Capt Shubham Gupta: Agra-born special forces officer's sacrifice in Rajouri leaves dreams shattered

Born in Agra, the city of architectural marvels, Captain Shubham Gupta's journey from a young boy to a member of the elite Parachute regiment is one of courage and dedication. Commissioned into the esteemed 9 Para-SF in 2018, his life was tragically cut short in the line of duty in the Rajouri encounter. 

Captain Shubham Gupta, the son of Agra’s District Government Counsel (Crime), Basant Kumar Gupta, was destined for greatness from the very beginning. Born and raised in the city of Taj, his love for the nation and his dream to serve in the Indian Army were nurtured by his family and surroundings. 

Even as a young boy, Captain Shubham Gupta exhibited qualities of courage, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. In 2015, Captain Shubham Gupta’s lifelong dream became a reality when he was selected to join the Indian Army. His journey to becoming a member of the esteemed Parachute regiment was filled with challenges and rigorous training. After years of perseverance and dedication, Captain Shubham Gupta proudly donned the olive-green uniform in 2018, marking the beginning of his remarkable military career. 

‘Men apart, every man an emperor’ 

The Parachute regiment, also known as the 9 Para SF (Special Forces), is revered as one of the most elite units of the Indian Army. Captain Shubham Gupta’s commission into the 9 Para (Special Forces) was a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. As a member of this prestigious regiment, he underwent specialized training in various combat techniques, including airborne operations, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare.

Unfortunately, the young officer’s life was cut short as he battled Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the thick jungles of Rajouri. In a targeted intelligence-based operation initiated by the joint teams of 9^th Battalion Para (SF), 63^rd Battalion Rashtriya Rifles and Kashmir Police on November 19, 2023, the Kalakote Area within Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri District was cordoned and a combing operation initiated.  

The engagement with terrorists occurred on November 22. 'An intense firefight ensued,' said Army officials, resulting in injuries to the terrorists who are currently encircled. However, after contact was established with the terrorists, Captain Subham Gupta sustained bullet wounds in the ensuing firefight. The 27-year-old officer displayed highest ethos of the Indian Army during his last moments. Notably, Captain Shubham was expected to be back home from deployment by the first week of December. His parents, father Basant Gupta and mother Pushpa Gupta had plans to get him married soon but the sudden tragedy, although in the line of duty, has shattered all plans.