Colonel RS Chauhan SM

Colonel Rajinder Singh Chauhan was born on 09 Apr 1956 and hailed from Shahpur village near Dharamsala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He completed his schooling from the Sherwood School at Nainital and later got selected to join the prestigious NDA at Khadakwasla. In 1978, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into 17 Guards battalion of the Brigade of Guards, an infantry Regiment well known for its intrepid soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

After serving for few years, he got married to Ms Hemlata and the couple had a son Jaivijay. He soon evolved into a tough soldier and a fine officer who believed in leading from the front. He served in various operational areas and kept getting promoted to take on higher responsibilities. As a Colonel he was deputed to serve with 21 RR battalion as its commanding officer. By Aug 2000, he had been the Commanding Officer of 21 RR for nearly two and a half years and had taken part in a number of counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir valley. In the early 2000, Col RS Chauhan had been awarded with the ‘Sena Medal” for his meritorious service.

Rajwar Sector-IED Blast : 21 Aug 2000

During Aug 2000, Col RS Chauhan was serving as Commanding Officer of 21 RR battalion deployed in Kupwara district of J&K. As the AOR(Area of Responsibility) of the battalion was infested with terrorists, the troops had to undertake operations against the terrorists on a regular basis. By Aug 2000, Col RS Chauhan had completed nearly two and half years as CO of the battalion and gathered substantial experience in counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations. 21 RR Bn was functioning under the operational control of Sector-7 and Brig BS Shergill had taken over as Commander, 7 Sector on August 18.  As part of his familiarization tour, Brig Shergill planned a visit to 21 RR battalion HQ on 21 Aug 2000.  As planned Brig Shergill along with the CO of the battalion, Col RS Chauhan set off for the HQ in the afternoon after having detailed operational briefing.

This visit by high ranking officer was probably known to the militants and as a result an insidious plan was hatched by them. The militants detonated the remote-controlled IED planted on the road at Warpora village, 12 kms from Handwara town at 3.30 pm, when Brig Shergill was being driven around by Col RS Chauhan on the ”area familiarization tour”. When their vehicle neared Jachal Dor, near the RR battalion headquarters, the IED exploded, with a devastating effect. Col RS Chauhan and Brig BS Shergill bore the brunt of the attack and did not get time to take any retaliatory action. Brig BS Shergill and Col RS Chauhan succumbed to their injuries and were martyred.

Col RS Chauhan was a committed soldier and an officer par excellence, who was known for his exemplary leadership qualities. Col RS Chauhan laid down his life in the line of his duty following the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He is survived by his wife Smt Hemlata Chauhan and son Jaivijay Singh.

Tribute by CO 21 RR: 

The “Twenty First Triple Centurions” take this opportunity to remember Colonel RS Chauhan, SM, our 3rd Commanding Officer who laid down his life combating terrorists in Rajwar sector of Kupwara District in J & K on 21 Aug 2000. His enigmatic personality, inspirational leadership & “Follow Me” outlook endeared him as a Soldier & a Gentleman. His memory will forever motivate future generations of the Battalion towards greater glory.

Col Gagandeep Singh and all Ranks

21 Rashtriya Rifles (GUARDS)