| Name | Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey |
|---|---|
| Rank | Major |
| Regiment | The Rajput Regiment |
| Unit | 44 Rashtriya Rifles |
| Award | Shaurya Chakra |
| Date of Action | 2 September 2014 |
| Place | Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir |
Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, an officer of the Rajput Regiment serving with 44 Rashtriya Rifles, displayed exceptional courage, leadership and tactical skill during a counter-terrorism operation in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. As a Company Commander, he carried the responsibility of leading his men through an operation against heavily armed terrorists in a populated area, where the safety of civilians and the success of the mission depended upon careful planning, determination and decisive action.
On the evening of 1 September 2014, Major Ashutosh received intelligence regarding the presence of a Jaish-e-Mohammad district commander and two other terrorists in a village in Pulwama district. The terrorist commander was believed to have been involved in the targeting of police personnel and a weapon-snatching incident earlier that year. Major Ashutosh immediately responded to the intelligence by deploying his troops and establishing an effective cordon around the target house. He also ensured that civilians were evacuated from the area, demonstrating the responsibility and professional judgement expected of a commander operating in a sensitive environment.
The operation continued through the night, with intermittent firing lasting for nearly thirteen hours. At approximately 7:30 am on 2 September, Major Ashutosh, accompanied by his buddy Sapper Sanjay Kali, moved closer to the target house to clear an extension of the structure. The approach exposed them to direct enemy fire, but Major Ashutosh continued forward with determination and composure.
The Operation in Pulwama
As the soldiers moved towards the target, the terrorists opened fire. Major Ashutosh used the available cover and terrain to manoeuvre towards the source of the firing. Displaying remarkable presence of mind, he threw a grenade through a window, injuring one of the terrorists. The wounded terrorist responded with heavy fire, but Major Ashutosh remained undeterred. He crawled forward, took cover near the window and engaged the terrorist with accurate fire, eliminating him.
The danger was far from over. A second terrorist, positioned in an adjacent room, threw a grenade and opened indiscriminate fire towards the officer. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Ashutosh charged towards the window and engaged the terrorist at close quarters. Maintaining his composure under intense fire, he brought down the second terrorist.
The second terrorist was subsequently identified as the district commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad and a key figure behind the earlier weapon-snatching incident. His elimination dealt a significant blow to the terrorist organisation and brought the intense operation to a successful conclusion.
Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey's actions that day reflected exemplary leadership, exceptional courage and a complete commitment to his mission. He confronted the terrorists at extremely close range, repeatedly exposed himself to grave danger and personally eliminated two hardcore terrorists while leading his men through a prolonged and challenging operation.
For his conspicuous gallantry, exemplary leadership and courage beyond the call of duty, Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. The honour recognised not only the outcome of the operation, but the extraordinary courage and professional leadership he displayed throughout the engagement.
His story remains a testament to the courage of the men who serve in Rashtriya Rifles and undertake demanding counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey's conduct in Pulwama stands as an example of the determination, tactical acumen and devotion to duty that define India's finest military traditions.
The Honour Post honours Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey for his distinguished service, exceptional bravery and exemplary leadership in the service of the nation.
