Sepoy Padmanabha BY SM

Sepoy Padmanabha B.Y. hailed from Bakhatarahalli village in Hoskote tehsil of Bengaluru district in Karnataka. He completed his early schooling in his native area and was raised in an environment that emphasized discipline, integrity, and dedication to duty. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism, which inspired him to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. Motivated by this calling, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the 12th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (12 MLI), a distinguished infantry battalion known for its battle-tested soldiers, strong regimental ethos, and consistent operational performance. The Maratha Light Infantry is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, with origins dating back to 1768, when it was first raised as the 103rd Maharattas. Over the centuries, the regiment has built a proud legacy of courage and sacrifice and has earned numerous battle honours for its gallantry in various campaigns. Soldiers of the regiment are proudly known as “Ganpats,” reflecting their shared cultural spirit and martial identity. The Regimental Centre at Belagavi (Belgaum), Karnataka, is where recruits undergo rigorous military training and are imbued with the core values of courage, honour, and duty before joining their respective battalions.

After successfully completing his demanding training, Sepoy Padmanabha B.Y. developed into a disciplined and dependable soldier. He adapted quickly to the tough requirements of military life and demonstrated commitment and professionalism in every assignment entrusted to him. Over the course of his service, he was deployed in challenging operational areas, where he gained valuable field experience and sharpened his combat skills. On the personal front, Sepoy Padmanabha later married Ms Rathnamma, who remained a constant source of strength and support throughout his service career. 

During June 1996, Sepoy Padmanabha’s unit, 12 Maratha Light Infantry (12 MLI), was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, one of the most sensitive and operationally active sectors along the Line of Control (LoC). The battalion was responsible for manning forward posts and maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent infiltration by armed militants from across the border. The area was characterised by dense forests, rugged mountain features, and harsh weather conditions, making operations physically demanding and tactically complex. Troops deployed in this sector were required to maintain constant vigilance and high combat readiness. During a period of heightened infiltration activity in the Naugam sector of Handwara in Kupwara district, militants attempted to enter the Area of Responsibility of the 12 Maratha Light Infantry. Sepoy Padmanabha was part of the deployed force operating under Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao, who was serving as the Platoon Commander of the elite Ghatak Platoon of the battalion. The term “Ghatak,” meaning “lethal,” refers to a specially trained assault platoon maintained by every infantry battalion for commando-style tasks, raids, and high-risk combat missions. These platoons are trained to lead from the front during critical engagements.

On the night of 14/15 June 1996, while on active duty, his team detected suspicious movement in the area and immediately moved to intercept the infiltrating group. As they closed in on the suspected route, they were met with heavy hostile fire, triggering a fierce and prolonged gun battle. The firefight continued for several hours, with the soldiers holding their ground under intense pressure and responding with controlled aggression and tactical coordination. Despite the difficult terrain and sustained enemy resistance, the troops pressed on with determination and succeeded in neutralising the militants, thereby foiling the infiltration attempt. During the course of this courageous operation, Sepoy Padmanabha B.Y. and Havildar Nale Lala Bhimrao sustained grievous injuries while engaging the enemy at close quarters. Despite medical efforts, both later succumbed to their injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Sepoy Padmanabha displayed exceptional courage, steadfast devotion to duty, and exemplary soldierly spirit throughout the operation. In recognition of his bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the gallantry decoration “Sena Medal.”