Sep Bhikale UB SM

Sepoy Bhikale Uttam Balu hailed from Kolhapur district in Maharashtra and was born in the year 1984. After completing his education he joined the army in the year 2002 at the age of 18 years. He was recruited into 2 MLI battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and a number of battle honours. After completing his training, he served in various challenging operational areas and developed into a fine officer with admirable soldierly skills. 

Akhnoor Sector Operation (J&K): 18 May 2014

During May 2014, Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu's unit 2 MLI was deployed in the Akhnoor sector of J & K.  The unit troops were engaged in operations against the terrorists on a regular basis as the unit's area of responsibility (AOR) was active with militancy. The area was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. On 18th  May, Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu was a part of one such patrol in the AOR of the unit.  At around 1100 hrs on 18 May 2014, as Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu and his comrades reached Nathua Tibba area of the Akhnoor sector, they were targeted with mines and small arms fire by a group of militants. The attackers seemed to be a team of Pakistan's Border Action Team(BAT) comprising a mix of Special Services Group Commandos and well trained terrorists. The Pakistani Army had carried out two BAT attacks in 2013 too on 8 Jan and 05 Aug in Balnoi and Chakan-da-Bagh areas of Poonch district along the LOC killing seven soldiers.  

Though the attack was sudden Sep Bhikale and his team swung into action and retaliated with full force. However, during the heavy exchange of fire Sep Bhikale got hit by bullets and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu was a valiant and dedicated soldier, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” posthumously, for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

Sep Bhikale Uttam Balu is survived by his wife Smt Sugandha Bhikale and daughter Miss Shreya.