Rifleman Devender Prasad SC

Rifleman Devender Prasad hailed from the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, a region known for producing brave and dedicated soldiers who have served the nation with unwavering commitment. Born into a humble yet proud family, he was the son of Shri Amar Dev and Smt Bhana Devi. Growing up in the rugged terrain of Uttarakhand, he was raised with the values of discipline, hard work, and patriotism, which were deeply ingrained in him from an early age. Like many youngsters from Uttarakhand, Rfn Devender Prasad was inspired by the legacy of soldiers who had served in the Indian Armed Forces. The tales of valour and sacrifice from his region motivated him to follow the same path and dedicate his life to the service of the nation. From his childhood, he nurtured a deep-seated ambition to don the olive-green uniform and be part of the country’s defence forces.

Apart from his patriotic zeal, he also felt a strong sense of responsibility toward his family. Coming from a modest background, he knew that serving in the Indian Army would not only fulfill his dream but also provide financial stability to his loved ones. His unwavering determination led him to prepare rigorously for the recruitment process, demonstrating his physical endurance, mental toughness, and strong-willed attitude. He joined the Army and was recruited into the 7 Garhwal Rifles Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers with a rich history of various battle honours.

Counter Insurgency Operation: 06/07 Jun 1984

During 1984, Rifleman Devender Prasad's unit 7 Garhwal Rifles was deployed in J&K. On the night of 6th/7th June 1984, a patrol unit consisting of eight soldiers was conducting an operation to locate and apprehend known extremists hiding in a densely populated area. The mission was fraught with danger, as the patrol had to meticulously search multiple houses, where armed militants were suspected to be hiding. Given the volatile and hostile environment, the soldiers remained on high alert, knowing that any moment could turn into a life-or-death situation. Among the patrol members was Rifleman Devender Prasad, a highly skilled and sharp shooter, known for his keen observation, unwavering focus, and exceptional combat skills. As the scout of the search party, he was tasked with leading the patrol into potentially dangerous locations, ensuring the safety of his comrades while staying ahead of the unit. His role was critical, as he was the first to enter and secure suspected extremist hideouts, fully aware that he was exposing himself to imminent threats.

As the search progressed, Rifleman Devender Prasad fearlessly entered one suspected house after another, showing total disregard for his personal safety. During the operation, as the patrol was securing another hideout, a sudden and intense burst of automatic fire erupted from the rooftop of a nearby house. The soldiers instantly took cover, realizing that they were under a well-coordinated ambush. Without hesitation, Rifleman Devender Prasad sprang into action, assessing the source of the attack and determining the best course of action to neutralize the threat. With bullets whizzing past him, he charged towards the main door of the house under attack, determined to breach the building and reach the rooftop, where the extremists were positioned. Displaying remarkable strength and determination, he broke open the door, fully intent on storming the upper floors and engaging the assailants in close combat.

However, as he pushed forward with unstoppable resolve, an extremist concealed behind a wall on an adjacent rooftop seized the moment to strike. From his hidden vantage point, the militant fired a deadly shot, hitting Rifleman Devender Prasad in the back. The bullet inflicted a fatal wound, and he succumbed instantly, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Rifleman Devender Prasad’s actions that night were nothing short of heroic. Despite knowing the grave risks involved, he led from the front, fearlessly engaging the enemy with the sole aim of safeguarding his comrades and fulfilling his mission. His unparalleled bravery, devotion to duty, and selfless courage reflect the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Rifleman Devender Prasad was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award.

Rifleman Devender Prasad is survived by his mother Smt Bhana Devi.

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

On the night of the 6th/7th June, 1984, a patrol of 8 Other Ranks was searching the house's of some known extremists. Rifleman Devender prasad, a very sharp and competent shooter was the scout of this search party. As the search of houses progressed, he was amongst the first to enter suspected hideouts with total disregard to his personal safety. On one such occasion the patrol came under automatic fire from the top of a house. Rifeleman Devender Prasad through intense extremist fire charged at the main door and broke it open with the intention to reach the roof top to apprehend the extremists. At this juncture an oxtrot hiding behind the wall on an adjacent roof-top shot Rifelman Devender Prasad in the back, killing him instantly.

Rifleman Devender Prasad thus displayed conspicuous courage, valour and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order.