Assistant Commandant Rajesh Rathore served with the 81st Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, which was deployed in Manipur for counter-insurgency operations.
On 3 October 1999, troops returning from an operation reached near the village of Tousen Lamkhair under Sugnu Police Station in Thoubal district. Insurgents lying in ambush opened indiscriminate fire on the returning party.
The troops immediately took positions and retaliated. With little cover available and the situation becoming increasingly difficult, the personnel advanced under heavy fire. A fierce encounter followed, during which several members of the force sustained serious injuries.
Rajesh Rathore was among those seriously injured in the encounter. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remained part of the action as the troops pressed forward and eventually forced the insurgents to flee.
He was evacuated for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on 7 October 1999. Assistant Commandant Rajesh Rathore made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
