Sep Badakh BV

Sepoy Badakh Bhausaheb Vishnu hailed from Malunja village in Shrirampur tehsil of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. He was the son of Smt Indubai. After completing his school education, he was deeply inspired by the values of patriotism and selfless service. Drawn to the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and national duty, he decided to join the Indian Army. He was inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (2 MLI)—a battalion of one of the oldest and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment is renowned for its valiant soldiers and a proud legacy of battle honours and gallantry.

Following his recruitment, Sepoy Badakh underwent rigorous military training, where he absorbed the Army’s core values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. He quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier, sharpening his physical endurance and tactical capabilities. Through hard work and unwavering dedication, he emerged as a committed and dependable soldier, earning the respect of both his comrades and superiors. 

Counter-Insurgency Operation(J&K): 30 Jul 2002

In July 2002, Sepoy Badakh was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (2 MLI), which was deployed near Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir—a region marked by persistent conflict, challenging terrain, and volatile security conditions. The battalion’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) spanned rugged mountainous terrain and remote high-altitude locations, where soldiers regularly faced extreme weather, especially during the harsh winter months. Operating in such forward and inhospitable areas demanded not only physical stamina but also exceptional mental resilience. Given the altitude and severity of the climate, all personnel—whether newly inducted or returning from leave—were required to undergo a mandatory acclimatization process at designated transit camps before joining their posts. The security environment remained tense, with frequent ceasefire violations and the constant threat of terrorist infiltration, often aided and abetted by Pakistani forces. Troops were tasked with conducting regular patrols, surveillance, and ambush operations to detect and neutralize such threats, operating under a continuous state of alertness.

On 30 July 2002, Sepoy Badakh was part of an armed patrol operating within the unit’s AOR. At approximately 1430 hours, the patrol observed suspicious movement in their sector and identified a group of armed terrorists attempting to infiltrate the area. As the team moved to intercept, they suddenly came under heavy fire from terrorists concealed in a vantage position. Reacting swiftly, Sepoy Badakh and his comrades returned fire, engaging the enemy in a fierce and prolonged exchange. The terrorists responded with aggressive and indiscriminate fire, attempting to break through the defensive line. Despite the intensity of the assault and the difficult terrain, the team held their ground with steadfast resolve. During the encounter, four soldiers—including Sepoy Badakh—sustained critical injuries while valiantly repelling the attack. They were promptly evacuated to the Military Hospital in Srinagar for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, despite the best efforts of the attending medical team, Sepoy Badakh, along with Sepoy Narawade S.P., Sepoy Ravindra Salgude, and Sepoy Urkude A.A., succumbed to their injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. 

Sepoy Badakh Bhausaheb Vishnu is survived by his mother, Smt Indubai.