Hav Betal Singh SC

Hav Betal Singh hailed from Dewara village in Tehri district, Uttarakhand, and was deeply cherished by his parents. From a young age, he exhibited qualities of discipline, and a strong sense of duty—traits that later defined his military career. Growing up in a modest household, Hav Betal Singh was known for his sincerity and dedication. His upbringing in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand instilled in him physical endurance and mental toughness. These attributes, combined with his unwavering patriotism, fueled his ambition to join the Indian Army. After completing his school education, he was recruited into the 9 Garhwal Rifles battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, an esteemed infantry regiment renowned for its brave soldiers and a glorious history marked by numerous battle honours.

During his service, Hav Betal Singh displayed exceptional dedication, courage, and an unyielding spirit. The rigorous training he underwent as part of the 9 Garhwal Rifles further honed his skills, transforming him into a capable and dependable soldier. Known for his unwavering loyalty to his comrades and his readiness to undertake challenging assignments, Hav Betal Singh earned the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike.  After serving for few years, Hav Betal Singh got married to Ms Jumla Devi.

Operation Blue Star: 05/06 Jun 1984

In June 1984, Havildar Betal Singh Mandral was serving with the 9 Garhwal Rifles, which was deployed in the conflict-ridden region of Punjab. During this period, the unit's Area of Responsibility (AOR) was marked not only by unprovoked cross-border firing but also by escalating militancy. This volatile environment required troops to remain on high alert at all times. During the night of 5th/6th June 1984, amid Operation Blue Star, the 9 Garhwal Rifles—part of the 15 Infantry Division—was assigned a critical task: to flush out armed militants entrenched within a fortified building complex inside the Golden Temple. The operation was meticulously planned and executed in three phases: Phase I: The main assault to neutralize militants within the temple complex. Phase II: Mopping-up operations to clear remaining resistance. Phase III: Securing the surrounding hostels, asserting full control over the premises, and handing over prisoners to the appropriate authorities.

Various units were launched simultaneously from different entry points with the objective of killing or capturing militants in a coordinated assault. The mission was perilous, demanding exceptional courage and determination from every participating soldier. Among the bravehearts was Havildar Betal Singh Mandrel, a Non-Commissioned Officer known for his dedication and leadership. Despite being in a low medical category, he volunteered to take part in the operation, driven by a deep sense of duty and commitment to his comrades and country. As the assault unfolded, Hav Betal Singh's company advanced toward its designated objective. Recognizing his experience and leadership, the Company Commander tasked him with a vital role: to lead his section from the left flank and neutralize enemy resistance that was obstructing the company’s forward movement. Undeterred by the dangers ahead, Hav Betal Singh led his men with exemplary courage, playing a pivotal role in the operation.

Without hesitation and unmindful of the grave danger, Hav Betal Singh Mandrel courageously led his section down a staircase — the only entry point to the objective. As the section advanced, intense enemy fire erupted. Amid the exchange, one of his comrades was killed, and Hav Betal Singh Mandrel sustained injuries. Undeterred by his wounds, he continued to lead his men forward. With unwavering determination, he charged a terrorist machine gun post, firing his carbine with precision and successfully silencing it. Tragically, in the process, he was struck again by a burst of automatic fire and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His courageous action proved decisive in ensuring the success of his platoon's mission. Hav Betal Singh Mandrel was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” for his outstanding courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice.

Hav Betal Singh is survived by his wife Smt Jumla Devi.

The citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the night of the 5th/6th June, 1984, during operation Blue Star, 9 Garhwal Rifles was tasked to flush out the terrorists from a building complex. Havildar Betal Singh Mandral though a low medical category the Non Commissioned Officer insisted on taking part in this operation to lead his section. On reaching the objective the Company Commander ordered Havilder Betal Singh Mandral to move forward with his section from the left flank and eliminate opposition which was holding up the progress of the Company. Unmindful of the danger, Havildar Betal Singh Mandral along with his section charged down a staircase, the only entry to the objective. In the process, one of his men was killed and he himself was wounded. Unmindful of his injury, he charged on the terrorist machine gun post In the firing his carbine and successfully silenced it. process he was again hit by the burst of another automatic weapon fire and was killed on the spot. His action, however, greatly helped his platoon fulfilling its mission.

Havildar Betal Singh Mandral thus displayed conspicuous tremendous initiative, indomitable courage, determination, leadership, devotion to duty of a very high order and laid do his life in the highest traditions of the Army.