Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar SC

Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar was born on August 1, 1963, in Sogar village, Kumher tehsil, Bharatpur district, Rajasthan. He was the eldest son of Shri Deshraj Singh and Smt Vimla Devi, with a younger brother, Dinesh Singh. From a young age, he displayed a deep sense of patriotism and duty, which fueled his ambition to serve in the armed forces. His academic brilliance was evident early on, and he pursued his education with determination and diligence. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Maharani Shri Jaya College, Bharatpur, in 1984 and further advanced his studies with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) from Rajasthan University in 1991. His strong commitment to education led him to join the Army Education Corps, where he contributed to enhancing the intellectual and operational readiness of the Indian Army. 

On July 9, 1989, he married Ms. Rajni Singh, and together they built a loving family. Their son, Samrat Singh, was born on May 26, 1988, followed by two daughters—Sweta Singh, born on June 30, 1993, and Sandhya Singh, born on January 23, 1996. His family was the bedrock of his life, providing him with unwavering strength and inspiration as he pursued his commitment to serving the nation. Motivated by his aspiration to lead in the Army, he was selected for the officer cadre and joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. After undergoing intensive training, he was commissioned on July 14, 1999, into the 5 Mahar Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, renowned for its courageous soldiers and illustrious battle honors. Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar’s military career exemplified steadfast dedication, discipline, and a deep sense of duty. His remarkable journey from a Havildar in the Army Education Corps to a commissioned officer stands as a lasting testament to perseverance, commitment, and service to the nation.

Baramulla Operation (J&K) : 18 June 2001

During 2001, Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar's unit 5 Mahar was deployed as part of "Operation Rakshak" in the Valopan base area of Lachhipura, in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, a region characterized by its harsh, rugged terrain and challenging conditions. Despite the inhospitable environment, Lt Mahesh Kumar carried out his duties with unwavering dedication and resolve. On June 18, 2001, his company launched a high-stakes operation to flush out terrorists in the Tek Pathari area. Around 1930 hours, the group led by Lt Mahesh Kumar came under heavy and effective fire from a concealed terrorist hideout. Demonstrating commendable leadership and composure, he quickly rallied his team to launch a daring physical assault on the enemy position. Caught off guard by this swift and decisive action, the terrorists attempted to flee.

In the ensuing combat, Lt Mahesh Kumar personally eliminated one terrorist. Undeterred by the perilous situation, he continued the assault, leading his team with exemplary courage. During the pursuit, he sustained a gunshot wound to his left thigh. Despite severe bleeding, Lt Mahesh Kumar refused to be deterred, urging his men to press forward. His indomitable spirit enabled him to neutralize another terrorist before the severity of his injury rendered him immobile. Inspired by their leader's valour and selflessness, his team launched a fierce counter-assault and successfully captured the terrorist hideout. Amidst the chaos of the ongoing operation, the Company Commander was also gravely wounded, sustaining abdominal bullet injuries. Even in his wounded state, Lt Mahesh Kumar exhibited extraordinary camaraderie and courage by prioritizing the evacuation of his Company Commander over his own medical needs. This act of selflessness led to excessive blood loss, and despite his unmatched bravery, Lt Mahesh Kumar ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar's actions exemplified an indomitable spirit, unyielding courage, and a profound sense of duty that went far beyond the call of duty. Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar was awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for his gallantry, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar is survived by his wife Smt Rajni Singh, son Shri Samrat Singh, daughters Ms Sweta Singh and Ms Sandhya Singh.

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

Lieutenant Mahesh Kuwar was deployed in the area of Valopan base, in Lachhipura in district Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir in a most inhospitable and rugged terrain. On 18 June 2001, his company launched an operation to flush out terrorists in generai area Tek Pathari. At about 1930 hours the group led by Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar come under effective fire from the terrorist hideout. Undaunted Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar and his group reacted immediately by launching a physical assault on the terrorist hideout. Totally surprised, the terrorists tried to escape.

Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar personally killed one terrorist, but in further pursuit of his assault received a bullet injury on his Left thigh. Despite bleeding profusely, he continued to lead the assault, exhorting his men to follow him. He managed to kill one more terrorist before the wound incapacitated him. Motivated by their officer's personal example his group launched a fierce assault and captured the terrorist hideout. While this action was in progress, the Company Commander was also wounded receiving bullet injuries in the abdomen. Once again wounder Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar showed courage beyond the call of duty and refused to be evacuated till such time his company commander was evacuated. This delay led to exclusive bleeding and Lieutenant Mahesh Kumar ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Leutenant Mahesh Kumar displayed indomitable spirit, dauntless courage and camaraderie far beyond the normal call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice