Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand

Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand hailed from Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh, a region known for producing many valiant soldiers for the Indian armed forces. He was born into a family with a proud tradition of military service—his father, Havildar Vishan Das (Retd), was himself an army veteran. Growing up under the influence of such a disciplined and patriotic household, young L/Dfr Baldev Chand developed an admiration for the armed forces early in life. Inspired by his father’s service and values of duty and honour, he nurtured a steadfast ambition to wear the army uniform and serve the nation. After completing his formal education, he turned his childhood dream into reality when he got selected to join the Army. He was recruited into 58 Armoured Regiment of the Armoured Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier combat arms. Known for operating formidable tanks and heavy weaponry, the Armoured Corps demanded exceptional skill, endurance, and discipline. 

Over the years, he proved himself as a highly capable and committed soldier. Seeking to apply his skills in operationally active areas, he was later deputed to the 4th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (4 RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force tasked with maintaining peace and security in Jammu & Kashmir. By 2025, after years of challenging assignments and operational experience, he had been promoted to the rank of Lance Dafadar—equivalent to Havildar—an acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication, and proven operational expertise. 

Doda Operation (J&K): 19/20 Sep 2025

In September 2025, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand was serving with the 4th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (4 RR), deployed in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir—a region where militant activity posed a persistent threat to peace and stability. Operating in this volatile environment demanded not only technical proficiency but also unwavering composure under pressure. Units like 4 RR were frequently tasked with independent counter-insurgency operations as well as coordinated missions alongside other security forces. The battalion functioned under the overall operational control of XV Corps, widely known as the Chinar Corps, headquartered in Srinagar. Responsible for overseeing all military operations across the Kashmir Valley, XV Corps carried the immense responsibility of safeguarding the region’s security amidst hostile terrain and constant militant threats. Life for the soldiers of 4 RR in their Area of Responsibility (AOR) was one of unrelenting vigilance. Every patrol, search, or mission carried the looming danger of ambushes, infiltration attempts, and sudden firefights.

On 19 September 2025, credible intelligence revealed the presence of a group of militants hiding within the dense Seoj Dhar forest, which spans the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur and extends toward the Bhaderwah region of Doda district. Acting swiftly, security forces planned a carefully coordinated joint operation to apprehend or neutralize the infiltrators. Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, known for his professionalism and courage, was chosen as part of the 4 RR assault team that would spearhead the mission. Their team was integrated with the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and together they were tasked with establishing a cordon to trap the militants in the difficult forested terrain.

Moving under the cover of darkness, L/Dfr Baldev Chand and his comrades reached the designated area and, by dawn, had successfully executed the cordon with precision and discipline. Reinforcements were soon dispatched, including drones and sniffer dogs from Udhampur and Doda, to locate and isolate the hiding militants. As the net tightened, the trapped terrorists, realizing escape was impossible, opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces. Without hesitation, the assault team returned fire, and a fierce gun battle ensued in the thick forest. In the intense exchange, three heavily armed and dangerous militants were eliminated, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist network in the area. Amidst the chaos of gunfire and the threat of injury, L/Dfr Baldev Chand was struck and critically wounded. Despite his grievous injuries, he displayed extraordinary bravery—continuing to guide his fellow soldiers, ensuring the cordon was maintained and the operation’s objectives were achieved. L/Dfr Baldev Chand was immediately evacuated to a military hospital in Udhampur for urgent medical attention. However, despite the best efforts of the attending doctors and medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries on 20 September 2025. His sacrifice not only upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army but also significantly contributed to safeguarding the region from further militant violence.

Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand is survived by his father Havildar Vishan Das (Retd), wife and a son.