Captain MV Pranjal's final homecoming: A hero's journey cut short in Rajouri encounter

Bengaluru: Captain MV Pranjal, soon to be promoted to Major, was among five brave hearts who me supreme sacrifice while serving nation during ongoing Rajouri encounter. mortal remains of Captain MV Pranjal h previously arrived at HAL Airport, Bengaluru, where young captain was honoured by his parents, wife, and relatives as y paid ir last respects.

arrival, tributes and homage

mortal remains were brought with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute. Senior leers of Karnataka, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also paid ir respects to Pranjal. During his homecoming, people in Bengaluru came out of ir homes to pay ir last tributes to fallen captain.

A profile in courage

29-year-old Captain, hailing from Bengaluru, lost his life during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri on Wednesday.

Born and raised in Mysuru, Karnataka, Pranjal imbibed virtues of courage and patriotism from his far, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited's (MRPL) retired managing director, M Venkatesh, and his mor Anurha. He completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, Surathkal.

Driven by a passion for serving nation, Pranjal completed his Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) at Delhi Public School and ventured to Mahesh College in Mangalore for his Pre-University Course before acquiring an engineering degree at Military College of Telecommunication in Mhya Presh. His fervour for joining armed forces led him to esteemed National Defence Acemy (NDA) and eventually Indian Army.

Joining via TES-30 Entry with an All Indian Rank-2, he showcased leership skills and a commitment to duty. Serving in 63rd Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles in challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, Captain Pranjal faced constant threats from terrorists but never wavered in his resolve to protect nation.

ultimate sacrifice

His dedication was tragically cut short on November 22, 2023, during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Engaged in a firefight, Captain Pranjal me ultimate sacrifice for country. His impending promotion from Captain to Major embodied his skills and leership, something that remained unfulfilled due to fate's intervention.

A hero's legacy

H.D. Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister, h previously expressed grief, honouring Captain Pranjal as a proud Kanniga who laid down his life in service to nation. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of risks and sacrifices faced by our valiant soldiers every day. captain might have fallen, but his legacy now etched in nation’s history shall become immortal—a brave son, a dedicated officer, and a patriot who selflessly served country. His journey, from a young boy in Mysuru to a valiant soldier in Indian Army.

As of now, in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, security forces have neutralised a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Quari, and anor militant in Rajouri sector. However, during operation, four ors fell with Pranjal, including Captain Shubham Gupta (9 Para), Havildar Abdul Majid (9 Para), Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht (9 Para), and Paratrooper Sachin Laur (9 Para).