Captain MV Pranjal was soon to be promoted to Major, fell fighting terrorists in Rajouri

In ongoing counter-terrorism in Kashmir’s Rajouri sector, security forces successfully neutralized another terrorist, further strengthening their operational success after the elimination of Quari, a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba commander. The identity of the recent-killed militant has not been disclosed, but security officials confirmed the discovery of weapons and ammunition at the encounter site on Thursday, November 23. 

Quari, a Pakistani national with training along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, had led a group active in Rajouri-Poonch for a year. Notably, he was believed to be the mastermind behind the Dangri & Kandi attacks, aiming to rekindle terrorism in the region. His proficiency in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cave maneuvering, and sniper skills posed a significant threat. 

However, the ongoing operation in Rajouri took a heavy toll on Indian security forces after five Army troops made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Those killed in action included Captain MV Pranjal (63 RR), Captain Shubham Gupta (9 Para), Havildar Abdul Majid (9 Para), Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht (9 Para), and Paratrooper Sachin Laur (9 Para). 

A life lived such

Captain MV Pranjal was born and raised in Mysuru, Karnataka, to his proud parents, M Venkatesh and his mother. His father, a retired managing director of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), instilled in him the values of discipline, courage, and patriotism from an early age. Part of the esteemed 63 Rashtriya Rifles, Captain Pranjal's journey from education at Delhi Public School to his engineering degree at MCTE showcased his commitment to excellence. 

Pranjal’s educational journey began at the esteemed Delhi Public School near MRPL in Suratkal, Mangaluru, where he completed his Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC). Driven by his passion for serving the nation, Pranjal sought to further his education and pursue a career in the armed forces. He joined the prestigious OTA Gaya and MCTE, where he honed his skills, developed leadership qualities, and prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead. 

Captain MV Pranjal Joined the Indian Army via TES-30 Entry, he got All Indian Rank-2. At the time of making the supreme sacrifice, Captain Pranjal was serving in Kashmir with the esteemed 63^rd Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles. This elite unit of the Indian Army comes under ROMEO FORCE and operates in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, where they face constant threats from terrorists and work tirelessly to protect the nation. Capt Pranjal’s dedication to duty and his exceptional skills earned him the respect and admiration of his comrades, as well as his superiors.

The final sacrifice

Tragedy struck as Captain Pranjal found himself engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on November 22, 2023. In the ensuing firefight, Captain Pranjal would end up making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

At the time of his martyrdom, Captain Pranjal was on the verge of a promotion from the rank of captain to major. This promotion would have been a testament to his exceptional skills, leadership, and dedication to duty. Unfortunately, fate intervened, and Pranjal’s promising career was cut short. His sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices that our brave soldiers face every day in their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. 

The news of Captain MV Pranjal’s martyrdom sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving a void that can never be filled. Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating, “Heartfelt tributes to Captain MV Pranjal, a proud Kannadiga, who lost his life during the military operation against terrorists in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir.” The entire nation stands united in honoring Captain Pranjal’s memory and expressing gratitude for his unwavering dedication to duty. 

Captain MV Pranjal’s tragic demise serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers in their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s sovereignty. His remarkable journey, from a young boy in Mysuru to a valiant officer in the Indian Army, is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and indomitable spirit.