Capt Suman Das Gupta VrC

Capt Suman Das Gupta hailed from Hooghly district in West Bengal and was born on 29 Jan 1971. He was commissioned into 15 Assam of the Assam Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its dauntless soldiers and numerous battle exploits. Raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, the Assam Regiment was awarded a Battle Honour for its tenacious defence at Chamb in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Since its raising, the Regiment has been awarded seven Battle Honours, three Theatre Honours, Nine Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citations, 23 Army Commanders Unit Citations, Two United Nations Citations and numerous other gallantry awards. Capt Suman Das Gupta was committed to carry forward the legacy of his Regiment and soon developed into a disciplined soldier and fine officer. 

Op Meghdoot : 06 June 1998

During June 1998, Capt Suman Das Gupta's unit was deployed in Siachen Glacier in Ladakh as part of "Operation Meghdoot". At the Siachen glacier Capt Suman and his troops were braving the hostile weather as well as the enemy across the undefined border. Besides facing extreme weather conditions, Capt Suman and his troops had to deal quite often with unprovoked firing from the enemy forces. On 06 June 1998, at around 1930 hours as Capt Suman 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 preparing an intrusion.

Capt Suman assessing the gravity of the situation decided to mount an attack with artillery fire to thwart the enemy movement. He mounted the Medium Machine Gun and opened fire on the enemy and killed two soldiers on the spot. The enemy too counterattacked with heavy artillery guns in retaliation. The enemy also resorted to firing 82mm Mortar Bombs. However during the heavy exchange of fire Capt Suman was hit by enemy Mortar splinters. Despite being wounded Capt Suman continued firing on the enemy post and ensuring that the enemy could make no headway. Capt Suman later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Capt Suman was a valiant soldier and a gritty officer who led from the front and laid down his life at the age of 27 years in the line of his duty.

Capt Suman Dasgupta was given the gallantry award, "Vir Chakra" on 26 Jan 1999, for his conspicuous gallantry, courage an devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.  

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.