Service No : SS-35119H

Date of Birth : January 2, 1968

Place of birth : Delhi

Service : Army

Last Rank : Lieutenant

Arm/Regt : Army Service Corps

Operation : Op Rakshak

Awards : Sena Medal

Martyrdom : August 2, 1992

Lt Sanjeev Jain SM

Lieutenant Sanjeev Jain was born on January 2, 1968, in Delhi, into a family with a proud legacy of military and civil service. His upbringing was defined by the principles of discipline, patriotism, and dedication to the nation—values that had been steadfastly upheld by generations before him. His father, Lieutenant Colonel S.C. Jain (Retd), served the Indian Army with distinction, earning respect and accolades for his service. From his maternal side, Lt Sanjeev Jain inherited a rich heritage of leadership and service; his great-grandfather was Rai Bahadur Major-General Dewan Bishan Das, C.I.E., who served as the Revenue Minister in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. His grandfather, too, contributed to the nation's security through his role in civil defence. Growing up immersed in such an illustrious lineage, Lt Sanjeev was deeply inspired by the valour, commitment, and selflessness demonstrated by his forebears. The stories of bravery and discipline, told within the family, had a profound impact on his formative years. These influences nurtured within him a natural inclination toward a life of service and instilled a sense of duty to the nation. Watching his father’s distinguished military career further solidified his desire to follow in those noble footsteps.

 

Lt Sanjeev Jain’s unwavering dedication to his goal led him to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, one of the most esteemed institutions for training future officers of the Indian Army. At OTA, Lt Sanjeev underwent intense military training that tested his physical and mental endurance while fostering his leadership qualities. On March 7, 1992, at the age of 24, he passed out as a proud 2nd Lieutenant, ready to carry forward his family’s legacy. He was commissioned into the Army Service Corps (ASC), a crucial corps of the Indian Army that ensures the seamless logistics and supply chain operations essential for military effectiveness. The ASC’s motto, “Seva Asmakam Dharmaha” (Service is Our Creed), resonated deeply with Lt Sanjeev’s commitment to serving his nation. Following his commissioning, Lt Sanjeev was attached to the 7 Dogra Battalion for his first assignment. This attachment provided him with an opportunity to gain operational experience on the ground. At the time, 7 Dogra was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, a region rife with insurgency and security challenges. The battalion was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations, a critical and demanding task that required immense courage, tactical acumen, and quick decision-making.

 

As a young officer, Lt Sanjeev immersed himself in the battalion’s activities, learning the intricacies of counter-insurgency warfare while adapting to the harsh terrain and volatile environment of the region. Despite being a logistics officer by commission, his time with 7 Dogra allowed him to contribute directly to frontline operations, further honing his leadership skills and deepening his understanding of operational challenges. Lt Sanjeev Jain embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice passed down through generations in his family. 

 

Op Rakshak: 01-02 Aug 1992

 

In 1992, as the state of Jammu and Kashmir grappled with a dramatic rise in militancy, the Indian Army undertook critical counter-insurgency operations to restore peace and security. Among the units actively engaged in these high-stakes missions was the 7 Dogra Regiment, stationed in the volatile region. These operations required not just courage but also precision and tact, particularly when confronting insurgents in areas of cultural and religious importance. On the night of August 1, 1992, the unit received credible intelligence regarding the presence of heavily armed insurgents at the Baba Rishi shrine complex. This revered site, known for its religious significance and as a popular tourist destination, presented unique challenges for the operation. Ensuring the safety of the shrine and minimizing any collateral damage were of utmost priority. Consequently, a strategic decision was made to carry out a search-and-secure mission, and Lieutenant Sanjeev Jain was at the forefront of this critical operation.

 

Lt Sanjeev and his platoon reached the Baba Rishi complex according to plan and swiftly cordoned off the suspected area. The environment was tense, the night shrouded in uncertainty. As the troops advanced cautiously, the insurgents opened fire, triggering an intense and ferocious gun battle. The situation escalated rapidly, and amid the chaos, Lt Sanjeev noticed the insurgents attempting to escape the cordon. Demonstrating exceptional bravery and quick thinking, he took decisive action and pursued them relentlessly, determined to prevent their escape. In the course of the chase, Lt Sanjeev was struck by enemy bullets, sustaining grievous injuries. Despite his wounds, his indomitable spirit and commitment to the mission compelled him to continue firing until he physically could no longer proceed. He eventually collapsed from his injuries, his determination undeterred even in the face of mortal danger.

 

Lt Sanjeev was quickly evacuated to the Base Hospital in Srinagar, where medical personnel made every possible effort to save him. Tragically, their efforts were in vain, and he succumbed to his injuries at 0515 hours on August 2, 1992.  As fate would have it, his heroic sacrifice took place near Gulmarg, a region that held deep personal significance, as it was land once gifted by the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir to his great-grandfather, Rai Bahadur Major-General Dewan Bishan Das. Lt Sanjeev Jain’s courage, leadership, and unwavering resolve in the line of duty were a testament to the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He placed the mission and the safety of his comrades above his own life. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and supreme sacrifice, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the prestigious Sena Medal. Though Lt Sanjeev Jain’s service in the Army was brief, his legacy of valour and dedication continues to inspire generations. His life encapsulated the core ethos of the Indian Army: to serve with honour, fight with courage, and, if required, sacrifice with dignity. 

 

Lt Sanjeev Jain is survived by his mother, Smt Joohi Jain, his brother, Shri Sharad Jain, and his sister, Smt Sonika. For over three decades, his family has devotedly preserved his memory, honouring his legacy with love and dedication. 

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22 Comments

  • Ranjan Chaudhary

    2024 at 12:22 pm Reply

    I was serving in 7DOGRA along with Sanjeev and remember the operation vividly. He had been been directed to Baba Rishi straight from a road opening and wasn’t wearing any cold clothing. I had a jersey and a jacket. He chose my jersey leaving the jacket for me and actually died wearing that. I remember the massive exchange of fire that took place. It was a full scale war for hours together never seen or heard before. Sanjeev had asked his Sr JCO and radio operator to take cover and had chased the militants himself. Rest is history.

  • Sharad Jain

    2024 at 12:23 pm Reply

    FIT FOR HEROES – Today we remember

    2/Lt. Sanjeev Jain, (2.1.1968 – 2.8.1992), S/o Lt. Col. S C Jain was commissioned into ASC on 7.3.1992. During his attachment with 7 Dogras, on 1.8.1992, he challenged the subversives in the area of Baba Rishi Complex during OP Rakshak. Though, hit by their bullets he relentlessly chased the subversives till he fell down.

    By his supreme sacrifice, Sanjeev not only saved the lives of his comrades but showed highest devotion to duty and love for his country.

    As destined, Sanjeev’s end came in the area of Baba Rishi, the land which was gifted to his grand father, late Maj Gen Rai Bahadur, Bishan Das, KCSI, OBE by the Late Maharaja of J&K, who later became the Prime Minister of Maharaja Pratap Singh.

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