Major Puneet Karol SM

Major Puneet Karol was born on 8 July 1976 in Kotla Nullah, Himachal Pradesh. He was the son of Smt. Urmil Karol, a retired lecturer from Government College, Solan. Raised in a disciplined and academically inclined environment, he displayed a strong sense of determination and ambition from an early age. He pursued his schooling at St. Edward’s School, Shimla, up to Class IX, and later completed his matriculation from St. Luke’s School, Solan, in 1992. Thereafter, he enrolled in Government College, Solan, for his higher studies. However, his aspiration to join the Armed Forces and lead a life of challenge and purpose remained unwavering. Driven by this passion, he prepared diligently and was eventually selected to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in September 1994. Following his training at NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. After successfully completing his rigorous military training, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1999 into the 210 Rocket Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery—the combat support arm of the Indian Army, renowned for its expertise in operating advanced weapon systems including rockets, guns, and surveillance technologies.

He began his military career with his first posting at Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir, where he served with dedication in a challenging operational environment. After around two years of service, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. During this period, he earned selection for pilot training and transitioned to the Army Aviation Corps, reflecting his versatility and professional competence. After completing his flying training at Hyderabad and Nashik, he was inducted as a helicopter pilot and posted to Jalandhar. As a pilot, he undertook a variety of operational and logistical missions, further honing his skills and establishing himself as a dependable and capable aviator. On the personal front, Maj Puneet Karol married Ms. Shelly in June 2003, and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Saranya. Alongside his military responsibilities, he remained a devoted family man. In recognition of his professionalism and capability, Maj Puneet Karol was later deputed to serve as part of the Indian contingent in a United Nations mission during 2006–07. This international assignment reflected both his competence and the trust reposed in him to represent the Indian Army on a global platform.

Helicopter Crash : 24th May 2007

During 2007, Maj Puneet Karol was serving with the 661 Army Aviation Squadron of the Army Aviation Corps. The squadron operated the Cheetah (SA-315) helicopter, a highly capable light utility helicopter designed to perform in extreme conditions, including high altitudes and challenging mountainous terrain. Known for its versatility, the Cheetah helicopter was routinely employed for a wide range of missions such as reconnaissance, liaison, casualty evacuation, and logistical support. As part of his operational responsibilities, Maj Puneet Karol was assigned a reconnaissance mission on 24 May 2007, along with his captain, Lt Col JMPD Cunha. The mission involved flying from Jalandhar to Karcham in the tribal district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh—an area characterized by rugged terrain and ongoing hydroelectric projects, where high-voltage transmission lines frequently span across narrow mountain valleys.

On the morning of 24 May 2007, the crew took off in their Cheetah helicopter as planned. At approximately 10:50 AM, while flying over the Karcham region, the helicopter lost control and subsequently lost contact with Air Traffic Control. Faced with a critical situation, the experienced pilots attempted to carry out an emergency landing at the helipad of the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL). However, during the approach, the helicopter’s rotor blades unfortunately got entangled in high-voltage power lines stretched between two rocky mountain ridges. This resulted in the helicopter catching fire mid-air, causing a catastrophic structural failure that separated the rotor from the fuselage. The aircraft then crashed onto a hillside and exploded. Despite their skill and efforts to avert disaster, both Lt Col Cunha and Maj Puneet Karol could not survive the crash and succumbed to their injuries. Maj Puneet Karol, at the young age of 31, laid down his life in the line of duty. A committed soldier and a professionally competent pilot, Maj Puneet Karol displayed exemplary courage, dedication, and devotion to duty. In recognition of his outstanding bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the “Sena Medal.” His sacrifice remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to the nation and the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Maj Puneet Karol He is survived by his mother Smt Urmil Karol, wife Smt Shelly and daughter Saranya.