Captain Sushant C Godbole

Captain Sushant C. Godbole was born on 7 May 1977 in Pune, Maharashtra, to Shri Chandrakant Godbole. He completed his schooling at Sheth Dagduram Kataria High School, Pune, where his disciplined upbringing and keen sense of responsibility began to take shape early in life. From childhood, Captain Sushant was deeply fascinated by the life of a soldier. The values of courage, service, and patriotism inspired him, and he nurtured a steadfast dream of one day wearing the uniform of the Indian Army. Determined to turn this dream into reality, he pursued his higher education at Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, and thereafter appeared for the Combined Defence Services Examination. His perseverance and dedication bore fruit when he was selected to join the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, in October 1999 as part of the SS-70 Course. Through rigorous training and unwavering commitment, he distinguished himself as a young officer and was commissioned into the Indian Army on 2 September 2000, at the age of just 23.

He was commissioned into the 63 Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, one of the oldest and most prestigious arms of the Indian Army, guided by the proud motto “Sarvatra” — meaning “Everywhere.” After joining his field unit, Captain Sushant quickly demonstrated professional competence and a keen aptitude for military skills. He developed expertise in handling mines and other critical fieldcraft techniques, earning the respect of his seniors and the trust of his comrades.

Op Parakram: 29 Jan 2003

In 2003, during the heightened operational alert under Operation Parakram, Captain Sushant’s unit—63 Engineer Regiment—was deployed along the International Border near Jammu. At the time, the regiment was serving under the command of Colonel PGS Nair. In this tense and demanding environment, he was entrusted with critical engineering responsibilities that were vital to the unit’s operational preparedness and the safety of frontline troops. He discharged these duties with exceptional professionalism, demonstrating both technical expertise and a deep sense of commitment. Among his notable contributions was the construction of a formidable water channel—an effective anti-tank obstacle—in the forward zone of one of the most threatened sectors. This task required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution under challenging field conditions. Captain Sushant also played a key role in mine-laying operations along the border, an activity that demanded precision, discipline, and constant vigilance. During this period, he was assigned the highly hazardous task of minefield recovery. In one such operation, he successfully recovered a completely mixed minefield within a record time of just 26 days—an achievement that reflected his outstanding leadership and technical proficiency. Subsequently, on 27 January 2003, he undertook the recovery of one of the most difficult minefields located perilously close to the International Border. Over the next two days, Captain Sushant and his team, exhibiting exemplary courage and perseverance, located and neutralized 24 anti-tank mines, significantly enhancing the safety of the area.

Tragically, while continuing this dangerous assignment, Captain Sushant was engaged in the recovery of an anti-tank mine on 29 January 2003. At approximately 1245 hours, during the delicate operation, the mine detonated prematurely, causing a powerful explosion. Captain Sushant bore the full impact of the blast and was martyred in the line of duty, along with his JCO, Nb sub Ajmer Singh. Captain Sushant C. Godbole laid down his life at the young age of 26, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. A valiant soldier and a resolute officer, he exemplified courage, duty, and selfless service. His sacrifice remains a lasting inspiration and a proud testament to the spirit of the Corps of Engineers and the Indian Armed Forces.

Capt Sushant C Godbole is survived by his father, Shri Chandrakant Godbole and wife Smt Suvarna Godbole.