Sepoy Karn Veer Singh SC

Sepoy Karn Veer Singh hailed from Daldal village in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. He was born into a family with a strong tradition of service to the nation. His father, Shri Ravi Kumar Singh, is an army veteran, and his mother, Smt. Mithilesh Singh nurtured and supported him throughout his formative years. Sep Karn Veer Singh was the younger of two brothers, growing up in an environment that instilled discipline, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty. His early education began at his aunt’s house in Hatia village, where he spent his initial years developing the foundation of his academic and personal life. Recognizing his potential and inclination towards a career in the armed forces, he later secured admission to Sainik School Rewa, an institution known for preparing young boys for entry into the National Defence Academy and a career in the military. He subsequently continued his education at Sainik School Mhow, further strengthening his resolve and shaping his character in line with the values of the armed forces. His determination and dedication to this dream remained unwavering throughout his schooling years.

Upon completing his education, he fulfilled his ambition by joining the Indian Army in 2017. After his recruitment, he was inducted into the 21 Rajput Regiment Battalion of the Rajputana Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment is renowned for its gallantry, rich history, and numerous battle honours earned in various operations, both in war and peace. Following a period of service with his parent unit, where he honed his skills as a soldier, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh was deputed to the 44 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion. This unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, where it was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

Shopian Operation: 20 Oct 2021

During Oct 2021, Sep Karn Veer Singh’s unit 44 RR was deployed in the Shopian district of J & K and was involved in operations against the militants on a regular basis. The unit had to maintain a high state of alert at all times as the soldiers were invariably tasked to undertake operations at very short notice. On 20 Oct 2021, the security forces received specific information about the movement of two unidentified terrorists in a village in Shopian district, falling in the AOR(Area of Responsibility) of the Unit. It was decided to lay an ambush to neutralize the terrorists. As planned, Sep Karn Veer and his comrades of the 44 RR battalion reached the suspected area in the morning of 20 Oct 2021. Sepoy Karn Veer Singh was functioning as a scout of the team, which had laid the ambush. Acting on specific human intelligence inputs about the movement of two unidentified terrorists in a village in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, a team of security forces laid a well-planned ambush. The atmosphere was tense yet controlled, as every member of the team remained alert for any sign of movement. Among them was Sepoy Karn Veer Singh, assigned the critical role of scout—positioned at the forefront, where danger was most imminent and reaction time was minimal.

At around 1030 hours, the silence was suddenly broken when the terrorists were sighted and intercepted by the ambush party. Taken by surprise, the terrorists attempted to flee and, in a desperate bid to escape, jumped into a nearby nalla. In that decisive moment, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh quickly assessed the situation. Realizing that any delay could allow the terrorists to slip away, he acted with remarkable initiative and courage. Without waiting for support, he charged after them alone, covering nearly 100 meters in pursuit. Sensing that they were being chased, the terrorists turned and opened indiscriminate fire. They also hurled grenades in an attempt to halt his advance. Sepoy Karn Veer Singh was grievously injured in the attack, but he refused to give up. Driven by an unyielding sense of duty and determination, he continued his pursuit. Despite his wounds, he crawled forward for about 30 meters under heavy fire, closing the distance with the enemy. Exhibiting exceptional composure and combat skill at close quarters, he engaged the terrorists with precision and courage. In the intense firefight that followed, he successfully eliminated one terrorist, neutralizing a major threat. Even in his severely injured state, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh did not relent. He continued to engage the second terrorist, displaying unparalleled bravery and resolve. He managed to injure the second terrorist, significantly weakening the enemy’s ability to fight. However, during this fierce exchange, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh sustained a fatal bullet injury to his head. Despite his critical condition, he fought until his very last breath, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, ensuring that the mission was a success and that the threat was contained. In recognition of his gallant actions and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the “Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous).”

Sep Karn Veer Singh is survived by his father, Shri Ravi Kumar Singh, and his mother, Smt Mithilesh Singh.

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

Based on specific HUMINT regarding movement of two unidentified terrorists in a village in Shopian district (Jammu and Kashmir) an ambush was laid on 20 October 2021. Sepoy Karn Veer Singh was scout of the team which had laid the ambush.

At 1030 hours, when intercepted by the ambush, both the terrorists in an attempt to escape jumped into a nalla. Sepoy Karn Veer Singh foreseeing the contingency of terrorists escape dashed after them alone for 100 meters. Terrorists realizing that they were being chased fired at him indiscriminately and lobbed grenades injuring him. Undaunted by his injuries, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh crawled ahead for 30 meters and accurately engaged the terrorists and pinned them down. Valorous at close range, he eliminated terrorist in an intense firefight. Displaying unprecedented courage and devotion to duty Sepoy Karn Veer Singh continued to engage the second terrorist, injured him before receiving a bullet injury on his head, and laid his life in the line of duty. For eliminating one hardcore terrorist and injuring another one, despite being mortally wounded, Sepoy Karn Veer Singh is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.