Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi

Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi hailed from Jhulu Park in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Born in 1998 into a humble yet proud family, he was the son of Shri Ajindar Singh Bakshi and Smt Neelu Bakshi and shared a close bond with his sister, Jasmine. From an early age, he exhibited qualities of discipline, determination, and an unwavering sense of duty—values that would later shape his journey in the Indian Army. Raised in a household that instilled perseverance and integrity, he completed his schooling in Guwahati. It was during these formative years that his deep admiration for the Indian Armed Forces took root. Inspired by the bravery, selflessness, and commitment of soldiers, he nurtured a dream of donning the uniform and serving the nation.

Determined to turn this aspiration into reality, Captain Bakshi worked relentlessly toward his goal. Excelling academically, particularly in the sciences, he understood the importance of a strong educational foundation in pursuing his chosen path. With a steadfast focus on joining the Armed Forces, his dedication and perseverance bore fruit when he got selected into the Indian Army. He was commissioned in 2019 into the 9 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment—one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its illustrious history and battlefield valour. Throughout his military career, Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi epitomized the qualities of a fearless leader, always placing duty, honour, and courage above all else. His unwavering commitment to the nation and his comrades earned him deep respect among peers and superiors alike. 

IED Blast-Akhnoor sector (J&K): 11 Feb 2025

During 2025, Capt Karamjit Singh Bakshi’s unit was operating in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu & Kashmir, a strategically significant area that frequently witnessed ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts by militants from across the border. These infiltration bids were often accompanied by heavy artillery shelling and increased activity by the Border Action Team (BAT) of the Pakistani forces, posing a constant threat to the security of Indian troops stationed along the Line of Control (LoC). The soldiers of his unit remained ever vigilant, carrying out reconnaissance and surveillance missions to thwart such threats and safeguard the integrity of the nation's borders. In one such incident, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted by enemy elements on a foot track along the LoC with the intention of targeting Indian patrols operating in the Bhattal area of the Akhnoor sector. On 11 February 2025, intelligence inputs suggested a possible terrorist movement near Laleali in Akhnoor, prompting the 9 Punjab to dispatch a "Reconnaissance and Surveillance" team to assess the area under its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Capt Karamjit Singh Bakshi, known for his dedication and courage, was part of this team. At approximately 3:50 PM, while patrolling along the barbed wire marking the LoC, the team was struck by a powerful explosion as the planted IED detonated. The sudden and devastating blast resulted in injuries to Captain Karamjit Singh and two other soldiers, leaving the patrol unit in a precarious situation. As the team attempted to recover, enemy forces launched further attacks, escalating the confrontation. Swiftly responding to the crisis, additional security forces cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the assailants. Despite their best efforts, the explosion tragically claimed the lives of Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas, while another soldier was left severely injured.

Adding to the heartbreak of the nation, Capt Karamjit Singh Bakshi had been on the verge of beginning a new chapter in his life. His wedding was scheduled for April 5, 2025, with marriage rituals planned to be performed in Hazaribagh on March 29, followed by the wedding ceremony in Jammu. His untimely demise left his family and fiancée in deep mourning, with his sacrifice at the age of 27 years serving as a solemn reminder of the price paid by the brave hearts defending the nation. Capt Karamjit Singh Bakshi was not just a soldier; he was a fine officer, a dedicated leader, and a committed patriot who led from the front, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

Capt Karamjit Singh Bakshi is survived by his father Shri Ajindar Singh Bakshi and mother Smt Neelu Bakshi, and sister Ms Jasmine.