Lt Col Vinay Rao Chauhan SC

Lt Colonel Vinay Rao Chauhan hailed from Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh. From a young age, he exhibited a deep sense of patriotism and an unwavering determination to serve in the Armed Forces. Inspired by the values of courage, discipline, and national service, he pursued his goal with dedication and was eventually commissioned into the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Gorkha Rifles (2/1 GR), a prestigious unit of the 1 Gorkha Rifles Regiment, known for its formidable warriors and a legacy of battlefield valour. The regiment, with its history of bravery and numerous battle honours, was an ideal platform for an officer of his caliber to hone his leadership and tactical skills. His early years in the battalion saw him undergoing rigorous training and actively participating in various operational deployments, where he demonstrated remarkable strategic acumen and resilience in challenging situations.

As a young officer, he quickly adapted to the high standards of the Gorkha Rifles, mastering fieldcraft, counter-insurgency tactics, and leadership in demanding environments. His ability to lead from the front, his rapport with the troops, and his keen understanding of ground realities made him a distinguished officer in his unit. After serving with 2/1 GR for several years, his expertise and combat experience led to his deputation to the 15th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (15 RR). The Rashtriya Rifles (RR) is an elite counter-insurgency force of the Indian Army, primarily tasked with conducting operations in insurgency-affected areas. His assignment with 15 RR placed him at the forefront of counter-terrorism operations, where he operated in high-risk environments, leading his troops with exceptional courage and strategic precision. Throughout his career, Lt Colonel Vinay Rao Chauhan remained committed to his duty, displaying unwavering dedication, tactical brilliance, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation. 

Bandipora Operation (J&K) : 30 June 2006

In June 2006, Lt Colonel Vinay Rao Chauhan was serving with the 15th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (15 RR), a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir. Given the volatile security situation in the region, the troops of 15 RR were frequently involved in search-and-destroy missions to neutralize terrorist threats. Lt Col Chauhan, known for his exceptional leadership and operational acumen, was commanding Delta Company of the battalion. On 30 June 2006, intelligence sources provided credible inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists in Bandipora, a strategically sensitive area within Baramulla district. The militants were suspected to be holed up in a three-storey building that housed a shopping complex, making the situation particularly challenging due to the presence of civilians in the vicinity. Considering the gravity of the situation, a search-and-destroy operation was planned under the command of Lt Col Vinay Rao Chauhan.

Leading from the front, Lt Col Chauhan, along with his Quick Reaction Team (QRT), swiftly reached the location and took control of the area. He meticulously cordoned off the building to prevent the militants from escaping and initiated a thorough search operation. With a keen understanding of urban warfare tactics, he personally led his team through each floor of the building, inspecting various rooms and securing potential hiding spots to ensure the safety of his troops and civilians. While moving across a lobby during the operation, Lt Col Chauhan suddenly came under attack from a militant who had been hiding inside. In a split second, the militant lunged at him, engaging in close combat. Displaying exceptional reflexes and combat skills, Lt Col Chauhan fought the attacker bare-handed, preventing him from causing harm to his fellow soldiers. Despite being unarmed at that moment, he bravely engaged the militant in a fierce struggle. During the altercation, Lt Col Chauhan sustained a severe injury, causing profuse bleeding.

Despite his injuries, he continued to resist, buying crucial time for his team to neutralize the threat. However, due to excessive blood loss, he soon lost consciousness. His troops rushed to his aid, but tragically, Lt Col Vinay Rao Chauhan succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In recognition of his valour, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious "Shaurya Chakra" on 26 January 2007. 

Lt Colonel Vinay Rao Chauhan is survived by his wife Smt Rameshwari Chauhan.