Bachhav Shashikant Ganpat, SC

Biography

Lance Naik Bachhav Shashikant Ganpat was born on 1 June 1979 in Dabli village of Waner tehsil, Nashik district, Maharashtra. After completing an ITI diploma from Malegaon, he joined the Army at the age of 21 and was assigned to the 9 Maratha Light Infantry, an infantry regiment renowned for the valour of its soldiers. Following his initial training, he was deployed to the Jammu and Kashmir region as part of Operation Parakram, and in 2005 he served again in a troubled, high-militancy area of the state under Operation Rakshak. In 2007, his unit was deployed to Baramulla district for counter-terrorist operations. On 31 July 2007, intelligence indicated that a group of militants was attempting to cross the Line of Control in the Uri sector. The commanding officer launched an early-morning search-and-destroy operation, with Lance Naik Bachhav part of the assaulting team. On reaching the suspected area, the troops spotted and challenged the militants, who opened fire, triggering a prolonged firefight. Wounded in the exchange, Lance Naik Bachhav later succumbed to his injuries. For his exemplary courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.