Captain Shubham Gupta SM

Captain Shubham Gupta hailed from the Taj Ganj area of Agra in Uttar Pradesh and was born on 07 October 1995. He was the elder son of Shri Basant Kumar Gupta and Smt Pushpa Devi Gupta, and had a younger brother, Rishabh Gupta. From a very young age, Capt Shubham displayed a deep admiration for the Armed Forces. The discipline, courage, and spirit of service associated with the military fascinated him, and as he grew up, this admiration transformed into a firm resolve to don the olive green uniform one day. He pursued his early education at St. George’s Inter College, Agra, where his leadership qualities and sense of responsibility were evident even during his school days. After completing his schooling, he set his sights on joining the Indian Army and began preparing earnestly. His dedication and determination bore fruit when, in 2015, at the age of 19, he was selected through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) — a highly competitive entry route for young aspirants with a strong academic background in science and technology.

Following his selection, he joined the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, located en route from Gaya to Bodhgaya, about seven kilometres from Gaya railway station. Over the course of his training, he displayed exceptional zeal, physical endurance, and leadership abilities. Upon successful completion of his training, he was commissioned in 2018 as a Lieutenant in the Corps of Signals — one of the most vital arms of the Indian Army responsible for ensuring seamless communication networks in both peace and war. However, Captain Shubham’s aspirations extended beyond conventional soldiering. He was drawn to challenges that demanded extraordinary courage and endurance. Motivated by his adventurous spirit and unwavering desire to test his limits, he volunteered for the Special Forces — the most elite and demanding segment of the Indian Army. The selection process for the Special Forces is among the toughest in the world, requiring not only peak physical fitness but also exceptional mental toughness and tactical acumen. After enduring and successfully completing the gruelling probation and specialized training, he earned his place in the 9 Para (Special Forces) — one of the most renowned and battle-hardened units of the Indian Army.

The 9 Para (SF), raised in 1966, is celebrated for its expertise in Mountain Warfare, Counter-Insurgency, and Counter-Terrorism Operations. Its soldiers are known for their indomitable spirit, gallantry, and ability to operate in the most challenging terrains and hostile environments. Being part of such an elite force was a matter of immense pride for Captain Shubham Gupta. After joining 9 Para (SF), he was posted to Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has witnessed some of the most intense counter-insurgency operations in the country. As a proud commando of 9 Para (SF), Captain Shubham continued to uphold the unit’s motto of “Better to die than to be a coward”, always ready to serve with unmatched bravery and devotion to duty.

Rajouri Encounter (J&K): 22 Nov 2023

In November 2023, Captain Shubham Gupta’s unit, 9 Para (Special Forces), 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 region was known to be a volatile area with frequent militant activity, and units deployed there were required to conduct continuous counterinsurgency operations to ensure peace and security. During that period, intelligence agencies received credible information about the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the Kalakote area of Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri district. The intelligence suggested that the group included some high-value militants who were planning to carry out attacks on security forces and civilian targets. Acting swiftly on this input, the Army decided to launch a joint cordon and search operation to neutralize the threat. Accordingly, a joint operation was meticulously planned and executed on the intervening night of 21/22 November 2023, involving elements of 9 Para (SF), 2 Para (SF), 63 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. As part of the Special Forces contingent, Captain Shubham Gupta was tasked with leading his team from 9 Para (SF) alongside soldiers from the partnering units.

The joint team moved stealthily under the cover of darkness towards the designated area and successfully established a cordon around the suspected hideout. The terrain was dense and challenging, consisting of thick forest cover and steep gradients that made the operation even more demanding. As dawn broke, the troops began their search and sanitization operation, methodically closing in on the target area. However, as the search progressed, the terrorists, sensing imminent danger, opened heavy fire on the advancing troops in an attempt to break the cordon and flee. What followed was a fierce gun battle, with an intense exchange of fire from both sides. The terrorists, including their leader, had taken shelter inside a ‘dhok’ — a temporary thatched-roof mud house commonly found in the high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir — and were firing indiscriminately at the soldiers from within. Amid the chaos and heavy fire, Captain Shubham Gupta displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind. Realizing that the terrorists’ firing could endanger the lives of his comrades and possibly local civilians nearby, he made a bold decision to move out of his cover and engage the terrorists directly. His decisive action and fearless leadership inspired his men and helped the team pin down the hostile positions.

In the process, however, Captain Shubham was hit by multiple bullets during the exchange of fire. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued to direct his team and fight till he collapsed due to excessive bleeding. He was evacuated from the site but succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The encounter continued for several hours, and ultimately, the entire terrorist group, including their leader, was neutralized by the joint team. The operation, though successful, came at a heavy cost. Alongside Captain Shubham Gupta, four other brave soldiers — Captain M.V. Pranjal, Havildar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, and Paratrooper Sachin Laur — also laid down their lives in the operation, displaying exceptional valor and devotion to duty Captain Shubham Gupta, just 28 years old, exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army and the spirit of the Special Forces — fearless, selfless, and unflinching in the face of danger. For his extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" on 26 January 2024.

Capt Shubham Gupta is survived by his father, Shri Basant Kumar Gupta, mother Smt Pushpa Gupta, and younger brother Shri Rishabh Gupta.