Hav Sheo Ram SM

Havildar Sheo Ram hailed from Tiba Basat village, located in Khetri Tehsil of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan—a region known for its strong martial traditions and generations of men who have served the nation with dedication and honour. Raised in this environment of discipline and patriotism, he developed a deep sense of duty from an early age. He joined the Indian Army in the year 2000 and went on to serve the nation with distinction for 18 years. During his long and devoted service career, Hav Sheo Ram was deployed in several challenging and operationally sensitive areas across the country, where he consistently displayed professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty.

After rendering many years of dedicated service with his parent unit, he was deputed to serve with 55 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. In this role, he operated in a high-risk environment, undertaking arduous missions aimed at maintaining security and safeguarding peace in the region. On the personal front, Hav Sheo Ram was married to Ms. Sunita Devi, and the couple was blessed with a son. 

Pulwama Operation: 18 Feb 2019

During 2018–2019, Havaldar Sheo Ram’s unit, 55 Rashtriya Rifles, was deployed in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, where it was regularly engaged in counter-insurgency operations in an area affected by persistent militant activity. Following the terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy on 14 February 2019, security forces across the region were placed on a heightened state of alert, and a large-scale operation was launched to track down and neutralise those responsible for the attack. On 17 February 2019, credible intelligence inputs were received regarding the presence of terrorists in Pinglan village, a neighbourhood of Kakpora in Pulwama district, which was identified as the home area of the suicide bomber involved in the attack. Acting swiftly on this information, 55 Rashtriya Rifles, in coordination with the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a meticulously planned search-and-destroy operation to eliminate the terrorists. The operation was launched on the night of 17 February 2019 under extremely challenging conditions. Dense fog and poor visibility severely restricted movement and observation, significantly increasing the risks for troops engaged in close-quarter combat. The target area was Pinglana village, consisting of two clusters of approximately 60 houses separated by a road running through the middle. The assault force comprised two teams — one led by Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal and the other by Major Saurabh Patni. Havildar Sheo Ram formed an integral part of Major Vibhuti’s team, playing a crucial role in the execution of the mission. A third team, under the leadership of the unit’s Second-in-Command, Lieutenant Colonel Rahul Gupta, later joined to reinforce the operation.

Major Vibhuti’s assigned cordon covered nearly 30 houses within one cluster. During the systematic search, the suspected house was identified as the second structure within his designated sector. At approximately 1130 hours, as the search commenced, terrorists concealed inside an adjacent cowshed suddenly opened heavy fire. Major Vibhuti sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the initial burst. Amid the sudden and intense engagement, Havildar Sheo Ram stood firm alongside his team commander. Fully aware of the grave danger, he continued to return fire and assist in containing the terrorists, ensuring that they remained pinned down. His steadfast presence and combat actions were vital in preventing the militants from breaking through the cordon. Despite being grievously injured, Major Vibhuti displayed exceptional composure and courage, crawling forward in the direct line of fire to close in on the cowshed and bring effective fire upon the hiding terrorists. As the terrorists attempted to flee while firing indiscriminately, the team, including Havildar Sheo Ram, continued to engage them with determination. Their resolute action led to the elimination of one terrorist, later identified as a foreign operative responsible for an earlier IED attack on security forces.

The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the Army Hospital for urgent medical treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal and three of his brave comrades — Havildar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, and Sepoy Hari Singh — succumbed to their injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Hav Sheo Ram proved himself to be a brave, resolute, and deeply committed soldier, who displayed exemplary courage and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave danger. His supreme sacrifice stands as a shining example of the highest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, unwavering commitment, and ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation, Hav Sheo Ram was posthumously awarded the gallantry award, the "Sena Medal".

Hav Sheo Ram is survived by his mother Smt Sharli Devi, wife Smt Sunita Devi, son and brother Shri Roopchand who is presently serving in  Army.