Gurpratap Singh Chahal, SM

Biography

Captain Gurpratap Singh Chahal hailed from Jalandhar district in Punjab. He was commissioned through the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, as part of the 68th course, and was posted to the 20 Sikh Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. During February 2000, his unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Rakshak for counter-insurgency operations. When intelligence reports indicated the presence of heavily-armed militants entrenched in remote terrain, Captain Chahal led his team into action. In the heat of battle, he personally engaged the militants at close quarters, sustaining severe injuries. Despite his critical condition, he continued to fight, ensuring the safety of his comrades and the success of the mission. He was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal for his exceptional valour.