under standard army procedure. Officers absent without leave for an extended period can face arrest and court-martial, though this confirmed that his absence was unauthorized.

Theories and Speculations

Several theories have emerged regarding Bhonsle’s disappearance. One suggests an accident during BASE jumping. Discussions among BASE jumping trainers hinted that he may have provided inaccurate details about his experience for a course in Kjerag, Norway. Some reports suggest that he safely left Norway and may have been en route to Munich with friends. His case has been compared to a Russian skydiver in California who went missing during a solo jump and was found months later with a packed parachute.

After over a decade of unauthorized absence, the Indian Army has now initiated proceedings to dismiss Major Bhonsle under the provisions of the Army Act, 1950. This remains one of the longest unresolved cases of a serving army officer’s disappearance in recent years.