Service No : IC-58793Y
Date of Birth : March 18, 1977
Place of birth : B'lore Dist (Karnataka)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Major
Arm/Regt : The Regiment of Artillery
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Awards : Kirti Chakra
Martyrdom : October 2, 2007
Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay was born on 18th March 1977 in Bangalore, Karnataka. He was the son of Shri K. R. Prabhakar and Smt Jaishree Prabhakar. His early schooling began in Delhi, where he was studying in the 9th standard at the Delhi Kannada School. Later, his family relocated to Hyderabad, marking a new chapter in his educational journey. From a young age, Maj Vinay displayed a strong inclination toward a career in the armed forces. Inspired by the ideals of service and patriotism, he nurtured this dream throughout his formative years. His dedication and perseverance paid off when he successfully cleared the entrance examinations for the National Defence Academy (NDA), one of the premier military training institutions of the country. In 1994, he joined NDA as part of the 93rd Course, where his leadership abilities and military skills were further honed.
Upon completing his training at the NDA and subsequently at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1999, Maj Vinay was commissioned into the 53 Medium Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, the combat arm known for its firepower and operational readiness. Soon after his commissioning, Maj Vinay’s first major assignment placed him in the Kashmir Valley, one of the most challenging operational areas in the country. As a young Lieutenant, he got the rare opportunity to participate in the Kargil War of 1999, where he gained valuable combat experience early in his career. Over the years, Maj Vinay served with distinction in various capacities. Besides his tenure with his parent unit, 53 Medium Regiment, he also served with the 37 Medium Regiment. Later, he was deputed to 34 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counter-insurgency unit operating in Jammu and Kashmir. His role with the Rashtriya Rifles involved conducting anti-terrorist operations, often in difficult and hostile environments. By 2007, Maj Vinay had completed nearly eight years of distinguished service, acquiring substantial operational experience in both conventional and counter-insurgency roles.
On the personal front, Maj Vinay was preparing to embark on a new chapter of his life. He was slated to get married on 29th October 2007, and his family was eagerly awaiting the joyous occasion. Preparations were underway, and the family looked forward to celebrating his wedding. However, fate had other plans. Despite his imminent marriage and the joyful anticipation that surrounded it, Maj Vinay remained steadfast in his commitment to his duty. He continued to lead his men from the front in a conflict-ridden zone, putting the needs of his country above personal happiness.
Baramulla operation: 02 October 2007
In 2007, Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay was serving with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. This area, known for frequent militant activity, demanded constant vigilance and courageous leadership from its troops. On 2nd October 2007, Maj Vinay, along with his fellow officer Maj Dinesh Raghu Raman, was tasked with launching a critical counter-insurgency operation. The mission was aimed at flushing out a group of terrorists who were reported to be hiding in a village in the Baramulla sector. Intelligence inputs had confirmed the presence of militants in the Tanmarg area, a sensitive and strategically important part of the district. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Maj Vinay led his team of soldiers to the designated location in the early hours of the morning. As they cordoned off the suspected hideout and challenged the militants, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle. Demonstrating exceptional courage and tactical skill, Maj Vinay led his troops from the front, motivating them to maintain the cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping. As the operation progressed, the terrorists made multiple desperate attempts to break through the security cordon. In at least three such instances, they tried to escape by firing indiscriminately at the troops. However, Maj Vinay and his soldiers, showcasing remarkable resolve and combat readiness, successfully foiled each of these attempts, containing the militants within the cordoned area.
The gun battle turned into a prolonged engagement, continuing intermittently for over 36 hours. During the course of the operation, the troops eliminated a total of nine heavily armed terrorists, striking a significant blow to militant activities in the region. However, amidst the intense exchange of fire, Maj Vinay was hit by enemy bullets. He sustained severe gunshot wounds to his head and chest. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued to lead his men until he succumbed to his injuries. Major Vinay made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Major Vinay was known for his commitment to his duty, professional excellence, and inspirational leadership. He led from the front, displaying exemplary courage and selflessness in the face of grave danger. In recognition of his unflinching bravery, indomitable fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice, the nation honoured him with the "Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His valour remains an enduring inspiration to his comrades and the nation he served with pride.
Maj Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay is survived by his father, Shri K R Prabhakar, mother Smt Jaishree Prabhakar, and brother Shri K P Vikram.
Ashwin G Bhat
2025 at 2:56 pmProud of you sir , happy to find myself as his neighbour, seeing nameplate of his house i googled to know about him.
PRADEEP PS
2025 at 2:56 pmDear MAJOR KUMANDUR PRABHAKAR VINAY K C
We are blessed and so proud of our armed forces. The forces stand tall and protect us while we sleep peacefully. It’s the sheer will and power of the armed forces that keeps our country strong.
We should be thankful to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. We salute to your bravery! RIP SIR
Jai Hind!
PRADEEP PS
Vidya.s.mallur
2025 at 2:57 pmIn reply to Veena.
yes
Venkatesh Kumandur Ramaswamy
2025 at 2:57 pmIn reply to Veena.
A big salute you Vinay. You were so cute & intelligent boy. Hard to believe that you’re not with us now. We are proud of you and wish you could have lived for many more years. Jai Hind!
Saravan
2025 at 2:58 pmWht a journey u had.. ur a true hero.. salute to u sir..RIP
Lakshminarayan
2025 at 2:58 pmSalute to BraveHeart. Its our responsibility to make sure that your sacrifice doesn”t go vein
Veena
2025 at 2:59 pmTo us you were Vinni a chubby cute little boy who always had one question and was determined to serve the nation come what may . You are always be missed bro rest in peace
Vijay Iyer
2025 at 2:59 pmThe sincerity towards your work and passion to achieve the goals gave you the fruits some getting in such a strong rank in such a young age is not everyone’ cup of tea.
I will never forget the span of 3 years (7th till 9th) that we spent together in DKS, Delhi.
Especially, moments such us
You goalkeeper and me defender (never ran but watched others, running falling hurting etc.)
You wicketkeeper and me 1st slip (never ran but watched others, running falling hurting etc.)
Squash stood in line 1st & 2nd position stayed till the end watching other getting out every time.
The energy stored released for the country as you being leading the team, faced the enemy first protecting the rest of the team.
We will always remember you special smile that you always had in your face.