Capt Sanjay Chauhan SC

Captain Sanjay Chauhan hailed from Solan district in Himachal Pradesh. He was commissioned in Dec 1991 into 16 Rajputana Rifles battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, an infantry regiment known for its intrepid soldiers and myriad battle honours.

Chokibal Operation: 28th October 1994

During Oct 1994 Capt Sanjay’s unit was deployed in the Chokibal area in J & K. In the last week of October 1994, the unit received information from the intelligent sources about the likelihood of a major gathering of militants in Lachimpora village of Wariban forest. Based on this information Capt Sanjay was tasked to make an operational plan to neutralize the militants. By that time Capt Sanjay had developed a remarkable intelligence network in the area and had already undertaken many operations against the militants. Capt Sanjay already had a long list of successes and had mastered the art of fighting in small teams. Capt Sanjay and his team would often disguise as militants and infiltrate in their rank and file. They would then eliminate militants with much ease.

Capt Sanjay as per the approved plan moved with his team to the company located northeast to Chokibal. A platoon of the company was earmarked as a reserve party for the operation. Capt Sanjay along with his team of three more soldiers attired in a militant outfit then moved out to the suspected area. Soon they reached the village where they were greeted by other militants present there. However, they could not keep their identity secret very long and had to take appropriate action immediately. They in a swift action escaped the gathering killing few militants. On finding themselves heavily outnumbered they took up position in an isolated hut near the village.

Capt Sanjay and his men soon got surrounded by the militants but they continued to put up a resolute fight. The help from the reserve platoon could not reach in time and Capt Sanjay and his team were caught alive after they had finished their ammunition. The Brigade headquarters dispatched a team of hundred men from 24 Rajput and 4 Grenadiers but it was too late. Capt Sanjay and his team were tortured to death and their mutilated bodies were recovered later. But Capt Sanjay and his soldiers had eliminated eight hardcore militants and seriously injured two before being caught. Capt Sanjay was a valiant soldier and a fine officer who led from the front like a good military leader.

Capt Sanjay was given the gallantry award “Shaurya Chakra” for his outstanding courage, leadership, fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice.