Captain Deepak Singh

Captain Deepak Singh hailed from Almora district in Uttarakhand and was born in the year 1999. Son of a former police officer Shri Mahesh Singh, Capt Deepak Singh had two sisters Manisha and Jyoti as his siblings. Having grown up observing the disciplined lives of police personnel, Capt Deepak Singh always nursed a dream of joining the armed forces and continued to follow his dream while pusuing studies. Eventually he got selected to join the Army after his college and passed out of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun in June 2020. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Corps of Signals, an important arm that provides communication to Indian army during war and peace.

After joining the field unit, he soon learned the professional skills and developed into a tough soldier and fine officer. Besides being a committed officer, he was a keen sportsman and specially excelled in Hockey. After serving a couple of years with his parent unit, he was later deputed to serve with 48 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in J & K for counter insurgency. 

Assar Operation (Doda Dist: (J&K): 13/14 Aug 2024

In 2024, Capt Deepak Singh’s unit 48 RR was deployed in the Doda district of J & K and was engaged in anti-insurgency operations. 48 RR battalion was operating as part of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) (Delta Force) under the operational control of XVI Corps also known as 'White Knight Corps', one of the finest operational Corps of the Indian Army looking after the extent of Pir Panjal Ranges to the Shivalik Ranges and also the plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. The unit was operating in a militant-infested area and consequently, it had to undertake operations against the militants frequently. The LOC located near its AOR(Area of Responsibility) remained highly active and volatile with ceasefire violations occurring very often and without any warning. The area was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. Based on the information from the intelligent sources, the unit decided to launch a search and cordon operation along with J&K Police on 13 Aug 2024 in the dense Shivgarh-Assar forest of Doda district.  It was located about 90 km from Doda town via NH 244 and 40 km from Patnitop in Udhampur district. Accordingly, a joint operation was launched in the late afternoon of 13 Aug 2024 along with J & K Police.

As planned the joint team reached the suspected area in Doda district of J&K and launched the cordon and search operation. Soon the troops led by Capt Deepak Singh made contact with the militants who opened fire at them on being challenged. Capt Deepak Singh tightened the cordon to block the escape routes of the militants and attacked aggressively. The gun battle continued till late night of 13 Aug 2024 and resumed at first light on 14 Aug. In the fierce gun-battle Capt Deepak Singh who was leading from the front was struck in the chest. Despite the injuries, he continued to lead his team, showcasing remarkable courage and determination. He was taken to a militray hospital for treatment but soon succombed to his injuries and was martyred. Capt Deepak Singh was a valiant soldier and a fine officer who led from the front like a true military leader. He laid down his life at the age of 25 years in the service of the nation and would always be remembered for his exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to his duty.

Capt Deepak Singh is survived by his father Shri Mahesh Singh, mother and two sisters Smt Manisha & Smt Jyoti.