Ranveer Singh Barala

Biography

Sepoy Ranveer Singh Barala hailed from Mainpura village in Udaipurwati tehsil of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, and was born on 07 July 1974. He joined the Indian Army on 28 August 1994 and was recruited into the 17 Jat battalion of the Jat Regiment, a unit renowned for its gallant soldiers and battle honours. During Operation Vijay in the Kargil War, the 17 Jat battalion was inducted into the Mashkoh valley on 26 May 1999 and tasked to capture Point 4540 as a prelude to the assault on the strategically vital Point 4875. As part of 'B' Company, Sep Ranveer Singh joined the assault team of 38 soldiers led by Subedar Harphool Singh. By 4 am on 30 May 1999, the team had closed to within about 100 metres of the enemy bunkers when the well-entrenched Pakistani forces opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle. Serving as radio operator and runner to Sub Harphool Singh, Ranveer Singh saw his platoon commander struck by a machine gun burst. With utter disregard for his own safety, he helped him communicate with the company commander while engaging the enemy bunkers with his personal weapon. He was hit by an enemy sniper and laid down his life at the age of 24. His unit went on to capture Point 4540. He was awarded a Mention-in-Despatches for his gallantry and supreme sacrifice.