Capt Sunil Kumar Choudhary KC SM

Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary was born on 22 June 1980 in Govindsar village near Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, into a distinguished military family. He was the eldest of three brothers and the son of Lt Col PL Choudhary and Smt Satya Choudhary. Hailing from Shaheed Joginder Nagar in Kathua district, Capt Sunil grew up in an environment deeply rooted in discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation. Fondly known as “Soni” among family and friends, he imbibed the values of leadership and sacrifice from an early age. Due to his father’s military postings, Capt Sunil completed his schooling at various Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country. He later pursued higher education with equal dedication, graduating from Garware College of Commerce, Pune, and completing his post-graduation from Garhwal University. A natural sportsman, he excelled in football, boxing, and swimming during his student years. His athletic abilities took him to the junior national level, where he competed in swimming events, including freestyle, backstroke, and diving, reflecting his physical endurance and competitive spirit. While pursuing an MBA (Marketing) from Pune University, Capt Sunil frequently visited his younger brother Ankur, who was undergoing training at the National Defence Academy. During these visits, he encountered the statue of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, whose life and supreme sacrifice left a profound impact on him.

Deeply inspired by Capt Pandey’s courage and ideals, he made a decisive choice to join the Indian Army, even before completing his MBA. Acting on this calling, he cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination and joined the Indian Military Academy on 01 July 2003. He was commissioned into the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles Battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles Regiment on 10 December 2004. His first posting was with the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles at Fort William, Kolkata, where he quickly distinguished himself through professionalism and leadership. He performed exceptionally well in all prescribed military courses, including the demanding Commando (Officers) Course, earning the respect of both seniors and subordinates. In May 2006, Capt Sunil was deployed to a counter-insurgency operational area in Assam. Within just one month of assuming command of ‘A’ Company of his unit, he led highly effective operations and successfully eliminated two top commanders of the ULFA cadre. His bold, aggressive, and fearless actions caused severe setbacks to militant activities in the region. Such was the impact of his operations that he was placed on the hit list of the United Liberation Front of Asom, and two assassination attempts were made on his life—both of which he survived.

Rangagarh Operation: 27 Jan 2008

On 26 January 2008, Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary was awarded the "Sena Medal" in recognition of his outstanding gallantry during a successful counter-insurgency operation against United Liberation Front of Asom terrorists at Naopather village in Tinsukia district, Assam. The award acknowledged his fearless leadership and decisive actions against insurgent elements operating in the region. The very next day, 27 January 2008, Capt Sunil was scheduled to attend a celebratory lunch hosted by his Commanding Officer, Col Pramit Saxena, at Dinjan, to mark the occasion of his "Sena Medal", along with Lt Varun Rathore of 19 Punjab. However, before he could reach the venue, fresh intelligence was received regarding the presence of seven to nine ULFA terrorists hiding in Rangagarh village. Without hesitation, Capt Sunil immediately placed duty above personal celebration. He set out for the operation along with Lt Varun Rathore and five jawans, reaching Rangagarh village at approximately 1240 hours. On arrival, Capt Sunil swiftly formulated a plan and directed Lt Varun Rathore, along with three jawans, to cordon off the right flank of the village, while he manoeuvred to engage the militants. As the cordon was being established, the terrorists concealed inside a house opened indiscriminate fire and attempted to escape towards the surrounding jungle. Reacting instantly, Capt Sunil led the pursuit from the front. Displaying exceptional courage, he chased the fleeing terrorists under heavy fire and neutralised one terrorist during the initial contact.

Despite being continuously fired upon, Capt Sunil pressed forward like a true leader. During the ensuing firefight, he sustained a grievous bullet injury to the left side of his chest. Undeterred by the severe wound and intense pain, he continued the operation and shot and injured a second terrorist. Bleeding profusely and in critical condition, Capt Sunil pursued a third terrorist who had escaped deeper into the forest. Demonstrating remarkable tactical acumen, he outflanked the militant, cut off his escape route, and confronted him in a face-to-face encounter at extremely close range. A fierce exchange of fire followed. In a final act of extraordinary bravery and determination, Capt Sunil, despite his critical injuries, shot and killed the terrorist, thereby neutralising the threat completely. Soon after the encounter, Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary succumbed to his injuries and was martyred, barely 24 hours after being awarded the "Sena Medal". His supreme sacrifice, indomitable courage, and unyielding fighting spirit exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his exceptional gallantry and supreme sacrifice at the age of 27 years in the line of duty, Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary was posthumously awarded the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, the Kirti Chakra. 

Capt Sunil Kumar Choudhary is survived by his father, an Army veteran Lt Col P L Chaudhary, mother, Smt Satya Choudhary and brother Wg Cdr Ankur Choudhary. 

 The Citation for "Sena Medal" awarded to him reads: 

Captain Sunil was posted in “A” Coy of the Platoon which was located in most affected area of terrorist activities. Captain Sunil was reported to be on the HIT list of ULFA cadre. Within span of one month of his taking over the “A” Coy, he killed two Group Commander of ULFA cadre. He created fear in mind of ULFA cadre active in that area. Captain Sunil was always on the chase of ULFA terrorists. He carried out operations in the area of his responsibility and never gave a chance to ULFA to breathe freely.

Captain Sunil was awarded ‘Sena Medal’ (Gallantry) for his outstanding leadership and repeated acts of gallantry on 26 Jan 2008 (Republic Day).

• A statue of Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary has been erected at Kathua in J & K in his honour.