Capt Ripudaman Singh

Capt Ripudaman Singh hailed from Palighat village in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan and was born on 16 Dec 1977. Son of Shri Bharat Singh Rajawat and Smt Usha Kanwar Rajawat, he had a brother Jaideep Singh, and sister Natasha Singh as his siblings. He was inclined to join the Army since his younger days like many young lads of Rajasthan. He did his schooling from Ajmer and then went on to study at DAV College Chandigarh for his graduation. Eventually, he got selected for the Army after completing his graduation and joined OTA Chennai as part of SS69th Course.

He passed out as a Lieutenant and was recruited into 12 Bihar battalion of the Bihar Regiment, an infantry regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and a number of battle honours. After serving for few years with his parent unit, Capt Ripudaman Singh was deputed to serve with the 47 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in the Kashmir valley for counter-insurgency operations.

Counter-insurgency operations: 03 Apr 2004

During Apr 2004, Capt Ripudaman Singh's unit 47 RR was deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.  As a number of militants were active the unit’s Area of Operation(AOR), the troops had to be on guard at all times and were engaged in operations against the militants on a regular basis. Also as the area was close to the Line of Control and provided forest cover, it was prone to infiltration by the militants from across the border. On 3rd Apr 2004, the security forces received information from intelligence sources about the presence of some militants who had infiltrated from across the LOC. Based on credible information, a cordon and search operation was planned by 47 RR troops. Capt Ripudaman Singh was made part of the team that was tasked to undertake this operation.

Capt Ripudaman Singh along with his team reached the suspected area and soon made contact with the militants, who fired at them on being challenged. A gun battle ensued thereafter, continuing for several hours. As the militants were trying to escape making use of the thick vegetation, the troops tightened the cordon to block the escape routes. However during the prolonged exchange of fire, Capt Ripudaman Singh sustained bullet injuries. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Capt  Ripudaman Singh displayed commendable bravery and fighting spirit in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Capt Ripudaman Singh was a brave and committed officer, who laid down his life at the age of 26 years in the service of the nation.

Capt Ripudaman Singh is survived by his mother Smt Usha Kanwar Rajawat,  brother Shri Jaideep Singh, and sister Smt Natasha Kanwar.

• The name of the Government college in Sawai Madhopur was changed on 19th May 2015 as "Shaheed Captain Ripudaman Singh Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya" in the honour of Captain Ripudaman Singh.