Capt Suman Das Gupta VrC

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 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, 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.

The citation of Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:

During 'Operation Meghdoot' in Siachen Glacier, Captain Suman Dasgupta was commanding a post at an altitude of 20,500 feet. On 06 June 1998, at around 1930 hours as he was observing the enemy post from a sentry bunker, he noticed some suspicious movement by the enemy at a post about 1500 metres away. On closer observation he could make out that enemy was moving towards the ground position line, probably to attack his own post. He mounted the Medium Machine Gun and opened fire on the enemy and killed two soldiers on the spot. He immediately alerted his post. The enemy opened up heavy artillery and automatic guns burst on the post in retaliation. The enemy also resorted to firing 82mm Mortar Bombs. During heavy enemy Mortar fire, he engaged enemy at Three-Pimple Post. During firing he was hit by enemy Mortar splinters. Captain Suman Dasgupta regardless of personal safety even after being injured continued firing on the enemy post and ensuring that the enemy could make no headway. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Captain Suman Dasgupta displayed conspicuous gallantry, courage, initiative and valour in the face of the enemy and soldierly devotion to duty.

• A Road in Konnagar in Hooghly district has been named after Capt Suman Das Gupta in his honour.
• A chowk in Shillong has been named after after Capt Suman Das Gupta in his honour.
• A Library in Konnagar in Hooghly district has been named after Capt Suman Das Gupta.
• An orphanage at Santiniketan has been named after Capt Suman Das Gupta.