Captain M. V. Pranjal hailed from Bengaluru but spent most of his childhood in Mangaluru, Karnataka. He was born on 18th July 1995 and was the only son of Shri M. Venkatesh, a retired Managing Director of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), and Smt. Anuradha. From a young age, Capt Pranjal harboured a strong desire to serve the nation by joining the Armed Forces. An exceptionally bright student, he consistently excelled in academics. He completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, MRPL, Suratkal, and pursued his Pre-University education at Mahesh PU College, Mangaluru. After his Class XII, he secured admission to the prestigious R. V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru, to study Chemical Engineering. However, driven by his passion for the uniform, he chose to follow his dream of joining the Indian Army instead. Capt Pranjal cleared the highly competitive Technical Entry Scheme (TES-30) examination with an outstanding 'All India Rank of 2'. He subsequently joined the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, located amidst the scenic hills of Paharpur, near Bodhgaya, Bihar. In 2014, he was commissioned into the Corps of Signals, a vital arm of the Indian Army responsible for ensuring seamless communication support in both peace and war.
Beyond his professional excellence, Captain Pranjal was a man of varied interests — a passionate photographer, an avid traveller, and a dedicated Scout Ranger. Having completed his Rashtrapati Scout Award in 2009, he remained deeply involved with the scouting movement. Whenever he visited Mangaluru during leave, he would conduct sessions for aspiring scouts and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) students, particularly on the 'Flag Code of India'. His deep knowledge of the national flag’s history, manufacturing process, and protocols was widely appreciated. Even after outgrowing his scout uniform, he bought a new one, complete with all accessories, and continued to wear it proudly while teaching.
After a few years of dedicated service, Captain Pranjal married Ms Aditi in August 2021. Later, he was deputed to serve with the 63 Rashtriya Rifles, an elite counter-insurgency unit deployed in the Kashmir Valley. By 2023, Captain Pranjal had completed nearly nine years of service, having served in several challenging operational areas across the country. He was due for promotion to the rank of Major in December 2023, but destiny had other plans.
Rajouri Encounter (J&K): 22 Nov 2023
During November 2023, Captain M. V. Pranjal’s unit, 63 Rashtriya Rifles, was deployed in the Rajouri sector of the Kashmir Valley, as part of the ‘Romeo Force’ functioning under the operational control of the XVI Corps of the Indian Army. The area of responsibility (AOR) of the unit was known to be a militancy-prone region, necessitating frequent counter-insurgency operations to maintain peace and security. Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area, a joint search and cordon operation was planned along with 9 Para (Special Forces) and the Jammu & Kashmir Police. Accordingly, the combined operation was launched on the intervening night of 21/22 November 2023, involving elements of 63 RR, 9 Para (SF), 2 Para (SF), and the J&K Police. As per the plan, the joint team moved to the Kalakote area of Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri district and commenced a systematic cordon and search operation to flush out the terrorists. As the troops were searching, the terrorists, realizing they had been surrounded, opened fire indiscriminately in an attempt to break the cordon and escape. A fierce gun battle ensued, with a heavy exchange of fire from both sides. The terrorists, including their leader, had taken shelter in a dhok (a temporary thatched-roof mud house) and were firing from within the structure.
Displaying exceptional courage and exemplary leadership, Captain M. V. Pranjal, fully aware of the grave danger, stepped out of his cover to directly engage the terrorists and prevent civilian casualties, particularly among the women and children present in the vicinity. During the fierce exchange of fire that ensued, he was hit by multiple bullets and sustained grievous injuries. Despite being evacuated for medical treatment, he succumbed to his wounds and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The operation continued for several hours and ultimately resulted in the neutralization of all the terrorists. However, the encounter also claimed the lives of four other brave soldiers from 9 Para (SF) — Captain Shubham Gupta, Havildar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht — and Paratrooper Sachin Laur from 2 Para (SF), who fought valiantly alongside Captain Pranjal till their last breath. At just 29 years of age, Captain M. V. Pranjal epitomized the finest traditions of the Indian Army, displaying indomitable courage, selfless devotion, and unwavering commitment to duty in the face of overwhelming odds. In recognition of his supreme valour and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 26th January 2024.
Capt MV Pranjal is survived by his father, Shri M Venkatesh, mother Smt Anuradha, and wife Smt Aditi G.
Ankur Kumar
2023 at 11:54 pmHello Sir,
Which battalion of Bihar Regiment did brave Captain M V Pranjal belong to? Many news portal have failed to mention this. Bihar Regiment is a part of 4th, 24th, 47th and 63rd RR
Anuradha K R
2024 at 1:47 pm63RR
Immortal Aatma
2023 at 6:48 pmI want to visit this family. Can someone Please share there address Here
Abhishek Bagmar
2024 at 7:12 pmJai Hind !
Abhinav Raj Singh
2024 at 8:39 pmOm Shanti Om.
We will never forget his sacrifice.
Jai Hind
Rohan F
2024 at 9:22 pmI remember him taking part in a competition in my college when he was a student at Mahesh PU. He impressed me with his knowledge at a young age. Saluting this hero.
Krishanu VATS
2024 at 4:21 pmWe will never forget his sacrifice.
Jai Hind!
Safeasteroid
2024 at 6:37 pmWe lost a hero…
But we even got more proud after his award recognition…
We lost a hero…
But his name is always there in our hearts…
RIP Hero
Parikshith
2024 at 8:11 amVery Sad and Unfortunate Loss of the Brave, Intelligent & Gentleman Captain M V Pranjal.
I am disappointed on seeing the below report that the terrorists were moving freely 2 days before that encounter at Kalakote, Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.
https://youtu.be/Oblb9crgsIk?si=KZD_TZ90eRzKtJu0
Our tributes to the Martyred Captain MV Pranjal for his great sacrifice to save the Innocent civilians from the Terrorists. May god bless his soul and all his family members
https://x.com/VisitUdupi/status/1728320231607865541
Jai Hind
Pushparaj Kulai
2024 at 9:50 amOn 26july they are visiting surathkal. Mangalore.
Taj Saifi
2024 at 4:08 pmJai hind. I am always miss you sir.
I am also swerved with Capt M V Pranjal Sir.
He always motivated to all and organised many times medical camp in his Area. Today all people of Kalakote miss him…
I loss my Hero, intelligent honorable person.