Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary SM

Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary was a courageous and devoted soldier of the Indian Army who hailed from Bibipur Chhota village in Fatehpur tehsil of Sikar district, Rajasthan. Born into a humble yet proud family, he grew up in an environment deeply rooted in the values of honour, bravery, and patriotism—hallmarks of Rajasthan’s glorious martial tradition. The tales of valiant Rajput warriors and the legacy of countless brave soldiers from his homeland instilled in him a deep sense of duty and service to the nation from a young age. Guided by an unwavering sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his motherland, Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary decided to join the Indian Army. His determination and commitment led him to be recruited into the 6th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, a unit known for its illustrious history, gallant soldiers, and battle-hardened warriors.

The Grenadiers Regiment is one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, tracing its origins to the 18th century. Over the decades, the regiment has earned a formidable reputation for unparalleled courage, discipline, and battlefield excellence. Its soldiers have played a pivotal role in numerous wars and military operations, upholding the highest traditions of valour and sacrifice. After serving for few years Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary got married to Ms Sarita Devi.

Operation Parakram: 23 Apr 2002

During the year 2002, Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary was serving with the 6 Grenadiers Battalion of the Indian Army. At the time, his unit was deployed in Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of the ongoing Operation Parakram—a large-scale military mobilization initiated in response to heightened cross-border tensions and insurgency. Given the prevalence of militant activity in the region, the battalion was frequently engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations to neutralize threats and maintain security. On 23 April 2002, intelligence sources provided critical information regarding the presence of armed terrorists in a village within the unit's Area of Responsibility (AOR) in Rajouri district. Given the seriousness of the threat, it was decided to launch a search and destroy operation to neutralize the militants. A specialized team was assembled for this high-risk mission, and Grenadier Bhanwar Singh was among those selected to take part in the operation.

In the early hours of the morning, Grenadier Bhanwar Singh and his comrades moved stealthily to the target location and executed a tactical cordon around the suspected hideout. The aim was to prevent the terrorists from escaping and systematically flush them out. As the team advanced, they spotted suspicious movement and soon established contact with the terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight. Amidst the heavy exchange of gunfire, one of the terrorists attempted to flee, taking advantage of a gap in the security perimeter. Grenadier Bhanwar Singh, showing remarkable presence of mind and determination, immediately chased the fleeing terrorist through a nearby field, refusing to let him escape. During the intense close-quarters battle, Grenadier Bhanwar Singh, alongside his brave comrade Grenadier Mukh Ram, engaged the terrorist in a direct confrontation. Displaying extraordinary courage and combat skills, the two soldiers eliminated the terrorist, preventing him from regrouping with other insurgents or causing further harm.

However, in the course of the firefight, both Grenadier Bhanwar Singh and Grenadier and Mukh Ram Budania  sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, they fought valiantly till their last breath, ensuring the mission was a success. Unfortunately, due to the severity of their wounds, they succumbed to their injuries and made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation. Grenadier Bhanwar Singh Chaudhary was a dedicated and fearless warrior, whose selfless sacrifice remains an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and the nation. Recognizing his extraordinary valour, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious "Sena Medal".