Sepoy Bijendra Singh

Sepoy Bijendra Singh Dourata hailed from Singhana village in Buhana Tehsil of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan. Son of Shri Ram Ji Lal and Smt Dholi Devi, Sepoy Bijendra had a brother Dashrath as his sibling. Like many young lads in Rajasthan especially in the Jhunjhunu district, Sepoy Bijendra too wanted to serve in the army, right from his childhood. He continued to follow his dream and joined the Army in 2018 after completing his school education.

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After serving for a few years he got married to Ms Ankita in the year 2021 and the couple was blessed with two sons Vihan and Kiyan. Later in his service career, he was deputed to serve with the 10 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. By 2024, Sepoy Bijendra had completed about six years of service and had evolved into a committed soldier. He had also gained experience in numerous counter-insurgency operations during his short service career.

Doda Encounter (J&K): 15 Jul 2024

During 2024, Sep Bijendra’s unit, the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was actively engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta Force and the operational control of the XVI Corps, also known as the ‘White Knight Corps’, the unit was responsible for a vast and challenging area, from the Pir Panjal Ranges to the Shivalik Ranges and the plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. The region was known for militant activity and infiltration, necessitating frequent operations and patrols. On July 15, 2024, based on intelligence reports about the presence of hardcore terrorists in their Area of Responsibility (AOR), the unit, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town.

The operation was conducted in a thickly forested and mountainous area, which posed significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the joint team proceeded with the operation, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining security and combating terrorism in the region. As planned the joint team reached the suspected area in Doda district of J&K and launched the cordon and search operation. Soon the troops comprising Sep Bijendra and other soldiers made contact with the terrorists who opened fire at them upon being challenged. The troops led by Capt Brijesh Thapa tried to tighten the cordon to block the escape routes of the terrorists and attacked aggressively. However, the terrorists attempted to escape by exploiting the restricted visibility and rain resulting in another exchange of fire at 9 pm. The ensuing gun battle, was fierce and fraught with risk as the terrorists were using automatic weapons and also taking advantage of the thick foliage of the forest. Undeterred by the risk involved, Sep Bijendra and his comrades continued to lead his men to chase the terrorists and pin them down. However, in the heavy exchange of fire, Sep Bijendra and three other soldiers including their leader got severely injured. They soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Besides Sep Bijendra, the other three martyred brave hearts included Capt Brijesh Thapa, Nk D Rajesh, and Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh. Sep Bijendra Singh was a valiant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

Sep Bijendra Singh Dourata is survived by his father Shri Ram Ji Lal, mother Smt Dholi Devi, wife Smt Ankita Devi, two sons Vihan & Kiyan and brother Shri Dashrath Singh.