Service No : 2776272M

Place of birth : Pune Dist (Mah)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Havildar

Unit : 12 Maratha LI

Arm/Regt : The Maratha Light Infantry

Operation : CI & IS Ops

Awards : Sena Medal

Martyrdom : June 15, 1996

Hav Nale Lala B SM

Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao hailed from Dorlewadi village in Pune district of Maharashtra. He completed his early schooling in his native area and grew up with strong values of discipline, dedication, and service to the nation. Motivated by a deep sense of patriotism, he chose to join the Indian Army at a young age. He was recruited into the 12th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (12 MLI), a distinguished infantry battalion of the Indian Army known for its battle-tested soldiers, strong regimental ethos, and a long record of operational achievements. The Maratha Light Infantry has earned a reputation for courage, discipline, and steadfast performance across multiple campaigns and conflicts. The Maratha Light Infantry (MLI) is among the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, with origins dating back to 1768, when it was first raised as the 103rd Maharattas. Over the centuries, the regiment has developed rich traditions and has been awarded numerous battle honours for its gallantry and service to the nation. Soldiers of the regiment are proudly and affectionately known as “Ganpats,” reflecting their cultural and martial identity. The Regimental Centre of the Maratha Light Infantry is located at Belgaum (Belagavi), Karnataka, where recruits undergo rigorous training and are imbued with the regiment’s values of courage, honour, and duty before joining their respective battalions.

 

After successfully completing his rigorous military training, he proved himself to be a committed and capable soldier. Over the years, he served in several demanding operational areas, where he gained valuable field experience and honed his combat and leadership skills. Through his sincerity, courage, and professional competence, he earned the respect of his peers and seniors alike, steadily growing into a dependable non-commissioned officer known for his soldierly qualities and sense of responsibility. On the personal front, Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao later married Ms Sunanda, who stood by him as a strong support throughout his service career.

 

Handwara Operation (J&K): 15 Jun 1996

 

During June 1996, Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao’s unit 12 MLI was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, one of the most sensitive and operationally active sectors along the Line of Control (LoC). The battalion was tasked with manning forward posts and conducting continuous surveillance to prevent infiltration by armed militants attempting to cross over from across the border. The terrain in this region—marked by dense forests, rugged mountains, and adverse weather—made operations especially challenging and demanded constant alertness and high combat readiness. During one such period of heightened activity in the Naugam sector of Handwara in Kupwara district, militants attempted to infiltrate into the AOR (Area of Responsibility) of 12 Maratha Light Infantry. Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao was serving as the Platoon Commander of the elite Ghatak Platoon of his battalion. The word “Ghatak” translates to “lethal” in Hindi, and each infantry battalion maintains such a platoon, trained and equipped for commando-style missions, raids, and special operations. The specially trained assault group of the battalion is tasked with leading high-risk combat missions. On the night of 14/15 June 1996, while on active duty, his team detected suspicious movement in the area and immediately moved to intercept the infiltrating group.

 

As the soldiers closed in, they came under heavy hostile fire, leading to a fierce and prolonged gun battle. The engagement developed into an intense firefight that continued for several hours, with the troops maintaining their positions and responding with determination and tactical skill. Despite difficult conditions and sustained enemy resistance, Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao and his comrades held their ground and successfully neutralized the militants, foiling the infiltration attempt. However, during the course of this courageous action, Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao and another brave soldier, Sepoy Padmanabha BY, sustained grievous injuries. Despite all efforts, both later succumbed to their injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and devotion to duty throughout the operation. In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the gallantry decoration “Sena Medal”. 

 

Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao is survived by his wife, Smt Sunanda.

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1 Comment

  • Santosh Arjun Tawade

    2026 at 3:54 pm Reply

    Tribute to Hav Lala Nale,SM. I still remember the day 14 June 1996. We the Ghataks of 12th battalion were part of the operation conducted in Hnadwara dist of Jammu & Kashmir. Hav Lala Nale was the platoon cdr of the Ghatak Platoon. He lay down his life and gave supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We all remember his act of bravery which proved our battalions moto “Kartawya Maan Sahas”. Jai Hind

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