Service No : IC-57228P

Place of birth : Thiruvananthapuram

Service : Army

Last Rank : Captain

Unit : 9 Grenadiers

Arm/Regt : The Grenadiers

Operation : CI & IS Ops

Awards : Shaurya Chakra

Martyrdom : March 12, 2001

Captain Hari Rajkumar SC

Captain Hari Raj Kumar hailed from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and was the son of Shri Hari Kumar and Smt Shyamala. He was commissioned into the 9th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, one of the most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its long tradition of bravery, battlefield excellence, and numerous battle honours earned over decades of service. From the very beginning of his military career, he became part of a regiment whose ethos strongly emphasized courage, discipline, and leadership by example. After completing his rigorous military training, he was posted to various operational areas, where he gained valuable field experience. Serving in challenging and often hostile environments, he gradually developed into a tough and resilient soldier. His dedication to duty, professional competence, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his men distinguished him as a dependable and courageous officer. Known for his exemplary leadership style, he firmly believed in leading from the front. He shared the hardships of his troops and inspired them through his personal conduct and actions rather than relying solely on authority or command.

 

In the year 2000, his exceptional courage and leadership were recognized when he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s prestigious peacetime gallantry awards. On 07 May 2000, Captain Hari Rajkumar received specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists who had taken shelter in a house in village Pithaguri in Tinsukia district of Assam. Acting swiftly on this information, he led his team to the suspected area to launch a search and cordon operation. In the early hours of 08 May 2000, at around 0430 hours, his column reached the vicinity of the suspected hideout. As the troops approached the house, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists. Displaying exceptional composure and leadership under fire, Captain Hari Rajkumar immediately took charge of the situation and led the engagement with determination. Moving from man to man, he ensured that his soldiers maintained controlled and accurate fire while effectively coordinating the assault. Demonstrating remarkable courage and presence of mind, he personally engaged the terrorists and, in a daring action, eliminated two militants himself. Under his decisive leadership, the troops continued to press the attack, resulting in the neutralization of five heavily armed terrorists during the encounter. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. 

 

Following the completion of his tenure in Assam, his operational expertise and experience in counter-insurgency operations led to his deputation to the 12th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (12 RR). This unit was deployed in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir, where the Indian Army was actively engaged in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations. In this demanding environment, Capt Hari Raj Kumar continued to serve with the same determination, professionalism, and courage that had defined his career, contributing significantly to the unit’s mission of maintaining security and stability in the region.

 
Banihal Operation: 12 March 2001
 

In 2001, Captain Hari Raj Kumar was serving with the 12th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (12 RR), which was deployed in the highly sensitive Doda district. At the time, the region was experiencing frequent militant activity and infiltration, making it one of the most volatile areas in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups, the unit was required to maintain constant vigilance and conduct regular armed patrols to monitor the area, prevent militant movement, and reassure the local population. The terrain in this region was extremely challenging, consisting of dense forests, rugged mountains, and isolated villages, which militants often exploited for concealment and movement. In addition to the threat of ambushes, patrol routes were frequently mined by insurgents using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These hidden explosives posed a grave danger to soldiers on patrol. As a result, the unit’s Bomb Disposal Squad was frequently tasked with sanitizing patrol routes to detect and neutralize explosive threats before troops could safely move through the area.

 

On 12 March 2001, Captain Hari Raj Kumar was leading an area domination patrol in the unit’s area of responsibility in the Banihal sector. Accompanying him on the patrol were a Junior Commissioned Officer, Naib Subedar Parveen Singh, and several other soldiers. The patrol had been tasked with moving through specific routes and nearby villages to ensure security and deter militant activity in the region. As the patrol progressed according to plan, Capt Hari Raj Kumar and his team carefully navigated the difficult terrain. However, when they reached Phagu, near Dulligam, approximately five kilometres from Banihal, tragedy struck. At around 1600 hours, a massive explosion occurred. The blast had been triggered by militants using a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device, which had been strategically planted along the patrol route. It appeared that the militants had prior knowledge of the troop movement and had vacated the village after placing the powerful explosive device, intending to inflict maximum casualties. The detonation had a devastating impact on the patrol. Captain Hari Raj Kumar and Nb Subedar Parveen Singh sustained extremely severe injuries in the blast. Despite all efforts, both soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. Captain Hari Raj Kumar’s sacrifice stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the nation. A courageous and committed soldier, he embodied the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

 

Captain Hari Raj Kumar is survived by his father, Shri Hari Kumar and mother, Smt Shyamala.

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