Lance Naik M Pandu Raju

Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju hailed from Chejerla village of Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. He began his distinguished journey of serving the nation by joining the Indian Army after completing his education. He was recruited into the esteemed Madras Engineer Group (MEG), famously known as the Madras Sappers, one of the oldest and most decorated regiments of the Corps of Engineers. This critical arm of the Indian Army is known for its expertise in combat support, contributing significantly to operations ranging from construction and demolitions to bridging and field fortifications.

The Madras Sappers, headquartered in Bangalore, hold a storied legacy as the oldest among the three groups of the Corps of Engineers. The regiment is celebrated for its exceptional skill, versatility, and commitment to excellence, embodying the motto "Sarvatra" (Everywhere). Soldiers of the regiment are renowned for their adaptability and resilience, traits essential for the demanding roles they undertake. Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju, like his fellow Sappers, underwent rigorous training to hone his technical and operational expertise. His commitment to duty, discipline, and skill marked him as an invaluable member of his unit.

Op Pawan: 18 Jan 1989

In January 1989, Lance Naik M. Pandu Rangaraju was serving with the 417 (Independent) Field Company of the Madras Engineer Group (MEG), deployed in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF). The deployment was pursuant to the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987, which sought to disarm various militant groups and restore peace in the conflict-ridden island nation. However, the operation took a challenging turn as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a dreaded militant group known for its guerrilla tactics, refused to disarm and launched attacks against the IPKF. In response, the IPKF initiated Operation Pawan, aimed at neutralizing the LTTE’s operational capabilities and dismantling its strongholds, particularly in and around Jaffna. The objective was to cripple the rebel movement and pave the way for peace. Initially, only the 54th Division of the Indian Army was deployed, but as hostilities escalated, three additional divisions—the 3rd, 4th, and 57th Divisions—were inducted to strengthen the mission. By January 1989, the IPKF had conducted numerous operations against the LTTE, but the conflict remained intense and far from resolution. Intelligence reports suggested LTTE militant activity in a jungle near a lagoon, prompting a critical search-and-destroy mission on 18th January 1989.

Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju, under the command of 2nd Lt Amardeep Singh Bedi, was tasked with a search operation to locate and neutralize suspected LTTE militants. While patrolling the jungle adjacent to a lagoon, 2nd Lt Amardeep spotted a group of militants attempting to cross the lagoon, approximately 700 meters away. Acting decisively, he maneuvered his boat to intercept them and engaged the militants. The team succeeded in killing one militant and likely injuring or eliminating three others, preventing their escape. As the team moved through a narrow channel, another group of 10 to 15 militants, lying in wait to cross the lagoon, launched a heavy and sudden attack. The militants opened fire with a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and other weapons from a range of just 70 meters. A fierce gun battle ensued. Despite the intense enemy fire, Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju, 2nd Lt Amardeep, and Naik Chandran TR fought valiantly. Tragically, all three were hit by bullets during the engagement. Despite their injuries, they continued resisting until they succumbed to their wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Alongside his comrades, 2nd Lt Amardeep Singh Bedi and Naik Chandran TR, Lance Naik M Pandu Rangaraju made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the mission of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF). Their heroic efforts under hostile conditions ensured the safety and success of their team, leaving a legacy of remarkable bravery and service.