Service No : IC-54084M
Date of Birth : January 29, 1971
Place of birth : Konnagar Dist (WB)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Captain
Unit : 15 Assam
Arm/Regt : The Assam Regiment
Operation : Op Meghdoot
Awards : Vir Chakra
Martyrdom : June 6, 1998
Captain Suman Das Gupta hailed from Hooghly district in West Bengal and was born on 29 January 1971. From a young age, he exhibited qualities of determination, discipline, and a deep sense of patriotism—traits that would later define his military career. He was commissioned into the 15th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, a distinguished infantry regiment of the Indian Army known for its fearless soldiers and rich legacy of valour. The Assam Regiment, raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, has carved a glorious name for itself through its stellar performance in multiple operations. Notably, the regiment earned a Battle Honour for its gallant defence of Chamb during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Over the decades, the regiment has been decorated with seven Battle Honours, three Theatre Honours, nine Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citations, twenty-three Army Commanders’ Unit Citations, two United Nations Citations, and a host of individual gallantry and distinguished service awards.
Commissioned into such a regiment of repute, Capt Suman Das Gupta took great pride in upholding its traditions and ethos. He quickly earned a reputation as a disciplined soldier and a dedicated officer, committed to both the welfare of his men and the operational objectives of the Indian Army. With his unwavering sense of duty and professionalism, he embodied the values of the Assam Regiment and worked tirelessly to contribute to its legacy of excellence.
Op Meghdoot : 06 June 1998
In June 1998, Captain Suman Das Gupta was serving with his unit deployed in the Siachen Glacier in the Union Territory of Ladakh as part of Operation Meghdoot—India’s longest-running military operation, launched to secure the strategically significant Siachen region. The deployment at Siachen is known to be one of the toughest military postings in the world, with soldiers contending with sub-zero temperatures, treacherous terrain, and constant threats from the enemy across the undefined border. Stationed at a forward post, Capt Suman and his troops operated under extreme climatic conditions, enduring blizzards, high-altitude sickness, and limited visibility. Apart from the harsh environment, they frequently faced unprovoked enemy fire, which demanded constant vigilance and readiness for combat. Despite these challenges, Capt Suman displayed exceptional leadership and remained committed to defending the post under his charge.
On the evening of 06 June 1998, at approximately 1930 hours, while on duty at a sentry bunker, Capt Suman observed suspicious activity at an enemy position roughly 1500 meters away. With keen situational awareness, he closely monitored the movements and quickly identified that the enemy was attempting a possible intrusion into Indian territory. Recognizing the seriousness of the threat, Capt Suman decided to take proactive measures to neutralize the advancing enemy. Acting swiftly, he mounted a Medium Machine Gun (MMG) and opened fire with precision. His bold action resulted in the elimination of two enemy soldiers on the spot, thereby halting their movement and disrupting their intrusion plan. However, this decisive retaliation provoked a heavy counterattack by the enemy. They responded with artillery shelling and 82 mm mortar fire, targeting Capt Suman’s position. Amid the intense exchange of fire, Capt Suman was critically injured by mortar splinters. Despite sustaining grave wounds, he refused to retreat. Demonstrating exceptional grit and resolve, he continued engaging the enemy and ensured that no infiltration occurred under his watch.
Ultimately, Capt Suman succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in the line of duty, making the supreme sacrifice at the young age of 27. His actions exemplified raw courage, presence of mind, and unflinching devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, indomitable spirit, and selfless sacrifice, Capt Suman Das Gupta was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra", India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, on 26 January 1999.
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