Draft:Captain Tushar Mahajan

Captain Tushar Mahajan SC
Captain Tushar Mahajan
Born	(1989-04-20)20 April 1989 Udhampur
Died	(2016-02-21)21 February 2016
Allegiance	India
Service / branch	Indian Army
Years of service	12 June 2010 – 21 February 2016
Rank	Captain
Service number	IC-72326
Unit	9 Para(SF)
Awards	Shaurya Chakra

Captain Tushar Mahajan (Hindi pronunciation: [tʊʃar məhɑd͡ʒan]; 20 April 1989 – 21 February 2016) was an officer of the Indian Army who was martyred during the 2016 Pampore stand-off in Jammu and Kashmir. He attained supreme sacrifice on 21 February 2016 while leading his team in a counter-terrorism operation, showcasing exceptional bravery and dedication to the nation.

Early years

Captain Tushar Mahajan, born on April 20, 1989, in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, was the son of Shri Dev Raj Gupta and Smt Asha Gupta. He grew up with his elder brother, Nikhil, and harbored a lifelong ambition to serve as a soldier, driven by a strong resolve to combat terrorism. Tushar pursued his early education at Little Flowers Convent School until Class VIII and later graduated high school from Happy Model Higher Secondary School. His dedication and determination eventually led him to join the National Defence Academy for training.

Military Career

Captain Tushar Mahajan, as shared by close friends, chose to join the Indian Army despite his parents’ initial opposition. While his father aspired for him to become an engineer like his elder brother, Tushar pursued his passion for a military career. He was commissioned into the esteemed Parachute Regiment and became part of the elite 9 Para (SF) in 2010, being one of just 12 selected from 100 probationers. Captain Tushar embraced the adventurous lifestyle and took immense pride in serving as a commando in the renowned Special Forces, celebrated for their high-risk missions. Between 2012 and 2013, he was posted in Ladakh, where he participated in numerous reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Often working undercover, he gathered critical intelligence on terrorist activities, terrain, and demographics essential for military operations. Additionally, he earned his combat diver qualification after completing an intensive three-month course at INS Venduruthy. As a skilled diver and leader, he went on to lead several underwater rescue missions in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

Pampore Operation (J&K)

In 2016, Captain Tushar Mahajan's unit was stationed in the Jammu and Kashmir region, actively engaged in counterinsurgency operations. On February 20, 2016, militants from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ambushed a CRPF convoy in Pampore, injuring 11 CRPF personnel. Following the attack, the militants took refuge in the multistoried Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building in Pulwama, located approximately 15 kilometers from Srinagar. Security forces, including the police and CRPF, successfully evacuated over 100 individuals from the building, comprising students and EDI staff, before surrounding the area.

Initially, the operation was managed by CRPF and a Rashtriya Rifles battalion. However, with the escalating threat, the elite 10 Para (SF) was called in. After the tragic loss of Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 Para (SF), command of the operation shifted to 9 Para (SF) alongside other security elements. A meticulously planned commando operation was launched to neutralize the militants, with Captain Tushar Mahajan tasked with leading the assault on the building. The EDI building, a modern structure spanning 10,000 square feet with four floors, posed significant challenges due to its numerous rooms and halls. After conducting a detailed reconnaissance, Captain Tushar devised a strategic plan that involved deploying snipers around the building to suppress the militants and minimize risk to the assault teams. The strategy included breaching the building through its front doors from two directions, aiming to confuse the entrenched militants.

Under Captain Tushar’s leadership, the teams executed the plan, advancing floor by floor and clearing rooms systematically. The operation was fraught with danger, as the militants used their elevated positions to target the advancing forces. On the second floor, Lance Naik Om Prakash’s team came under heavy fire from the militants on the third floor. Despite being critically injured, Lance Naik Om Prakash engaged the militants, eliminating one before succumbing to his injuries. When Captain Tushar’s team approached the third floor, they encountered fierce resistance. Displaying extraordinary courage, he neutralized the threat in one room by lobbing grenades. As the squad advanced further, they were pinned down by enemy fire. Recognizing the urgency, Captain Tushar pushed forward, engaging the militants with grenades and gunfire. During the assault, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds but continued to fight, ultimately eliminating a militant before collapsing. Despite his injuries, his actions ensured the success of the operation. He was evacuated for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

The operation concluded with the successful elimination of all militants, thanks to the bravery and leadership of Captain Tushar Mahajan. For his extraordinary valor, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Captain Tushar was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. His legacy remains a testament to courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.

Awards and Decorations

	Shaurya Chakra
Special Service Medal	Sainya Seva Medal	High Altitude Medal

Shaurya Chakra Citation

CITATION

IC-72326M CAPTAIN TUSHAR MAHAJAN
9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)(POSTHUMOUS)
(Effective date of the award: 20 February, 2016)

"Captain Tushar Mahajan was the architect of the Pampore building intervention operation wherein he formulated the plan, sited the fire bases and led the building clearance operation at Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir from 20 to 22 February. As the operation progressed, Capt Tushar risked himself to extricate the grievously wounded Lance Naik Om Parkash under fire. While approaching the third floor his squad drew terrorist fire from a room. Undeterred, the officer lobbed grenades and cleared the room that had caught fire. Emerging into the corridor they were pinned down by heavy fire from a room further ahead. Seeing his men threatened, Capt Tushar advanced forward, firing and lobbing grenades simultaneously. The hail of terrorist fire caught Capt Tushar in his legs, swinging him midway. Bleeding profusely, the officer overcame excruciating pain and returned fire, wounding the terrorist. Shot again in the arm, Capt Tushar, displaying unparalleled resilience, aggression and raw courage charged and killed the terrorist instantly before collapsing and succumbed to his wounds during evacuation. His supreme sacrifice while safeguarding his men galvanised them into clearing the building and recovering bodies of three terrorists.

Captain Tushar Mahajan displayed indomitable courage, gallantry, inspiring leadership and self sacrifice while eliminating one terrorist and evacuating his wounded comrade."

Legacy

The Government of India in 2023 passed an order approving the renaming of Udhampur railway station to “Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station”, in honour of the braveheart.

MCTM Udhampur Railway Station