Born on 25 October 1993 in Ladania village of Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, Mukut Bihari Meena was the son of Shri Jagannath Meena and Smt Ghisibai. Inspired by a deep sense of patriotism, he joined the Indian Army in 2011 at the age of 18 and was inducted into the prestigious 3 PARA Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, a unit renowned for its courage, professionalism and challenging operations.
During his service, he married Smt Anjana Devi, and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Aaru, in 2018. After serving with his parent unit, he was deputed to the 8 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations.
In July 2018, the security situation in Kupwara district remained challenging due to frequent infiltration attempts and the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the dense forest areas near the Line of Control. On 11 July 2018, acting on specific intelligence about infiltrating terrorists, troops of 8 Rashtriya Rifles launched a large-scale search operation in the Kandi forest area.
As the search progressed, the troops came into contact with the terrorists, who opened heavy fire in an attempt to escape through the thick forest. A fierce gun battle followed, with the soldiers courageously tightening the cordon to prevent the terrorists from breaking through.
During the intense exchange of fire, Paratrooper Mukut Bihari Meena sustained serious bullet injuries while fearlessly engaging the terrorists. He was immediately evacuated and rushed to a military hospital, where despite the best medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. At just 24 years of age, he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Paratrooper Mukut Bihari Meena will always be remembered as a courageous soldier whose dedication, selfless service and unwavering resolve reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His sacrifice stands as a lasting reminder of the price paid by India's soldiers to safeguard the country's peace and security.
He is survived by his wife, Smt Anjana Devi, daughter Aaru, father Shri Jagannath Meena, mother Smt Ghisibai, brother Shri Shambhu Dayal, and sisters Smt Kamlesh, Sugna and Kalibai. Their sacrifice, alongside his, will always be honoured by a grateful nation.
"A Paratrooper never retreats from duty. Paratrooper Mukut Bihari Meena fulfilled his oath with unmatched courage, leaving behind a legacy of honour, sacrifice and patriotism that will never fade."
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