On 24 August 1995, Major Sanjay Baduni of 25 Rashtriya Rifles made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-terrorism operation in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir. He was 33 years old.
A serving officer of the Regiment of Artillery, Major Baduni had been deputed to 25 Rashtriya Rifles, where he was serving in the challenging counter-insurgency environment of Jammu & Kashmir. His service number was IC-43521. He had originally been commissioned into 136 Field Regiment in 1985.
A Soldier From Dehradun
Major Sanjay Baduni was born on 21 January 1962 in Dehradun. He came from a family with a strong sense of patriotism. His grandfather had been a freedom fighter, and from an early age Sanjay developed a strong desire to serve in the Armed Forces.
After completing his education, he joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Army in 1985. He joined the 136 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, beginning a career as a Gunner.
Those who knew him remembered him not only as a professional soldier but also as a gentle, compassionate and humble person. His family remembers him as a loving husband and father to his two young daughters, Snigdha and Kanishka.
By 1995, after nearly a decade of military service, Major Baduni was serving with 25 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Operation in Doda
On 24 August 1995, 25 Rashtriya Rifles received information about the presence of terrorists in Dhara village in the Doda sector.
The terrorists were believed to be hiding inside a house. The situation was particularly sensitive because civilians, including two young children, were inside the house.
Major Baduni led the operation.
The presence of the children presented the soldiers with a difficult situation. Destroying the hideout with explosives could have put the lives of the civilians at serious risk.
Major Baduni chose a more dangerous course.
Rather than using explosives that could endanger the children, he decided to conduct a controlled assault to flush out the terrorists while trying to protect the civilians inside. His decision reflected the responsibility he felt towards innocent lives even while confronting an armed threat.
Leading From the Front
As the operation unfolded, one of the terrorists attempted to escape from the rear of the house.
Major Baduni pursued him.
A running exchange of fire followed, during which Major Baduni engaged the fleeing terrorist and shot him. During the encounter, however, the officer himself was hit by enemy fire, suffering serious gunshot wounds to his foot and neck.
Despite his injuries, he continued fighting.
His condition was deteriorating, but he remained engaged in the operation. The injuries ultimately proved fatal, and Major Sanjay Baduni made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield.
His actions that day reflected not only courage under fire but also a determination to protect innocent civilians while carrying out his duty.
A Soldier Who Put Others First
The circumstances of Major Baduni's final operation have remained particularly meaningful to his family.
His daughter Snigdha Baduni, who was only three years old when her father died, later recalled that he had chosen not to blow up the house because of the two children inside. She wrote that he saw those children as he would have seen his own daughters.
That decision came at a tremendous personal cost.
Major Baduni knew the operation was dangerous, yet he placed the safety of innocent civilians alongside the mission itself. His final actions demonstrated the responsibility and restraint expected of a soldier operating in a populated area.
Remembered by His Family
Major Baduni left behind his wife, Kamal Baduni, and daughters Snigdha and Kanishka. His family's recollections provide a deeply personal picture of the man behind the uniform.
His wife has described him as a caring husband and father, as well as a dedicated soldier who took immense pride in his uniform. She recalled that during his final leave in May 1995, he spoke about the importance of the olive-green uniform and the responsibility that came with wearing it.
His daughters grew up with memories of a father who had been physically present for only the earliest years of their lives, but whose example remained a constant part of their lives.
His daughter later described him as a brave and committed soldier as well as a wonderful human being.
Remembering Major Sanjay Baduni
On 24 August, we remember Major Sanjay Baduni, a Gunner who served with 136 Field Regiment and later with 25 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu & Kashmir.
He entered the Army with a strong desire to serve.
He led his men during a dangerous counter-terror operation.
When confronted with the presence of innocent children inside a terrorist hideout, he chose a course that placed their safety above the easier use of destructive force.
He continued the operation even after being seriously wounded.
And on 24 August 1995, at the age of 33, he made the supreme sacrifice.
Major Sanjay Baduni
IC-43521
136 Field Regiment, Regiment of Artillery
25 Rashtriya Rifles
Doda, Jammu & Kashmir
21 January 1962 – 24 August 1995
His story is not only one of courage in battle. It is also a story of compassion, responsibility and the value placed on innocent lives.
His service is remembered.
His courage is honoured.
His sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
**Lest We Forget.**
