Paratrooper Baldev Raj SC

Paratrooper Baldev Raj hailed from Gigrial village in Khour Block in the Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was born to Shri Ram Lal and Smt Savitra Devi. Growing up in a region known for its rich tradition of military service, Ptr Baldev Raj was inspired from a young age by the valour and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces. Like many youth in Jammu and Kashmir, he nurtured a deep sense of patriotism and harbored a strong desire to serve the nation. After completing his initial education, he set his sights on joining the Indian Army. His determination and discipline paid off when he was successfully recruited into the 6 Para Battalion of the Parachute Regiment—one of the most elite units in the Indian Army. The Parachute Regiment is renowned for its highly trained para commandos and its legacy of executing daring and high-risk operations in some of the most challenging terrains and conflict zones.

Pulwama Operation (J&K): 15 Apr 1998

During Apr 1998, Ptr Baldev Raj’s unit 6 para was deployed in Pulwama district of J&K. The unit troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis as its AOR (Area of Responsibility) was affected by active militancy. Based on the information form the intelligence sources, on the night of 14th/15th April 1998, the 13 Punjab of the Indian Army launched a cordon and search operation in Ahgam village, located in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence reports about the presence of a group of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the area. The mission aimed to neutralize these terrorists, who posed a serious threat to national security and local civilian safety. As the troops moved in and laid the cordon, the terrorists, entrenched in residential structures, opened intense and indiscriminate fire on the advancing forces. The firefight that ensued was fierce and claimed the lives of six brave Indian soldiers, including Brigadier Ramesh Dixit, the commanding officer of the 81 Mountain Brigade. The loss of such senior leadership underscored the gravity of the situation and the level of resistance posed by the terrorists.

In response to the escalating intensity of the operation and the mounting casualties, a special assault team was immediately mobilized to break the deadlock. Paratrooper Baldev Raj from 6 Para, known for his bravery and battlefield skill, was assigned the critical role of scout in this team — a position that required leading from the front and drawing enemy fire to identify their positions. Amidst continuous firing, Paratrooper Baldev Raj fearlessly advanced, navigating through hostile territory under extremely risky conditions. As he reached the door of a house suspected of harboring militants, a terrorist suddenly opened fire at close range, hitting and seriously injuring him. Despite his injuries, and with extraordinary presence of mind and resilience, he lunged at the terrorist, engaged him in close combat, and successfully eliminated the threat. Even in his injured state, Paratrooper Baldev Raj remained vigilant. In the very next moment, he spotted another terrorist taking aim at a fellow soldier from a concealed position. Understanding the urgency and stakes, he disregarded his worsening wounds and once again charged at the terrorist, engaging him in hand-to-hand combat. In a courageous display of physical strength and battlefield tenacity, he killed the second terrorist as well. However, in the process, his injuries became critical.

Paratrooper Baldev Raj is survived by his mother Smt Smt Savitra Devi.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the night of 14/15 April 1998, 13 Punjab launched a cordon and search operation to eliminate a group of militants who had taken position in village Ahagam in Pulwama, District in Jammu and Kashmir. Militants fire was so intense that it had resulted in six casualties to own troops including Brigadier Ramesh Dixit, Commander 81 Mountain Brigade. Therefore, an assualt team was launched of which Paratrooper Baldev Raj was the scout. Under the cover of fire, Paratrooper Baldev Raj moved forward when he was injured being fired upon by a militant in the door way of a house. Unmindful of his injuries he charged at the militant and shot him dead. At the same time he saw another militant aiming to fire at an other rank. Unmindful of grave risk and his injury, Pratrooper Baldev Raj leaped at the militant and in a hand to hand fight killed he was injured being fired upon by a militant in the door way of a house. Unmindful of his injuries he charged at the militant and shot him dead. At the same time he saw another militant aiming to fire at an other rank. Unmindful of grave risk and his injury, Pratrooper Baldev Raj leaped at the militant and in a hand to hand fight killed the militant. He himself was seriously injured in the process. When an other rank wanted to assist him he told him " Mujhe chhod aur militants ko mat jane de". Paratrooper Baldev Raj later succumbed to his injuries. The operation resulted in annihilation of nine militants.

Paratrooper Baldev Raj, thus, displayed courage and determination in the highest tradition of Indian Army and made the supreme sacrifice to save his buddy.