48 hours of courage: How Captain Tushar Mahajan’s final stand in Pampore earned him Shaurya Chakra

In the cradle of Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, a hero emerged, destined to etch his name in the annals of valour. Captain Tushar Mahajan, born on April 20, 1989, to Shri Dev Raj Gupta and Smt Asha Gupta, was a dreamer, driven by the relentless desire to become a soldier and stand against the shadows of terrorism that gripped his homeland.

His journey began with a rebellious spirit, choosing the path of a warrior over the expectations of his parents. Against the wishes of his father, who envisioned an engineering future akin to his elder brother Nikhil, Tushar pursued a different calling. From Little Flowers Convent School to Happy Model Higher Secondary School in Udhampur, he laid the groundwork for the resilient and disciplined leader he was destined to become.

Ascending the ranks: NDA's crucible shapes a leader  

In June 2006, the gates of the National Defence Academy welcomed him into the 'Alpha' squadron of the 116 Course. His journey through the hallowed halls of NDA was marked not only by academic prowess but also by his prowess in cross-country running and boxing. Rising to the esteemed position of 'Divisional Cadet Captain,' Tushar Mahajan stood as a beacon of dedication.

June 2009 witnessed his graduation from NDA, propelling Tushar to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun for further training. The dreams of becoming an officer in the Indian Army were taking shape, and Captain Tushar Mahajan was destined for greatness. After getting commissioned as a lieutenant, Tushar stepped into the realm of the Parachute Regiment, joining the elite 9 Para (SF) unit in 2010 against familial expectations.

The 9’s namesake: Special operations  

In the years 2012-2013, Captain Tushar Mahajan served in Ladakh, becoming an integral part of reconnaissance and surveillance operations. A covert operative, he gathered critical intelligence about terrorist activities and the terrain, showcasing his commitment to the cause. However, the pinnacle of his service as a Special Forces member was yet to unfold in the Kashmir valley.

Captain Tushar Mahajan was posted to Kashmir in 2016. In the picturesque setting of Srinagar's winding roads to Jammu, a day marked with ordinary routine took a sinister turn on February 20, 2016. Four militants from Lashkar-e-Taiba, armed with deadly weaponry, launched a brazen attack on a CRPF convoy, leaving behind a trail of tragedy with the lives of two police officers and an innocent civilian.

The perpetrators sought refuge within the walls of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Pampore, transforming it into a battleground for a relentless clash between terror and valour. Responding swiftly, units of the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) encircled the multi-story building, initiating a joint operation to evacuate civilians and eradicate the looming threat.

Pampore Operation (EDI Building)

In the heart of this perilous situation, the security forces prioritized the safe evacuation of civilians. The collaboration between the Army and CRPF, marked by the rumble of armoured vehicles, resulted in the successful rescue of 120 civilians amid a hail of automatic gunfire and explosive grenades unleashed by the militants. Amid this chaotic ballet, three gallant soldiers paid the ultimate price for their unwavering commitment to duty.

Captain Pawan Kumar, a stalwart member of the 10th Battalion of Para (SF), faced the enemy head-on. Though the young officer was able to eliminate two terrorists, however, he succumbed to the perils of the firefight on the first day. The confrontation left a part of the EDI building ablaze, symbolizing the intensity of the struggle.

Captain Tushar Mahajan takes charge

After the tragic loss of Captain Pawan Kumar, the mantle fell upon Captain Tushar Mahajan. The EDI, a modern fortress sprawling over 10,000 sq feet, became the stage for his final act of courage. As a new day dawned, Special Forces operatives meticulously devised a final assault strategy. Leveraging reconnaissance drones for critical intelligence, they prepared for the decisive confrontation that would conclude the 48-hour standoff.

The climactic moment arrived as Special Forces launched an unrelenting assault against the entrenched militants. Despite meticulous planning and unwavering determination, the operation exacted a heavy toll. The narrative turned poignant as Lance Naik Om Prakash, a leading scout, valiantly engaged the terrorists. In the exchange of fire, he was hit twice, sacrificing himself to ensure the safety of his comrades. Meanwhile, Captain Tushar Mahajan too received gunshot wounds to his legs. Despite profuse bleeding, he returned fire wounding the terrorist. However, Captain Tushar was shot again in the process. Displaying the highest ethics of the Indian Army, courage and gallantry, Captain Tushar Mahajan engaged the enemy despite his grave injuries and eliminated one more terrorist before collapsing. His gallantry earned him the "Shaurya Chakra," a posthumous recognition of his exceptional courage, fighting spirit, and the supreme sacrifice he made for his comrades and his country.

In the years following Captain Mahajan’s supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, his brethren in arms paid tributes to the warrior. One such tribute included a heartfelt letter by his comrade, shared on Honourpoint, a site dedicated to Indian tri-services personnel who fall in the line of duty. “Dearest Sir, eight years ago I was fortunate enough to be a part of a family, a bond, a lineage, an affinity above blood and all other mortal incumbencies. Now that you have given us the proud privilege to tell the world that yes, we belong to the clan of the warriors, the deadliest of the tribes that ever existed on this portion of our galaxy, THE APACHES,” the letter shared on Honourpoint by Varinder Singh reads.  

“You have left behind a legacy for all of us to follow and tales to tell. We know how you are at a far much better place from us, looking at us from the galaxy of the brave hearts and smiling in your humility, A place which you rightfully deserve, a place which you have earned with your martyrdom.”- Captain Tushar Mahajan's comrade.

The final chapter of the Pampore saga unfolded with the elimination of the remaining terrorists. The echoes of gunfire gradually faded, leaving behind a solemn silence that resonated with the collective grief of a nation mourning the loss of its brave sons. Captain Pawan Kumar (23), Captain Tushar Mahajan (26), and Lance Naik Om Prakash (32) laid down their lives on 21 February 2016 while ensuring the safety of the nation. Their valour is etched in the annals of Indian military history, a poignant reminder of the unwavering resolve of our armed forces in the face of terror.