Service No : IC-55822X
Date of Birth : November 26, 1965
Place of birth : Ghazipur Dist(UP),
Service : Army
Last Rank : Colonel
Unit : 42 RR/ 2/9 GR
Arm/Regt : 9 Gorkha Rifles
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Awards : YSM, SC
Martyrdom : January 27, 2015
Colonel Munindra Nath Rai hailed from Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh and was born on 26 November 1965. He was the youngest among three brothers in a family deeply rooted in the tradition of military service. His eldest brother, Lt Col D N Rai, also served in the Gorkha Regiment, while his second brother, Y N Rai, dedicated his service to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This strong family background in uniformed services significantly influenced Col Rai’s own path of duty and sacrifice. Col Rai was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the 9 Gorkha Rifles (2/9 GR) on 5 September 1997. From the beginning of his military career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, operational acumen, and an unwavering sense of duty. Over the years, he evolved into a highly respected officer, known for his tactical brilliance and deep connection with the men under his command. In May 2013, Col Rai was deputed to the Rashtriya Rifles (RR)—India’s elite counter-insurgency force—and assumed command of the 42nd Battalion of the RR. Under his leadership, the battalion was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in the volatile areas of South Kashmir. His deep operational understanding and ability to inspire his troops made a significant impact on the ground.
By the time he took over the command of 42 RR, Col Rai had already completed more than 15 years of distinguished service. During this tenure, he led multiple successful missions to contain insurgency and neutralize militant threats in the region. His leadership was marked not just by tactical success but by courage, commitment, and exemplary professionalism. In recognition of his outstanding service and gallantry, Col M N Rai was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal on the eve of Republic Day in 2015. This prestigious award was conferred for his exceptional role in planning and executing operations, including a high-risk encounter with militants in South Kashmir in 2014.
Tral Operation: 27 Jan 2015
By January 2015, Col Rai had completed nearly one and a half years as commanding officer of 42 RR, which was responsible for counter-insurgency operations in the Tral sector in Pulwama district of J & K. Tral had been a hotbed of militancy as it provided suitable terrain for militants to operate. On 27 January 2015, upon receiving specific intelligence regarding the presence of heavily armed terrorists in Hundur, Tral (J&K), Colonel MN Rai, Commanding Officer of 42 Rashtriya Rifles, immediately swung into action. Leading from the front, he rushed to the spot with his Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and swiftly cordoned off the suspected house, ensuring that the militants were cut off from possible escape routes. During the operation, the father of one of the terrorists came out and pleaded with Col Rai to give the terrorists a chance to surrender. Always one to value human life and minimize bloodshed, Col Rai began the process of negotiations. However, in a sudden turn of events, the terrorists betrayed the trust extended to them and rushed out of the house, firing indiscriminately at close range at Col Rai and his party.
In the face of this treacherous assault and despite being grievously wounded, Col Rai displayed unparalleled courage and presence of mind. Refusing to retreat or give in to his injuries, he pressed forward in close combat and personally eliminated one dreaded Category A+ terrorist in a fierce exchange of fire. Even as his condition deteriorated, he continued to inspire and direct his men with an indomitable spirit. When the second terrorist attempted to break the cordon by firing wildly to escape, Col Rai—bleeding profusely yet unflinching—stood his ground. With extraordinary grit and leadership, he blocked the escape route, motivating his men to continue engaging the enemy. His relentless resistance and effective command enabled his team to neutralize the second terrorist as well, thereby preventing further bloodshed and safeguarding his troops. For this most conspicuous act of gallantry, leadership, and supreme sacrifice beyond the call of duty, Colonel MN Rai, Yudh Seva Medal, was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra on 15 August 2015. His valorous action remains an inspiring example of the finest traditions of the Indian Army—where the safety of the nation and fellow soldiers is placed above one’s own life.
Col M N Rai is survived by his wife Smt Priyanka, daughters Ms Alka & Ms Richa, and son Aditya. At the funeral of Col M N Rai, his daughter Alka, then 11 years old, made his Regiment and the entire nation proud by bidding her father a farewell with the Gurkha Regiment’s war cry, “Ayo Gorkhali” meaning ” The Gorkhas are here”.
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Valsan Kunnath
2023 at 12:53 pmBig Salute to Col.M N Rai YSM , the Brave Son of Bharath. “Duty beyond Death” ” Soldiers go beyond call of Duty”
You proved the patriotism in the most inspiring way to the Nation. You will never be forgotten and will always be
Saluted for your ultimate Sacrifice. Jai Hind.
Upendra Ojha
2023 at 12:55 pmSaluate to you sir.
Koushik Roy
2023 at 11:56 pmPressing the trigger is very easy, but being a true leader and a real braveheart Col. M N Rai chose otherwise, and gave peace a chance, knowing the dangers involved very well. What an absolute Hero! Salute to your ultimate sacrifice Sir. Jai Hind!
Rebecca K
2024 at 2:12 pmHeart felt respect to you, Sir…
सुखदेव सिंह
2024 at 12:44 pmआओ झुककर सलाम करे उन्हे,
जिनके हिस्से ये मुकाम आता हैं।
किस कदर खुशनसीब हैं वो लोग,
खून जिनका अपने वतन के काम आता हैं