Service No: IC 27373X
Date of Birth: 29 Jul 1951
Place of Birth: Kodagu dist (KA)
Service: Army
Last Rank : Major
Last Unit : 5 Rajput
Arm/Regt : The Rajput Regiment
Operation: Op Pawan
Date of Martyrdom : 02 Dec 1987
Maj Ranjit Muthana
Maj Ranjit Muthana hailed from Madikeri taluk of Coorg district in Karnataka. Born on 29th July 1951, Maj Muthana completed his schooling from Don Bosco, Mumbai. He nursed the idea of joining the Armed Forces since his childhood and continued to pursue his dream after completing his schooling. Subsequently, he got selected for the prestigious NDA at Pune and earned his stars as a 2nd Lieutenant on 24 Dec 1972. He was commissioned into the famed Rajput Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its fearless soldiers and numerous battle exploits. With its motto, “Sarvatra Vijay” meaning “Victory Everywhere”, the Regiment took part in all the wars since Independence and also formed part of the IPKF( 4, 5 and 25 Rajputs formed a part of IPKF in Sri Lanka).
Maj Muthana served with his battalion, 5 Rajput in Nagaland, Palampur, Suratgarh, Banbasa, and Sri Lanka. As a young Captain, he had the distinction of serving as an Instructor at NDA. Subsequently, he graduated from Defence Services Staff College at Wellington and was posted as Brigade Major of 167 Inf Bde from 1985 to 1987. Maj Muthana later got married to Geetha Aiyappa on 12 Nov 1978.
Op Pawan: 2nd Dec 1987
The IPKF launched its first operation on 9 October 1987 after formulating a multi-pronged strategy to take on LTTE. Code-named “Op Pawan”, it was expected to neutralize LTTE operational capability in and around Jaffna. This included the capture or neutralization of the LTTE’s chain of command, which was expected to leave the rebel movement directionless in the face of the impending assault on the LTTE strongholds by the IPKF. After the attack by the IPKF comprising soldiers of 13 Sikh LI, 4/5 GR, and 10 Para on Jaffna university on 12 Oct 1987, the relations with the LTTE reached the breaking point and their fighters launched a series of attacks against Indian soldiers. By Dec 1987, IPKF had wrested control of parts of Jaffna but the skirmishes were continuing in various parts. After the induction of Indian forces in Aug 1987, the militants were supposed to surrender but the dreaded LTTE backed out and unleashed war on Indian forces.
On Fateful day of 2nd Dec 1987, Maj Ranjit Muthana volunteered to undertake the convoy protection duty beyond his own area of responsibility despite fully aware of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) threats. He was the column commander of the foot column which was escorting the convey on road to Batticaloa Colombo. When they were on the way to locate a consignment of weapons in the hideout of LTTE militants, a group of heavily armed LTTE militants attacked them. Maj Muthana and his soldiers had inadvertently walked into the militants’ hideout and were facing heavy firing from all directions.
Maj Muthana quickly assessed the situation and using his field craft skills swung into action along with his soldiers. Though the militants were heavily armed and were firing from vantage points Maj Muthana was determined to repulse the attack. A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter with a heavy exchange of fire from both sides. During the gun battle, Maj Muthana got hit by a direct MMG burst which pierced through his helmet. Maj Muthana later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. In spite of being heavily outnumbered by the LTTE, Maj Muthana forced the LTTE militants to abandon their positions. Maj Muthana was a valiant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Maj Ranjit Muthana is survived by his wife Smt Geetha Muthana.
Profile Maintenance
This profile is currently being maintained by Honourpoint.in. However, we would invite the family members, unit/formation or former colleagues of this brave soldier to contribute additional information and maintain this memorial site as well, thereby assisting us in our endeavour to spread awareness about this great Indian and inspire future generations.
Contribute
- If you find any information that is incorrect or inappropriate or have additional information about the soldier that can be added to his memorial site, please contact us by using the tab given below.
Source
Contents contributed by family members.
Disclaimer
Honourpoint.intakes utmost precaution towards factual correctness of the uploaded data and makes sure that the data is from a credible source. However, we do not take responsibility for authenticity of the content and Honourpoint.inor any of its members cannot be held responsible for any misappropriation of the uploaded content.
Sudhir
2019 at 2:06 pmA very noble and brave officer who left an indelible impression on whoever got in touch with him. Always full of energy and enthusiasm he was a role model for the younger generation. A great friend and colleague who gave his life for the country and comrades. His deeds, sacrifice and valour continue to motivate the generations. Salute !!
Col Ranbir Singh
2019 at 3:02 pmI vividly remember doing Battalion Support Weapons course together at Mhow during 1975. He was such a pleasant personality, always smiling and so affectionate. He was a brave Soldier whose loss is felt till date. May his soul rest in peace. Jai Rajput.
RP Singh
2019 at 3:16 pmA braveheart who led the troops from front beyond the call of duty. He sacrificed his life protecting the troops who were beside him. A true soldier who had intuition before induction for IPKF a operation Pawan, a knee jerk action against LTTE by the Rajiv Gandhi Govt.
A NDA Adjt n Instructions who was die heart Rajput Officer, our tribute to him.
Ramesh
2019 at 9:17 amIndeed a noble soul and a true soldier who fought with grit and determination beyond the call of duty .remembered by one and all from the fraternity of Arms .may his deeds and valour motivate the younger jounirations in times to come
Nimmi
2019 at 10:30 amNice to remember a soldier as a soldier!! A dignified exemplary officer… loved by all.
My heart goes out for Geeta, a dear friend of mine.
Col Saumitra Ray ,sc (Veteran)
2019 at 10:55 amRanjit, an outstanding officer who was not only Professionally sound but also very humane. In a Command level Lec/Demo he acted as GOC of a Pak Div .His performance was appreciated. By the Army Commander. and the GOC .This event was attended by m approx 800 officers .It was in Suratgarh areain1983/84 .His untimely Martyrrdom is a big loss to the Regt .He was an Army Cdr material. Lord Krishna says ,Slain in the Battle thou Wilt will obtain Heaven. Dear Ranjit rest inPeace in Heaven. My Salute to the Brave Officer and to you Geetha a brave Lady . Saumitra
Col Saumitra Ray ,sc (Veteran)
2019 at 11:13 amAn outstanding officer who was not only Professionally sound but also very humane. His Martyrrdom was a great loss to the regiment and Indian Army .He was an Army Commander material. Lord Krishna says slain in the Battle thou wilt will obtain heaven. Ranjit Rest in peace in heaven. My Salute to you and Geetha the Brave Lady .
Colonel CM Uthaiah
2019 at 12:44 pmI personally knew Major Ranjeet Muthanna. He was a brave & outstanding Soldier from Coorg. The nation will always be indebted for the supreme sacrifice he made.
Col RP Singh
2019 at 1:23 pmA diehard Indian Army Officer who led the troops from front. Always smiling and core to given task. Maj Ranjit Muthana, from Coorg and martial community always dedicated to Nation. He was battalion first officer I came in contact on joining the Indian Army. A dedicated, spirited and good senior to guide. Once when we got lost in Jungle of NE, he guided us to negotiate from the infected insurgency area safely. During the “Op Pawan”, we were deployed side by side when LTTE simultaneously planted their ambush. Maj Ranjit was asked to go beyond the call of duty when encountering the heavy gun battle with LTTE. While leading the men from front, was martyr and saved many lives whom he led. My family and self pay our tribute to the departed braveheart, Maj Ranjit Muthana. Mrs Geetha Muthana, brave lady always stood beside him till date. we pay respect to her on her contribution to unit, family and society. She moved in her life like a dedicated soldier’s family, The Veer Nari, our salute
Colonel CM Uthaiah
2019 at 2:08 pmMajor Ranjeet was an epitome of “ An Officer & a Gentleman “ He was bravest of the brave & our nation will always be indebted for the supreme sacrifice he made. Nation is also thankful to Mrs Gita Muthana who had to face the brunt after losing her dear husband at a very young age .Likes of Ranjeet will continue to motivate youngsters of India for posterity. Jaihind