2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu MVC

Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu was born on 12 November 1966 in Chandigarh, into a proud military family. He was the only son of Shri Devinder Singh Sandhu and Smt Jaikanta Sandhu. His father, Shri Devinder Singh Sandhu, served with distinction in the Indian Air Force, continuing a legacy of service to the nation that extended to the previous generation—his grandfather had served in the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Growing up in such a patriotic environment, Rajeev imbibed the values of discipline, courage, and national pride from an early age. He completed his schooling at St. John’s High School in Chandigarh, known for its academic excellence and focus on all-round development. Following this, he pursued higher education at DAV College, affiliated with Punjab University, where he further honed his leadership and academic skills, preparing himself for a career in the armed forces.

On 5 March 1988, Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, a unit renowned for its valour and dedication. At the time, the battalion was actively engaged in peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), deployed under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to help restore peace during the Sri Lankan Civil War. In June 1988, within a few months of his joining, Second Lieutenant Sandhu was transferred to 'C' Company of the 19 Madras Regiment, which was operating under the command of Major Pradip Mitra. This unit was involved in active operations against insurgent forces, and the young officer quickly proved his mettle through his unwavering commitment and professionalism.

Op Pawan: 19 July 1988

On 19 July 1988, Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu, then serving with C Company of the 19 Madras Regiment under the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, was tasked with leading a small convoy to collect rations from a nearby forward post of 19 Madras. The post was located approximately 8 kilometers away, and the convoy comprised an open Recoilless Rifle (RCL) jeep and a 1-ton military lorry. As the convoy moved through dense jungle terrain, it approached a seemingly abandoned building along the route. Without warning, the jeep was ambushed with heavy automatic gunfire and 40 mm rocket-propelled grenades from concealed enemy positions on the right flank of the road. The sudden and intense attack resulted in the immediate deaths of Lance Naik Nandeshwar Das and Sepoy Lalbuanga, who were seated at the rear of the jeep. Simultaneously, a rocket struck the front of the vehicle, seriously injuring the driver, Naik Rajkumar, whose lower jaw was blown off by the blast. He was violently thrown from the jeep due to the impact.

Seated in the co-driver’s seat, 2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu bore the brunt of the rocket explosion. The blast severely mutilated both his legs, rendering him immobilized and critically wounded. Despite the excruciating pain and heavy bleeding, he demonstrated extraordinary presence of mind and sheer willpower. Dragging himself out of the wrecked vehicle with his 9 mm carbine in hand, he crawled to a nearby firing position, refusing to surrender or retreat. Believing all occupants of the jeep to be dead, one of the militants emerged from cover and approached the vehicle to seize weapons and ammunition. Even in a gravely wounded state, with his legs shattered and his body riddled with bullets, 2nd Lt Sandhu mustered the strength to raise his carbine with blood-soaked hands and fire a fatal shot at the approaching militant. The slain attacker was later identified as the personal henchman of a sector commander—a significant blow to the insurgents.

The militants, realizing that one soldier was still holding out, intensified their firing. However, 2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu held his ground with unyielding determination. By doing so, he not only denied the enemy access to weapons and equipment but also prevented them from recovering the body of their comrade, disrupting their morale and momentum. Meanwhile, the rest of the convoy in the 1-ton lorry, hearing the sound of gunfire, swiftly dismounted and crawled forward to engage the attackers. Naik Bhagirath advanced toward the ambushed jeep and discovered 2nd Lt Sandhu continuing to fire despite being critically wounded. In a barely audible, choked voice, 2nd Lt Sandhu signaled to Naik Bhagirath to outflank the militants and block their escape route. Acting on his instructions, the team executed a flanking maneuver. Seeing this coordinated counterattack, the militants fled into the jungle, abandoning their weapons, ammunition, and the bodies of their dead comrades.

Following this, Sepoy Kamkholum moved his vehicle forward to evacuate the casualties. Even in a state of near-unconsciousness, 2nd Lt Sandhu exhibited extraordinary selflessness. Prioritizing the lives of his fellow soldiers over his own, he ordered that Naik Rajkumar and the rest of the wounded protection party be evacuated first. Once the area was secured, weapons were retrieved and a team was left behind to maintain surveillance. Despite his heroic resilience, 2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu succumbed to his grievous injuries. He fell into a coma due to massive blood loss and passed away during air evacuation by helicopter. He was just 21 years old. For his unparalleled courage, tactical acumen, and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra", India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, on 26 March 1990 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu is survived by his proud parents, Shri Devinder Singh Sandhu and Smt Jaikanta Sandhu. 

The Citation of  Maha Vir Chakra awarded to 2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu reads:-

On the 19 th July, 1983 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu was leading a convoy of two vehicles from Madurang Keni kulam to Mangani in Sri Lanka for collection of dry ration. On the way, his jeep was suddenly fired upon by the militants with rockets and AK-47 AND 7.62 RIFLES. He was seriously wounded and a direct hit of a rocket completely mutilated both his legs. Totally crippled and bleeding profusely, he tumbled out of the jeep with his 9mm carbine and crawled to a fire position. Presuming that everyone in the vehicle had been killed one of the militants came of hiding and approached the jeep to pick up the weapons and ammunition. But all was not over yet for 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu. Despite the fact that his legs were totally smashed and his body was perforated with bullets, he lifted his blood soaked hands, sprayed the militants with bullets and killed him. The militant was later found to be none other than Kumaran of the group led by Battalion sector militants leader, Karuna. 2Lt Rajeev Sandhu later succumbed to his injuries in the Field Ambulance

2Lt Rajeev Sandhu has thus shown, exemplary courage in the face of enemy, with utter disregard to his personal safety and has done an act beyond the call of duty by making the supreme sacrifice of his life so that the lives of his comrades and weapons would remain safe. For this act of exemplary courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy and in recognition of his supreme sacrifice of his life, he was awarded MAHA VIR CHAKRA”(P).

Second Lieutenant Rajeev Sandhu’s parents’ tribute:-

A small room in his house has been converted into a memorial for 2nd Lt Rajeev Sandhu where his parents have kept all of his belongings right from his childhood till his commissioning as an officer in 1988. They have also kept religious books like the Ramayan, Gita, Kuran and the Bible in the room. They spend almost half an hour daily there. The room also contains Army caps, old cassettes that 2nd Lt Rajeev had sent to his parents and various medals he won at national roller skating championship.

“My son was commissioned in the Army on March 5, 1988, and gave his supreme sacrifice while fighting the LTTE on July 19, 1988, in Sri Lanka. We could not see his body, but he will always live with us. I still wear his chain, ring, watch and bracelet,” says Mr D S Sandhu, father of the brave soldier.

Tribute by Col BS Rawat (Retd)  : 

2nd Lt Rajeev , MVC, was posted to 7th Assam Regt, deployed in Op Pawan, in turn he got attached to B ,company. Under my command , I was Maj BS Rawat OC “B” Coy then. We were deployed in kattankutty near baticola,.coy was involved in cordon & search, road opening raid, ambush road block check post, civic amenities, & helping the civil administration conducting the local elections. Multiple tasking, 2nd Lt Rajeev , fresh from OTA, full of Josh every ready to perform the assigned task. A professionally competent soldier, thorough gentleman, he always led from the front, & was never afraid of any challenge. I was also as a member of board of officers taken his professional part A exam practical approach test. He was the best among his batch. He shared his moments of joy & sorrow with me with no hesitation of being a jounior . For the operation he was awarded MVC, he was temp attached with “C” Coy, being commanded by Maj P Mitra (now Col ). These are the memories which will remain fresh as long as I live. God bless the great soul.

Jai Hind.