Sep Brajesh Kumar SC

Sep Brajesh Kumar hailed from Nanawin village of Bangana Tehsil of Una district in Himachal Pradesh. He was born on  12th Dec 1985. He joined the Army in 2003 at the age of 18 years and was recruited into the 14 Punjab of Punjab Regiment and later was later deputed to serve with the 22 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.

Baramulla Operation: 26 Oct 2018

During 2018, Sep Brajesh Kumar while serving with 22 RR was deployed in the Sopore area of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. His battalion was engaged in anti-insurgency operations against the terrorists on a regular basis and often faced very challenging situations. On 26th Oct 2018 the intelligence sources had provided information to the security forces about the presence of a large number of terrorists hiding in Sopore area. On assessing the situation, a decision was taken to launch a joint operation comprising elements of Army, CRPF and J & K Police. Sep Brajesh Kumar was part of the Army contingent from 22 RR. The joint team launched the operation as planned and reached the suspected area. The operation started on 26th Oct 2018, at 5:30 in the morning and continued till 12 noon.

The joint team cordoned off the suspected area and began search operation. When the operation was underway, the terrorists felt cornered and attacked the troops from their hiding places. A gun battle ensued thereafter with the heavy exchange of fire. Two of the terrorists were killed but Sep Brajesh Kumar also got hit by bullets during the exchange of fire and sustained severe injuries. He was given the first aid and was immediately rushed to the Army’s Hospital at  Badami Bagh. However, the brave soldier succumbed to his injuries later and attained martyrdom in the finest tradition of the Indian Army. Sep Brajesh Kumar was a valiant and dedicated soldier, who at the young age of 32 years, laid down his life in the service of the nation. Sep Brajesh Kumar was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously on 15 Aug 2019, for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, camaraderie and supreme sacrifice.

Sep Brajesh Kumar is survived by his mother Dhurvi Devi, wife Shweta, daughter, and brother.

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

Sepoy Brajesh Kumar volunteered to serve in the Rashtriya Rifles for a second tenure. He was serving with 22 Rashtriya Rifles from   30 September 2016.

On 26 October 2018, based on input regarding presence of terrorists in a village in Jammu & Kashmir an operation was launched.  First terrorist was neutralised at 0420 hours. The second terrorist started crawling towards buddy pair of Major Sagar Prakash Pardeshi, Sena Medal.  Sensing danger to his comrades Sepoy Brajesh Kumar came out in open and under effective covering fire from his buddy, he accurately engaged the second terrorist, thereby grievously injuring him.  Displaying superlative tactical acumen and field craft Sepoy Brajesh Kumar then readjusted his position to cut off the escape route. Under cover of darkness injured terrorist then lobbed grenade towards Sepoy Brajesh Kumar, thereby grievously injuring him. Despite being injured, he refused evacuation and under effective covering fire from his buddy, he crawled forward and eliminated second terrorist in close quarter combat.

For displaying indomitable courage and undaunting bravery beyond call of duty in eliminating a Pakistani terrorist, Sepoy Brajesh Kumar is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.