A Rashtriya Rifles soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while confronting terrorists during a hostage rescue operation in Batote
--
Naik Rajendra Singh Bhati of 23 Rashtriya Rifles made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Trishakti in Batote, Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, on 28 September 2019.
Naik Bhati belonged to the Rajput Regiment and was serving with 23 Rashtriya Rifles, which was deployed in the Ramban area for counter-terrorist operations.
In September 2019, security forces received information about the presence of terrorists in the Batote area. A Quick Reaction Team was tasked with responding to the situation.
The operation developed after terrorists attempted to flee following an earlier exchange of fire and subsequently entered a house where a civilian was held hostage.
The security forces surrounded the area and called upon the terrorists to surrender. When the terrorists refused, an exchange of fire followed.
Naik Rajendra Singh Bhati was part of the operation and sustained bullet injuries while confronting the terrorists. He was taken for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice.
For his courage during the operation, Naik Rajendra Singh Bhati was awarded the Sena Medal posthumously.
His sacrifice remains part of the record of service of 23 Rashtriya Rifles and the Indian Army's counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
