Major Anuj Sood SC

Major Anuj Sood hailed from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, though his family later settled in Chandigarh. He was born on 17 December 1989 at the Air Force Command Hospital in Bengaluru, into a family with a proud military legacy. His father, Brigadier Chandrakant Sood, served in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), and his mother, Smt  Ragini Sood, was a strong pillar of support throughout his life. Inspired by his father, Maj Anuj nurtured the dream of joining the Indian Army from a young age. He pursued his early education at Punjab Public School (PPS), Nabha, where his discipline and leadership qualities began to shine. In 2008, he was selected to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), marking the beginning of his journey toward a life of service and sacrifice. After completing his rigorous training, Maj Anuj was commissioned into the Indian Army on 9 June 2012 from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. He was inducted into the 19 Guards Battalion, of the elite Brigade of the Guards Regiment, known for its exemplary valour and distinguished combat history.

As a young officer, Maj Anuj Sood quickly proved his mettle by mastering fieldcraft and excelling in regimental duties. He served in key roles such as Platoon Commander and Adjutant, showcasing both leadership and dedication. His competence earned him the coveted appointment of Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the General Officer Commanding of the 14 RAPID Division, a position he held with distinction for 13 months. Committed to professional growth, Maj Anuj Sood attended the Junior Command Course at the Army War College in Mhow, where he once again performed exceptionally, earning top grades for his performance. In his personal life, Maj Anuj found happiness with Ms. Akriti Singh, a software engineer from Himachal Pradesh, whom he later married. In March 2018, after several years of distinguished service with his parent unit, Maj Anuj was deputed to serve with the 21 Rashtriya Rifles (21 RR), a battalion engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. 

Handwara Operation : 02 May 2020

In 2020, Major Anuj Sood was serving with the 21 Rashtriya Rifles (21 RR), a unit deployed in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. As one of the Company Commanders of the battalion, Maj Anuj was entrusted with significant operational responsibilities in an area riddled with militant activity. The security situation in the region demanded constant vigilance, quick response capabilities, and a high state of operational readiness from all troops. On 1 May 2020, based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of hardcore militants hiding in the dense Wadarbala-Rajwara forests of Kupwara district, a large-scale joint operation was planned. The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu & Kashmir Police. The Army component of this joint task force was led by Commanding Officer Col Ashutosh Sharma and included Maj Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, and other brave soldiers of 21 RR.

The combing operation was launched in the early hours of 1 May, and the troops thoroughly searched the forested area for the hidden militants. Though physically exhausting and mentally taxing, the soldiers displayed exceptional professionalism and determination throughout the mission. The operation continued through the day and extended into the next. On 2 May 2020, as the team was returning from the Wadarbala-Rajwara forests, they received fresh intelligence about the presence of 2–4 heavily armed terrorists in the nearby hamlet of Chanjimulla. The situation was critical — the terrorists, reportedly dressed in combat uniforms, had taken shelter inside a civilian house and had held several local residents hostage. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the potential threat to innocent lives, Col Ashutosh Sharma and Maj Anuj Sood, without hesitation, led their team to the site to neutralize the threat. Upon reaching Chanjimulla, the soldiers swiftly cordoned off the area. The terrorists, who were hiding in two adjacent houses, opened fire upon being challenged by the troops, triggering a fierce and prolonged gunfight. Despite the grave risk and intense enemy fire, Maj Anuj Sood displayed exemplary leadership and composure under pressure. In the face of adversity, he led his men from the front, guiding the operation with tactical precision. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery, Maj Anuj and his team successfully evacuated several civilians from the danger zone, thereby preventing a potential hostage massacre. During the intense exchange of fire, two terrorists were eliminated by the security forces.

However, in the line of duty, Maj Anuj Sood, Col Ashutosh Sharma, Naik Rajesh Kumar, and Lance Naik Dinesh Singh sustained critical injuries. Despite a valiant fight, they succumbed to their wounds, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation. At just 30 years of age, Maj Anuj Sood laid down his life, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army — courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty. His sacrifice, along with that of his comrades, stands as a shining example of gallantry and heroism in the face of grave danger. Major Anuj Sood was posthumously awarded the gallantry award, "Shaurya Chakra", for his commendable bravery and devotion to duty.

Maj Anuj Sood is survived by his father, Brig Chandrakant Sood (Retd), wife Smt Aakriti Singh Sood, sister Smt Shruti, brother-in-law Shri Arjun, and niece Ms Meera.

The citation for ‘Shaurya Chakra’ awarded to him reads:

On 01 May 2020, upon receiving information about the presence of two terrorists in the Watsar Forest, he launched an operation to intercept them. Upon spotting the terrorists, the officer challenged them, but they fired back indiscriminately and fled. The officer restrained his own fire, thereby saving the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire. The terrorists’ location was re-established on 02 May 2020 at Chanjimula, and the officer personally deployed the close cordon around the suspected house. In an act of conspicuous bravery, he, along with the Commanding Officer and three others, entered the target house to evacuate civilian hostages. Unmindful of his personal safety, the officer relentlessly engaged and pinned down the hardcore terrorists, resulting in the successful evacuation of three civilian hostages. In an effort to rescue the remaining two hostages, he physically assaulted and injured a local terrorist, thereby saving their lives. During this gallant act, the officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds and made the supreme sacrifice.

For displaying conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary valour, and self-sacrifice, Major Anuj Sood is awarded the Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous).