Captain Mulla's final orders: The story of INS Khukri's brave commander who went down with his ship

Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, born in the quaint town of Gorakhpur on May 15, 1926, embarked on a journey that transcended the ordinary. Born into a family of legal luminaries, Mulla's trajectory veered from law to the illustrious decks of the Armed Forces. At the tender age of 20, he donned the naval uniform, joining the Royal Indian Navy as a cadet in January 1946, ultimately commissioned on May 1, 1948.

Mulla's career unfolded like a riveting naval saga. From Lieutenant Commander in 1958 to his selection for the revered Defence Services Staff College in 1961, he etched a path of distinction. The rank of Commander followed on June 30, 1964. His service aboard INS Krishna and pivotal roles at Naval Headquarters showcased a leader on the rise. 

Commanding the illustrious INS Khukri 

February 1971 marked a significant chapter as Captain Mulla assumed command of INS Khukri. A Flotilla Commander for INS Khukri, INS Kuthar, and INS Kirpan, his mandate was clear—to counter enemy submarines in the North Arabian Sea.

As the Indo-Pak War unfolded, Captain Mulla's mettle was put to the test. The Pakistani submarine PNS Hangoor's torpedoes found their mark, hitting INS Khukri with devastating force. In the midst of chaos, flames, and impending doom, Captain Mulla, with an experimental sonar equipment hindering the ship's speed, stood resolute.

At around 2046 hrs on that fateful night, INS Khukri was dealt a fatal blow. The ship, ablaze and tilting steeply, faced imminent demise. In those dire moments, Captain Mulla's demeanor remained remarkably composed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he issued orders for abandonment, ensuring the safety of his men. 

The captain who went down with his ship 

Injured and with a bleeding head, Captain Mulla's leadership shone brightly. The order to 'abandon ship' echoed, but Captain Mulla, displaying extraordinary courage, chose not to abandon his vessel. As INS Khukri sank rapidly, he went down with it, a captain standing steadfast with his sinking ship. 

INS Khukri claimed the lives of 176 sailors and 18 officers, including Captain Mulla. His sacrifice did not go unnoticed. Posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra," Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla's name became synonymous with unwavering courage, sacrifice, and a captain's commitment to his ship and crew.  

Survived by his daughter, Smt Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla's legacy lives on—a haunting echo of a captain who, in the face of inevitable doom, chose to descend into the abyss with his ship, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of naval history.