The Vir Chakra, India's third highest gallantry award was instituted by the President of India on 26 Jan 1950 for "ACTS OF GALLANTRY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY, WHETHER ON LAND, AT SEA OR IN THE AIR. THE DECORATION MAY BE AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY."
CHM (Later Sub Maj) Pushpanathan, VrC
On 14 February 1948 near Ramgarh in Jammu & Kashmir, CHM Pushpanathan was in charge of a Bren gun crew of one of the Bren carriers which went out to clear a hideout of armed raiders. As his carrier reached the objectives the raiders brought down very accurate automatic fire. While engaging the enemy in front, he noticed one of the raiders advancing towards the Bren group of the other carrier on his flank. He jumped out of his carrier and advanced twenty yards through bullet-swept area to save the lives of his comrades. As he was approaching he saw the other Bren group commander about to be slashed with a sword. CHM Pushpanathan charged the enemy with fixed bayonet and killed him. By his prompt and spirited action he saved three lives, including the life of a VCO.
Immediately after this bayonet charge he led another charge against the enemy, killing four. CHM Pushpanathan set an example of bravery of the highest order and his action was so inspiring that the other men instantly followed him and this not only resulted in the killing of all 25 of the enemy, but also the capture of two prisoners, including the commander of the enemy patrol.
Hav (Later Hony Nb Sub) Gopala Kurup, VrC
On the 11 Jun 1948, a Company picquet was attacked by approximately 300 enemy strength. A mixture of regular Pakistan troops and raiders. The actual attack which started at 0545 hours was preceded by a very effective heavy mortar barrage. The enemy firing more than 70 bombs in about 90 minutes.
The enemy under cover of this barrage covering fire from six LMGs and one MMG and heavy mist advanced within 30 yards of the picquet. The attacking party was helped by a second party, which sat in a nallah close to our own position shouting “Allah Ho Akhbar” “Pakistan Zindabad” and similar war cries. In the first attack, he evacuated Nk Raju to a safe place and then went back to Nk Raju’s bunker and took over the LMG there. The enemy made three attacks, all very determined and each time Hav Gopala Kurup helped beat them back. His bunker was subjected to heavy fire from an enemy MMG and also from an LMG from 20 yards away but yet he held to his post and foiled every attempt the enemy made for break through. Eventually the bunker fell on him but he managed to make a slit through which the could fire the LMG and carried on firing. The LMG had a stoppage and while it was rectified Hav Gopala Kurup left the demolished bunker collected grenades and ran out to meet the enemy who were advancing on the position with fixed bayonets from a distance of 20 yards. He threw all the grenades he had, came back and again took over the LMG. But, by this time the enemy who had suffered heavy casualty started withdrawing. The courage and determination this Havildar saved the situation. After the attack seven dead bodies were found in front of his gun position. For this act of bravery, he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Nk (Later Hav) Abdul Rahiman Kunju, VrC
On 07 January 1948, near Samba In Jammu & Kashmir, Nk Abdul Rahiman Kunju was leading a patrol, and he saw a party of the enemy coming towards him. The patrol and the enemy immediately took position and commenced firing. Nk Abdul Rahiman took one section to the flank with the object of closing with the enemy but the move was observed by them. They brought rapid fire to bear in his direction. Quickly assessing the situation, Nk Kunju single handedly charged the enemy and killed all six of them. While he was trying to pick up the enemy weapons, about 200 raiders tried to cut off his patrol. He successfully withdrew his patrol to a more favourable position and engaged the enemy, keeping them pinned down till reinforcements came to assist the patrol.
Throughout, Nk Abdul Rahiman Kunju showed courage and set an example of leadership and devotion to duty in the very finest traditions.
Lnk Ayyappan, VrC
On 11 June 1948, the enemy launched a heavy and determined attack on our own picquet on Ring Contour Sq 7746 starting at 0530 hrs in the morning. Three successive attacks were launched under cover of heavy automatic fire and dense mist. The enemy reached within 25 yards of our own location. Their object was obviously to breech the perimeter and through that breech to overrun the picquet. During the second attack all the members of the Bren Group were wounded and had to be evacuated.
Lnk Ayyappan and two other ranks from the neighbouring section saw this and immediately took over the gun. The position now was under very heavy automatic fire from the enemy (which in fact carried on throughout the attack lasting for ever 6 ½ hours). On getting inside the Bren posn Up Lnk Ayyappan discovered that the only one magazine was left, all others were either damaged in fire or empty. Realising how serious the situation was – the enemy having advanced to within 20 yards of the perimeter, Lnk Ayyappan immediately got out of the bunker and went around the platoon position collecting filled magazines and ammunition. Inspite of heavy enemy fire and shelling which was coming down all round him he carried on and eventually replenished the gun with filled magazines.
Had it not been for his courageous and prompt action – the picquet would have been over-run. The Non Commissioned Officer showed great courage and gallantry in face of the enemy thus setting an example for his comrades. He was awarded Vir Chakra for this action.
Jem (Late Sub Maj & Hony Capt) Shaik Khadar, VrC
Jem Shaik Khader Sahib was with bn right throughout its spell of service in the Jammu and Kashmir area. On two occasions he ambushed large parties of enemy and killed a total of 27. When commanding a platoon defended locality, he was repeatedly and heavly attacked by a large party of the enemy, though grossly out-numbered he held on to his position and finally delayed the enemy.
In this action Jem Shaik Khadar was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Brig K Venugopal, VrC
On 11 June 1948, the enemy, about 300 in strength, composed of both regular Pak troops and Pathan raiders, launched an attack on a Ring Contour held by a Company less one Platoon under Capt Venugopal. The attack was supported by heavy and accurate fire from 3in Mortars, MMGs and LMGs. Under the cover of this barrage, the enemy advanced to within 300 yards of own position. Covering fire then came from one MMG and about 12 LMGs. Helped by the morning mist, the enemy came up to within 30 yards with fixed bayonets, and war-cries of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and ‘Allah-o-Akhbar’. With the help of the mines and heavy close range SA fire of own troops, the first attack was repulsed.
A second and a third attack followed, with particular concentration on a sector of the perimeter with a view to breaching it. While one party attacked, another party from a nullah about 200 yards away shouted war cries and foul abuses to demoralize own troops. Every time the mist lifted, own troops engaged the crawling enemy with a hail of Small Arms fire. The enemy was seen dragging away his dead and wounded. When all three of his attacks were repulsed, the enemy started withdrawing at 1230h. A follow up patrol taken out by the Company Commander recovered the following : Dead bodies-22 and a lot of arms and amn.
Complete disregard for personal safety and the dynamic leadership, dash and devotion to duty shown by Capt K Venugopal, he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Capt EN Iyengar, VrC
Capt EN Iyengar was the Regimental Medical Officer of bn during the 1962 War with China. During the battles on 18, 19 and 21 November, he treated casualties with utter disregard to his own life and ensured their evacuation, till he himself was finally captured.
For his devotion to duty above and beyond the call of service, Capt Iyengar Eshwar Narayan was awarded Vir Chakra on his return to the country.
Sep (Later SM & Hony Capt) Sanal Kumaran Pillai, VrC
On 10 November 1948, No 2529055 Sep Sanal Kumaran Pillai was the signalman attached to the coy ordered to capture “Camel’s Hump”. The Company was pinned down about 600 yards from its objective by heavy and accurate mortar fire coupled with MMG and LMG fire. The artillery OP Radio set went out of order and all communication was made through Sep Pillai’s set. He had to expose himself several times to maintain the communication.
An enemy sniper, detecting activity fired at Sep SK Pillai. This shot passed through his steel helmet missing his head by a fraction of an inch. Inspite of this he carried on and maint communication.
Sep SK Pillai realizing his responsibility of maintaining the communication, set an example of the highest order and was instrumental in capture of the objective.
For his devotion to duty and gallantry of the highest order, Sep Sanal Kumaran Pillai was awarded Vir Chakra.
Sub Maj Mohammed Ibrahim, VrC
Sub Maj Mohammed Ibrahim was enlisted in September 1939 and promoted Jemadar in 1942. He saw active service in Burma, Malaya and Indonesia with the 1st Battalion during World War II. During the J & K Operations of 1947-48, he was awarded Vir Chakra. He had the distinction of being the first JCO of the Regiment to be posted as ADC to the President of India and of serving two Presidents in succession as ADC to Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President and Dr S Radhakrishnan. He was promoted Hony Capt on 26 January 1966 and retired from service on 03 Jul 1966 after 27 years of distinguished service, his ancestors having served the Madras Army for nearly a century.
2 Lt (Later Col) VN Madan, VrC
On 2nd January 1963, 2Lt VN Madan was ordered to take out his Platoon and destroy an enemy position from which Companies deployed at a bridge head across a river in Katanga were being subjected to continuous mortar and medium machine gun fire. 2 Lt Madan briefed every member of his platoon regarding the urgency of this vital mission and advanced along the railway line running almost parallel to the main road of the enemy, he found the enemy superior both in number and fire power. With remarkable initiative and determination, 2 Lt Madan led a bayonet assault. The enemy, mostly mercenaries, returned intense mortar, medium machine gun and other automatic fire. Although wounded in both legs, 2 Lt Madan crawled forward shouting the War Cry and inspired those under his command by his personal example to fight gallantly. His Platoon suffered some casualties but performed many brave deeds and wiped out a strong and superior enemy position. The enemy fled leaving behind the dead, arms, ammunition and equipment.
In this action 2 Lt Madan was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Sub CA Madhavan Nambiar, VrC
During night 7/8 September 1965, when one of our Battalions launched an attack on the enemy in the Sailkot Sector, Sub Madhavan Nambiar was Commanding the Signal Platoon. While providing signal communication to the Battalion, he saw that our forward companies were held up by the Medium Machine Gun and Recoilless Gun fire of the enemy. Although he was not in command of any rifle company Sub Madhavan Nambiar mustered a section of the signal platoon and charged onto the Medium Machine Gun position. Sub Madhavan Nambiar was killed in the action, but his gallant act enabled our company to resume the assault.
Sub CA Madhavan Nambiar displayed great courage, leadership and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.
Sub PM Gregory, VrC
On the night of 7th/8th September, 1965, Sub PM Gregory was serving as Subedar Adjutant of a Battalion which was ordered to capture Maharajke. Finding that the Battalon, after reaching near the objective, could not advance further because of heavy enemy fire, the Commanding Officer asked Sub Gregory to take a section and attack the enemy from the rear. Having cleared the trenches by throwing grenades, Sub Gregory attacked the enemy from the rear and carried out his task successfully, killing five of the enemy and wounding one.
In this encounter, Sub PM Gregory displayed courage and leadership of a high order and was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Sep Kannan, VrC (P)
During night 7/8 September 1965, when a battalion of the Madras Regiment was mounting an attack on Maharajke, the Platoon to which Sep Kannan belonged was ordered to assault the enemy position and capture the objective. When he found that his platoon commander was wounded, Sep Kannan assaulted the enemy position single handedly, bayoneting two Pakistani soldiers to death. Although wounded, he continued his attack, and bayoneted two Pak gunners. While doing so, he was engaged by fire from an enemy MMG and was found dead the next morning with his rifle firmly held in his hand and the bayonet buried deep in the chest of a Pak soldier. Because of this daring act, Sep Kannan’s Platoon succeeded in clearing the enemy position.
For utter disregard for personal safety and courageous act, Sep Kannan was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Sep Bhaskaran Nair, VrC (P)
Sep Bhaskaran Nair was in a company of a Battalion of the Madras Regiment which was assigned the task of clearing the enemy who had infiltrated into an area near the Ichhogil canal. When his company came under accurate small arms fire from well-sited enemy bunkers. Sep Nair rushed forward and threw three hand grenades and silenced three enemy LMGs. When he was about to approach the fourth enemy bunker he was hit by a burst of LMG fire and was killed.
Sep Bhaskaran Nair displayed commendable courage and initiative and was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Capt Gopakumar Raman Pillai, VrC
Capt Gopakumar Raman Pillai organized a mixed group of personnel into a high motivated and effective team by his zeal, boundless energy and hard work. He successfully commanded his group in a series of bold and courageous actions against the enemy in the Eastern Sector. These actions included the capture of a well-fortified enemy position in 1971. Throughout, Capt Pillai displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order.
For his action he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Sub AP Sreedhara Das, VrC (P)
Sub AP Sreedhara Das was a platoon commander in a Battalion of the Madras Regiment occupying a defended area at Hingora Tar in the Western Sector. In the early hours of 17 Dec 1971, the enemy launched an attack in strength. With utter disregard for his safety Sub Sredhara Das moved from trench to trench encouraging his men to repulse the attack. Though seriously wounded, he refused to be evacuated. Half an hour later, the enemy launched another attack. As the crew of one of his light machine guns had been killed, he took over the LMG and killed a number of enemy troops. During the fight he was fatally wounded.
In this action, Sub Sreedhara Das displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order. He was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Maj PV Sahadevan, VrC
Maj PV Sahadevan was commissioned on 02 Aug 1964. During 1971 operations, during 15/16 Dec night, Maj PV Sahadevan, in command of a company, while establishing a bridge head in the Western Sector, got involved in an attack across a mine field. During the attack he personally led the troops against enemy Medium Machine Gun fire, crawled to the enemy bunker, and set the fuel and ammunition in the bunker ablaze with a grenade.
The enemy fled away in confusion. For this bravery, leadership and devotion to duty, he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Nk Appukuttan Sahadevan, VrC (P)
Nk Appukuttan Sahadevan was enrolled in the Madras Regiment on 23 July 1965 and was posted to one of the bn. During 1971 operations, in the Western Sector on 15/16 Dec night, Nk Sahadevan who was in charge of a section of ‘D’ Company found that the assault of the leading company was hindered by an enemy medium machine gun. Totally disregarding his personal safety, he rushed to the enemy medium machine gun post and silenced it by lobbing grenades.
In this action he was hit by a burst and was killed. For his selfless courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Maj HK Chopra, VrC (Arty Att)
Maj HK Chopra was a battery commander with an infantry battalion which had established a bridge head across the river Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector. The enemy counter attacked in strength supported by heavy artillery and machine gun fire. The observation post officer with one of the forward companies was injured. Maj Chopra took over his duties. He moved from one position to another, disregarding his own safety and directed own artillery fire and was instrumental in breaking up the counter attack. On his way back to the Battalion Headquarters, the Commanding Officer was wounded by a splinter. Maj Chopra rendered first aid and stayed by side of the Commanding Officer till such time as he could be evacuated to a safe place.
In this action Maj HK Chopra displayed gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty of a high order for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Capt RN Anand, VrC (Arty Att)
On 15 Dec 1971, Capt RN Anand was the forward observation post officer with an infantry company which was ordered to capture an enemy position in the Shakargarh Sector. During the attack the enemy brought down accurate and heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Disregarding his safety, Capt Anand kept his party moving abreast with the infantry and directed own artillery fire on enemy positions. When just about two hundred yards short of the objective, he was hit in the abdomen and both his radio operators were also wounded. He took over the radio set from the operator and continued directing the artillery fire on the enemy. Immediately after the capture of the objective, the enemy launched a counter attack. Despite his wounds, he exposed himself to enemy fire to direct the artillery fire, thereby breaking up the enemy attack.
In this action, Capt Anand displayed gallantry, determination and devotion to duty of a high order for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Capt Surendra Nath, VrC (P) (AMC)
On 16 Dec 1971, Capt Surendra Nath was the Regimental Medical Officer with a Battalion of the Madras Regiment during the battle of the Basantar River in the Shakargarh Sector. While establishing a bridge head across the Basantar, the Battalion suffered heavy casualties. Carrying his medical haversack, he moved from one casualty to another in utter disregard of his safety, rendering medical aid. In this process, he was hit by a splinter and succumbed to his injuries.
In this operation, Capt Surendra Nath displayed commendable courage, determination and devotion to duty for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Nk Mani, VrC (P)
Nk Mani was section commander in a Battalion of the Madras Regiment deployed in the Rajasthan Sector. On 16 December 1971, the enemy subjected the Battalion position to heavy shelling. Unmindful of his safety, Nk Mani moved from trench to trench to ensure that the digging was completed. Early on 17 Dec, the enemy mounted a massive attack supported by heavy artillery and medium machine gun fire. The light machine gun post operator of his section was hit and the gun was put out of action. He immediately took over the light machine gun and manned it till he was mortally wounded.
In this action, Nk Mani displayed gallantry and determination of a high order for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Nk Jajula Sanyasi, VrC
During 1971 operations, Nk Jajula Sanyasi was the commander of a recoilless gun detachment of the Battalion in Shakargarh Sector. On 17 Dec, the advance of our troops was held up due to medium machine gun fire from two enemy bunkers. Nk Jajula Sanyasi, with complete disregard to his safety, manoeuvred his gun to a flank and destroyed both the medium machine gun bunkers.
For his brave action and devotion to duty of high order, he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Nb Sub PO Cheriyan, VrC (P)
During 1971 operations on 13 Nov, when assault troops lined up to capture a company locality at Khanpur border outpost in East Pakistan, the enemy suddenly opened up with machine gun fire. On orders from the Commanding Officer, Nb Sub Cheriyan advanced towards the MMG position collecting only six men. In this endeavour, though he was hit on the left arm and abdomen, he advanced till he was mortally hit again in his head. Inspired by his courage and personal example, his men routed the enemy. For this heroic act and supreme sacrifice he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Nb Sub PC Varghese, VrC (P)
During 1971 operations in Khulna Sector, on 08 Dec, while advancing on Jessore-Khulna road, his company came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Nb Sub PC Varghese in command of a Platoon crawled forward with his men and silenced the enemy came under withering enemy machine gun fire and was mortally hit. In the operation he displayed heroic courage and exemplary devotion to duty for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Sub Krishnan Nair, VrC (P)
During 1971 operations, on 13 Dec, during the battalion attack on Siramani in Khulna Sector, Sub Krishnan Nair led his platoon against heavy Artillery and small arms fire of the enemy. Though he sustained a bullet wound in the left arm, he led his men forward and when he was 150 yards from the objective he was killed by a shell. Thus setting a high example of personal bravery and extreme resoluteness, for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Sep Kolli John Krishthaper, VrC (P)
While attacking Siramani in Khulna Sector during 1971 operations, when further move of the assaulting platoons was held up by heavy automatic fire from enemy entrenched behind a wall Sep Krishthaper volunteered to dash through the only opening in the wall to silence the enemy MMG covering the opening. He dashed through the gap all alone, disregarding his own safety and silenced the enemy with hand grenades. During this action he was killed.
For displaying exemplary courage and gallant action, he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Nk (Later SM & Hony Capt) V Bhaskaran, VrC
On the night of 12 Dec 1971, when his platoon was attacking an enemy piquet in the Ferozepore Sector, Nk Vasudevan Bhaskaran spotted an enemy machine gun which was interfering with the assault. He led his section in an attack on the machine gun bunker. The enemy engaged his section with a light machine gun, pinning it down. Undeterred by this, Nk Bhaskaran crawled forward under heavy crossfire, thereafter, he charged the medium machine gun bunker and neutralized it. The enemy was completely unnerved by his move and abandoned the post.
In this action, Nk Bhaskaran displayed gallantry, determination and leadership of a high order for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Hav Kamalasanan PK, VrC (P)
Havildar Kamalasanan was Platoon Havildar of a Platoon, which went for search operation along road Chavakachevi-Sevasalai-Meeselai on 4 November 1987. When the Platoon reached near road junction in area Meeselai at about 1235 hours, militants fired on a section from the houses on the East of the road. This section was totally pinned down. Havildar Kamalasanan saw that two militants were bringing down effective fire on the Platoon. Without regard to his personal safety, he got up and charged towards the militants firing from his rifle. The militants saw him and abandoned their posts. However in the process, he was hit by two bullets in the abdomen and died on the spot.
Havildar PK Kamalasanan thus displayed conspicuous courage and valour in the face of the enemy, for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Hav M Anthony Wilson, VrC
Havildar W M. Anthony, was the RCL detachment commander during the action at Chunnakam (Jaffna) on 12 October 1987. During the action, Havildar Anthony suffered bullet injuries. The company commander wanted to evacuate the NCO to field Ambulance, but despite serious injuries, he refused to be evacuated, as the company was under heavy fire and had no reserve. Havildar Anthony, after having suffered injures, kept engaging and destroying enemy automatic bunkers with his RCL gum. This finally helped to restore the situation and ensure the capture of Chunnakam (Jaffna) With total disregard of his personal safety and refusing to be evacuated despite serious injuries, Havildar Anthony set a shining example of Gallantry, for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Capt (Later Maj) RS Chopra, VrC
On 21 April 1988, Captain Ravinder Singh Chopra volunteered to accompany his Commanding Officer to intercept the militants at Uthirapuram in Sri Lanka. As they reached the target area, they were fired upon by the militants. In order cover the move of the Commanding Officer, as also to pre-empt any attempt by the militants to escape, Captain Chopra along with the party manoeuvered to flank in the face of enemy automatic fire.
He spotted a militant firing at the troops and with an accurate aim he shot the militant dead. At this moment, the Commanding Officer was hit and collapsed Captain Chopra rushed to the help of his Commanding Officer and in the process was himself hit by bullets in his thighs, a graze across his chin and also a direct hit on his right hand which shattered his right thumb. Captain Chopra also sustained two burst on his chest. Despite these injuries, he continued to fire from his own weapon and to pass orders to the platoon commanders directing their fire and movement. The militants eventually broke off action and withdrew. Captain R.S. Chopra, thus, displayed conspicuous courage and valour against the militants for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Sub Russel Maria, VrC
Subedar Russel Maria was a Platoon Commander of ‘A’ Company, located at Karainagar, Sri Lanka on 26th November 1988, the JCO while leading a patrol intercepted two militants who instantaneously fired back. With exceptional courage and determination, Subedar Maria gave hot pursuit and personally killed self-styled Lieutenant Colonel Insoor, and self-styled Major Suri, the two dreaded militants of the area. He displayed tenacity, leadership of highest quality and courage which led to capture of two dreaded militants and major get up to LTTE.
Hav A Shanmuga Sundaram, VrC
On 16th July 1988, a mobile patrol consisting of one Junior Commissioned Officer and 15 Other Ranks were sent to area Pannakan and Tolpuram / Chulipuram in Sri Lanka to kill and apprehend a group of armed militants reported to have been in that area. When the patrol reached Victoria College, Tolpuram it came under heavy fire from the militants and almost half of the patrol party including the patrol leader were seriously injured. Havildar Shanmuga Sundaram immediately assumed the duties of patrol leader and ordered his colleagues to jump out of the vehicles and start firing at the militants. The Non Commissioned Officer himself took up appropriate fire position in the verandah of a shop and started engaging the militants effectively. Despite serious injuries, he with utter disregard for his life, charged single handedly at the advancing militants while continuing to fire from the hip. In his most daring act, he killed one of the militants, who was later identified as the Area commander of Tolpuram. Motivated and inspired by his personal example, the other members of the patrol also got up and charged at the militants. The rest of the militants then fled from the scene.
Havildar A Shanmuga Sundaram, displayed conspicuous bravery and valour in action against the militants for which he was awarded Vir Chakra.
Nk (L/Hav) C Subbaiyan, VrC (P)
Naik C Subbaiyan was sector Commander in No. 7 Platoon, ‘C’ company, deployed on Nedunkandel Bund on 30th July 1989 in OP Pawan. At about 1130 hours, his section came under heavy fire of 40 to 50 automatic weapons simultaneously, from different directions. He and his section immediately retaliated. During the exchange of fire, Naik Subbaiyan sustained gun shot injuries in his lower leg and thighs. Though bleeding profusely, he moved from man to man, motivating them to fight back, whilst doing so, he received a gun shot injury on his lateral side of his hip. However, unmindful of his injury, Subbaiyan continued to encourage his men. By about 1500 hours, nine persons of his section had sustained injuries and the situation appeared precarious, while rendering first aid to one of the injured men, he received a bullet on his chest ad succumbed to his injuries. Throughout the operation which lasted for seven hours, he remained undeterred despite his severe injuries and displayed indomitable fighting spirit for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Capt RS Rana, VrC
Captain RS Rana was deployed in Mannar Sector in OP PAWAN on 30th July 1989, his company was given the task of laying ambushes on Nedukandal Bund with a platoon each on the North and South of the road Adampan Andankulan. At about 1115 hours, he observed approximately 50 militants moving at a distance of 400 meters and advancing towards his position. He brought down Medium Machine Gun fire on the militants, who got off the bund and then taking cover on the bund moved into a position closer to his location. The militants brought down effective and intense fire simultaneously using approximately 40 to 50 automatic weapons and 60 mm mortars from different directions. In the exchange of fire, the officer sustained a gun shot injury on his abdomen. Inspite of his injuries and profuse bleeding, he kept on motivating his men. The officer himself manned the gun for sometime and brought down fire on the militants, inflicting heavy causalities on them and at 1430 hours, when he observed 35 to 40 militants moving toward the North-East preparing to attack his position, he directed artillery and mortar fire on them. The officer continued to fight till he felt unconscious. On regaining consciousness, he realized that 14 of his men including the Junior Commissioned Officer had been badly injured. At about 1600 hours, his platoon had been virtually surrounded from the North-East and South and about 80-100 militants had formed-up to attack his position. Captain Rana, though severely injured crawled to the Medium Machine Gun position and brought down controlled volume of effective fire. The fight continued till 1830 hours, when the militants finally disengaged and fled. In this encounter which lasted for seven hours. Captain Rana being seriously injured displayed exemplary courage, Initiative and professionalism in the face of militants, handing out a crushing defeat to the militants, 52 of whom were killed and 32 were injured.
Lt Col AS Sekhon, VrC (P)
Lieutenant Colonel Abjit Sekhon, Commanding Officer of his bn was deployed in Sri Lanka as part of IPKF. On 14 April 1988, he received information about the location of an arms cache at a place called Vennerikulam and presence of some hard core militants. Taking calculated risk he approached the target area in vehicles along unmapped and sparsely used tract. He reached his target area undetected and completely surprised the militants. In the action, Lieutenant Colonel Sekhon who was guiding the column killed two hard core militants, one of whom was found to be the Area leader.
Again on 21 April 1988, when the was informed about the presence of 10 to 14 militants in the village Unithirapuram, he gathered two platoons and along with another officer, personally led the column to the site of the militants. He jumped out of his vehicle and despite intense militants fire, organized his party and returned the fire. He personally shot dead one and wounded another militant. During the encounter Lieutenant Colonel Sekhon was hit by a militant’s bullet on the chest and died on the spot.
Throughout the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Abjit Singh Sekhon displayed conspicuous bravery and valour in the face of militants and made the supreme sacrifice for which he was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
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Content last updated on 06 Dec 2025
