Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu was born on 13 February 1983 in the Suryapet district of present-day Telangana. He was the son of Shri Bikumalla Upender Babu and Smt Manjula, a homemaker. From an early age, he displayed discipline, determination, and a strong sense of duty—qualities that would define his military career. He completed his schooling at Sainik School Korukonda in Vizianagaram district, where his inclination towards the Armed Forces took firm root. As the years progressed, his resolve to serve the nation strengthened, culminating in his selection to the National Defence Academy on 27 December 2000. After graduating from the NDA, as part of the 105th Course, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant on 10 December 2004, at the age of 22. Colonel Santosh Babu was commissioned into 16 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, a regiment renowned for its valour and rich battle history. His first posting was in Jammu, where, as a young officer, he quickly distinguished himself as a committed soldier with excellent fieldcraft and leadership skills. Though a tough and resolute officer in operations, he was equally known for his warmth, approachability, and genuine concern for his men—traits that earned him deep respect and affection from peers and subordinates alike.
He progressed steadily through the ranks, distinguished by professionalism, operational competence, and exemplary leadership at every stage of his career. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on 10 December 2006, followed by his promotion to Major on 10 December 2010. Recognising his potential for higher command and staff responsibilities, he was selected to attend the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, an institution that prepares officers for senior leadership roles in the Armed Forces. Alongside his professional advancement, Colonel Babu also built a fulfilling personal life. In 2009, he married Ms Santoshi, who remained a steadfast pillar of support throughout his demanding military career. The couple was blessed with two children—a daughter, Abhigna, and a son, Anirudh Teja.
Colonel Babu gained valuable international operational experience during his tenure with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), deployed amid the ongoing Kivu conflict. During a major joint operation involving Congolese and South African forces against the Nduma Defence of Congo (NDC) rebel group, his unit was caught in intense crossfire. Through calm leadership and decisive action, Colonel Babu played a crucial role in preventing the rebels from inflicting casualties on the joint force. During his posting in the Congo, he was also widely remembered for his kindness and generosity towards the local population, often extending help to civilians by assisting with medical and humanitarian needs. On 10 December 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He subsequently served as a Divisional Officer and as an Instructor Class ‘B’ at the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he contributed significantly to the training and mentoring of future officers. Thereafter, he was appointed General Staff Officer Grade I (GSO-I) at the headquarters of 35 Infantry Brigade, a key operational staff role. In 2019, Colonel Babu was once again posted to Jammu and Kashmir, a region marked by demanding operational and leadership challenges. On 2 December 2019, he assumed command of the 16th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (16 Bihar). In recognition of his distinguished service and leadership, he was promoted to the rank of full Colonel in February 2020.
Operation Snow Leopard (Battle of Galwan): 15 June 2020
From April 2020, India observed a steady buildup of Chinese troops and armaments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. By early May, Chinese forces attempted to obstruct India’s traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley, triggering face-offs. Similar transgression attempts followed at Kongka La, Gogra, and the North Bank of Pangong Lake. These moves were promptly detected and countered by Indian forces, while India conveyed through diplomatic and military channels that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo was unacceptable. Amid escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, Senior Commanders of India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed upon a mutual disengagement process based on reciprocal actions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from any activity that could unilaterally alter the status quo. However, in blatant violation of this understanding, the Chinese side instigated a violent confrontation on the night of 15 June 2020 in the Galwan Valley.
During this critical period, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Battalion, was deployed in the Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh, as part of Operation Snow Leopard, which had been launched after China refused to restore the status quo ante. Colonel Babu was tasked with the establishment of an Observation Post directly facing the adversary, a mission of high operational risk under tense and volatile conditions. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Colonel Babu meticulously organised his column, briefed his troops clearly on the evolving situation, and executed the task with precision and resolve. While holding the position, his column was confronted by a large and aggressive Chinese force, which launched a coordinated attack using lethal and sharp-edged weapons, accompanied by heavy stone pelting from dominating heights. Undeterred by the sudden escalation and the overwhelming numerical strength of the enemy, Colonel Babu exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army by placing mission and men above personal safety. Despite sustaining grievous injuries early in the confrontation, he continued to lead from the front, maintaining firm command and control under the most hostile conditions. His calm resolve and fearless presence inspired his soldiers to resist repeated enemy attempts to dislodge Indian troops from their position.
The tensions escalated rapidly when a Chinese soldier allegedly pushed Colonel Santosh Babu during a face-to-face engagement between the opposing troops. The situation quickly deteriorated, triggering a violent hand-to-hand clash. As reinforcements arrived, the intensity of the fighting increased. Chinese troops returned carrying improvised weapons such as iron rods, stones, and barbed wire-wrapped sticks, turning the encounter into a brutal close-quarters battle. The clash took place at night under extreme conditions — at an altitude of about 14,000 feet, over steep and treacherous terrain, and in near darkness. Colonel Santosh Babu led his troops from the front, personally directing and motivating them as the fighting intensified. At approximately 9 p.m., he was struck on the head by a heavy stone during the melee and fell into the freezing waters of the Galwan River below. Despite the loss of their commanding officer in the midst of the struggle, his soldiers did not withdraw. Instead, they continued to fight with renewed determination, and the confrontation carried on for several more hours, reportedly lasting until around midnight. India lost twenty soldiers in the clash. Some succumbed to severe combat injuries, while others died from hypothermia after falling into the icy river and being exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Colonel Santosh Babu was among the fallen. His body was recovered the following day, on 17 June.
Throughout the fierce skirmish, Colonel Babu valiantly resisted the enemy until his last breath, motivating the soldiers under his command to hold their ground against relentless assaults. His leadership ensured that the Indian troops remained steadfast, denying the adversary their objective. In this gallant action, Colonel Santosh Babu and 19 other brave soldiers laid down their lives, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Their resolute stand not only upheld India’s territorial integrity but also inflicted high costs, including casualties, on the Chinese side. Besides Colonel Santosh Babu, the other fallen heroes included: Nb Sub Nanduram Soren, Nb Sub Satnam Singh, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Hav Bipul Roy, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav K Palani, Naik Deepak Singh, Sep Ganesh Hansda, Sep Chandan Kumar, Sep Chandrakanta Pradhan, Sep Aman Kumar, Sep Kundan Kumar, Sep Rajesh Orang, Sep Ganesh Ram, Sep K.K. Ojha, Sep Jay Kishor Singh, Sep Gurtej Singh, Sep Ankush, and Sep Gurbinder Singh. For his conspicuous gallantry, exemplary leadership, astute professionalism, and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, by the President of India.
Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu is survived by his father, Shri Bikumalla Upender Babu, mother Smt Bikumalla Manjula, wife Smt Bikumalla Santoshi, daughter Ms Bikumalla Abhigna and son Master Bikumalla Anirudh Teja.
Valsan Kunnath
2025 at 11:49 amBig Salute Col Santosh Babu , The Brave Son of Bharath
A Gallant Solider who displayed immense Bravery in the face of Great Odds, You will always be Saluted for your ultimate Sacrifice.
Nation First, No Compromise.
Indian Flag will always Fly High………
Jai Hind, Vande Matharam.
Sincere and Heartfelt Condolences to your Brave Family.
Abhinav Singh
2025 at 11:50 amThank you for your ultimate sacrifice, sir. A grateful nation will be forever indebted.