Second Lieutenant Indu Kumar Gupta

Second Lieutenant Indu Kumar Gupta was born on February 4, 1942, in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with a proud military tradition. He was the eldest child of Colonel Ishwar Chand Gupta and Smt Nirmala Gupta and shared his childhood with his sister, Veena Kumar, and brother, Arun Kumar. Growing up in a household deeply connected to the Army, with his father serving in the Army Ordnance Corps, 2nd Lt Gupta was inspired early on to follow in his father’s footsteps and don the military uniform. This dream took root during his formative years and continued to fuel his aspirations as he grew older. 2nd Lt Indu Kumar Gupta received his early education from Delhi Public School and St. Joseph's High School in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). He demonstrated a strong sense of discipline and a passion for serving the nation from a young age. In 1960, he realized his ambition of joining the armed forces by gaining admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. After completing his rigorous training at the NDA, he moved on to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, where he further honed his skills and leadership qualities.

On February 8, 1964, at the age of 22, he was commissioned into the 40 Medium Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a regiment renowned for its expertise in field guns and heavy weaponry. As a newly commissioned officer, 2nd Lt Indu Kumar Gupta joined his unit and quickly immersed himself in various field operations, displaying the dedication and commitment befitting an officer of the Indian Army. His role required mastering artillery tactics and handling powerful medium-range guns, which formed a critical part of the Army's firepower. His early training and upbringing had instilled in him a strong sense of duty, precision, and bravery. In early 1965, with tensions rising along the western border, war clouds loomed large over the nation. 2nd Lt Gupta's unit was deployed to the frontline, allowing him to participate in active combat operations at the very beginning of his career. 

Battle of Asal Uttar (Indo-Pak War): 06-08 Sep 1965

During Sep 1965, 2nd Lt IK Gupta's unit 40 Med Regt was deployed in the Khem Karan Sector of Punjab under the operational control of 4 Inf Div. The epic battle of Asal Uttar was fought in the Khem Karan Sector of Punjab between 6- 10 September 1965. The famous 4 Infantry Division with 2(I) Armoured Brigade was defending this sector. At the outbreak of the war, Khem Karan was lost to the enemy and the division withdrew to Asal Uttar approximately 20 km along Road Khem Karan – Bhikkiwind – Amritsar. According to Pakistan’s ambitious master plan, their armoured division was to invest in Harike by the afternoon of 8 September and then head for the capture of the Beas Bridge by the next day in the evening.

In accordance with fresh instructions from Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, no further withdrawal was permitted and 4 Infantry Division was to hold Asal Uttar at all costs. 2 (I) Armoured Brigade was to deploy 3 CAV towards North up to Rohi Nala with 9 HORSE guarding the Southern flank. 40 Medium Regiment was deployed in support of an armoured regiment operating forward of defences at Asal Uttar. From 6 September 1965, onwards 2nd Lt IK Gupta was functioning as the forward observation officer with 3 CAV and was deployed with the armour between Asal Uttar and Chima village to prevent outflanking move by the enemy from the north.

2nd Lt IK Gupta rose to great heights of courage and aggressive spirit by engaging the enemy tanks with accurate and effective fire of 5.5 medium guns, whose shells weighed 80 pounds. This fire which rained on the enemy Pattons, played havoc and caused them to flee for cover. During this time, the enemy kept on trying all kinds of maneuvers to bypass the position at Asal Uttar. They were very effectively engaged and suffered heavy tank casualties. 2nd Lt IK Gupta and 3 CAV had succeeded in preventing the repeated attempts to bypass up to the afternoon. 2/Lt IK Gupta was continuously observing the movement of enemy tanks from his well-entrenched position and directing his mediums to good effect. However, on the evening of 8 September 1965, his position received a direct hit from a Patton which resulted in serious injuries to both his legs. Profusely bleeding, he was immediately evacuated to field hospital at Patti, where he succumbed to his injuries, the next day. 

The movement of the enemy in the northern flank was thus prevented by the deployment of 3 CAV, forcing him to attempt the outflanking from the south with fresh tanks. The southern flank held by 9 HORSE, was carefully selected to cover the cultivated sugar cane fields between Village Valtoha on one end and other resting on River Beas. They were in hull-down positions, waiting for a chance to engage the enemy tanks. Most enemy tanks got bogged down on the night of 9 / 10 September and were sitting ducks early morning. In the engagement which followed the enemy GOC was seriously injured and the arty brigade commander died on the spot. The enemy lost 97 tanks (destroyed) and 28 captured intact with crew. The operations on the northern flank under 3 CAV with the excellent support provided by 2nd Lt IK Gupta, laid the foundation for this decisive victory. 

2nd Lt Indu Kumar Gupta was a valiant soldier and an officer par excellence who led from the front and laid down his life in the line of his duty following the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 2nd Lt IK Gupta is survived by his sister Smt Veena Kumar and brother Shri Arun Gupta.