During 2010, Major Deepak Yadav, was deployed in Kabul as part of the Indian English Language Team, tasked with fostering goodwill and cooperation in the region. On the fateful morning of February 26, 2010, he faced one of the most harrowing attacks against Indian personnel abroad, showcasing unparalleled courage and selflessness. In the early hours, a well-guarded residential compound housing six Army medical officers, four paramedics, and two other Army officers came under a coordinated attack by heavily armed terrorists. The attack began with the detonation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) at the compound’s boundary wall. The massive explosion resulted in the instantaneous death of three security guards, the complete collapse of the boundary wall, and significant damage to the residential compound.
Amidst the chaos and destruction, a heavily armed terrorist breached the compound, hurling hand grenades and firing indiscriminately with a Kalashnikov rifle. The unarmed occupants, caught completely off guard, scrambled for survival as the terrorist began a room-to-room search for any survivors. In this life-threatening situation, Major Deepak Yadav along with Major Laishram Jyotin Singh rose to the challenge. Major Deepak crawling out from the debris of his room, along with his comrade Maj Jyotin Singh, demonstrated extraordinary presence of mind and resolve. Risking his own life, he rushed towards the rooms of three fellow officers on one side of the compound, directing them to take refuge in a bathroom located in the innermost corner of the guesthouse. Despite the blaze caused by grenade attacks and their own clothing catching fire, Major Yadav remained focused on ensuring the safety of his comrades.
As the terrorist continued his rampage, the situation escalated when another officer heroically engaged the assailant, resulting in the terrorist detonating his suicide vest. The explosion exacerbated the fire, leaving the hiding place engulfed in flames. Displaying unmatched bravery, Major Deepak Yadav exhorted four officers to escape the burning room. In his attempt to guide others to safety, Major Deepak Yadav and Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh became trapped in the inferno, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice. Major Deepak Yadav’s actions exemplified extraordinary courage, selflessness, and determination. In the face of a deadly terrorist attack, he prioritized the safety of his fellow officers over his own life. Major Deepak Yadav was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.
Major Deepak Yadav is survived by his wife Smt Jyoti Yadav and son Shivansh.
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