21 October 2022 | Courage, duty and supreme sacrifice
Major Mustafa Bohara of 252 Army Aviation Squadron made the supreme sacrifice on 21 October 2022 while serving as co-pilot aboard a Rudra helicopter on an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
Major Bohara hailed from Kheroda village in Udaipur district, Rajasthan. He pursued a career in the Armed Forces, joined the National Defence Academy and subsequently completed military training and helicopter flying training before serving with the Army Aviation Corps.
On 21 October 2022, Major Bohara was co-pilot aboard a Rudra helicopter piloted by Major Vikas Bhambhu. After the mission had been completed, the aircraft caught fire at approximately 10:28 am, around 20 kilometres from the international border. The helicopter suffered a catastrophic failure and rapidly lost altitude.
Major Bohara and Major Bhambhu attempted to regain control and steer the burning aircraft away from an inhabited area and an ammunition point near Migging. Their actions during the emergency demonstrated composure and a determination to limit the danger to people and critical installations on the ground.
The helicopter crashed at approximately 10:43 am. Major Mustafa Bohara and Major Vikas Bhambhu, along with other personnel aboard, made the supreme sacrifice.
Major Bohara was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra in recognition of his courage, professionalism and devotion to duty. The official gallantry citation recognises the officers' efforts to steer the stricken aircraft away from areas where civilians and sensitive installations could have been endangered.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Major Mustafa Bohara, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), whose courage, professionalism and supreme sacrifice embodied the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
