Grenadier Rafiq Khan VrC

Grenadier Rafiq Khan was born on 27 December 1949 in the culturally rich city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, into a humble and proud family. He was the son of Shri Gani Khan and Smt Rukiya Banu, who instilled in him strong values of courage, patriotism, and dedication. After completing his schooling, young Rafiq Khan was inspired to serve the nation and joined the Indian Army, fulfilling his dream to contribute to India's defense and sovereignty.

He was enrolled in the 5th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, an infantry regiment renowned for its valor and a long-standing history of battlefield excellence. Known for producing gallant soldiers, the Grenadiers Regiment has played a crucial role in several key operations throughout Indian military history. It was within this prestigious unit that Gdr Rafiq Khan would go on to distinguish himself with extraordinary bravery and an unwavering commitment to duty.

Indo-Pak War : 19 Dec 1971

In November 1971, as war loomed over the subcontinent, Grenadier Rafiq Khan's battalion, the 5 Grenadiers, was deployed in the eastern sector in anticipation of conflict. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 officially concluded on 16 December 1971 with the surrender of Pakistani forces, marking the birth of Bangladesh. However, hostilities persisted in isolated pockets, requiring continued operations by Indian forces to eliminate enemy resistance. One such operation was launched on 19 December 1971, when the 5 Grenadiers battalion was tasked with capturing a strategically significant enemy post. Gdr Rafiq Khan played a pivotal role in the mission, contributing to the successful capture of the post alongside his comrades. However, scattered enemy troops continued to resist fiercely, inflicting casualties on the advancing Indian soldiers.

During the operation, Gdr Rafiq Khan identified a particularly troublesome enemy Light Machine Gun (LMG) stationed in a bunker, which was causing heavy casualties to Indian forces. Recognizing the urgency to neutralize this threat, he resolved to act with extraordinary bravery and disregard for his personal safety. Crawling towards the enemy bunker under heavy fire, Gdr Rafiq Khan lobbed a grenade that exploded near the target, wounding him severely. Despite his injuries, his determination remained unshaken. He managed to throw another grenade, successfully silencing the LMG and neutralizing the threat to his comrades. In this act of valiant sacrifice, Gdr Rafiq Khan was hit by a burst from the enemy's machine gun and sustained critical injuries. He succumbed to his wounds shortly afterward, laying down his life in the service of his nation. His gallant actions ensured the success of the mission and saved countless lives, embodying the highest ideals of courage and selflessness. Gdr Rafiq Khan was a fearless and committed soldier who laid down his life at the age of 21 years in the line of his duty.

Gdr Rafiq Khan was given the nation’s nation’s third highest gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his outstanding courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice during the operation.

The citation for the "Vir Chakra” awarded to him reads: