President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra upon Major Bhargav Kalita during the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-I) held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The award recognizes his exceptional gallantry in counter-terrorism operations.
Background of Major Bhargav Kalita
Major Kalita, a member of the Kumaon Regiment and the 50th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles, is the eldest son of retired Major General Bhaskar Kalita. Since October 2022, he has actively participated in multiple successful operations, resulting in the neutralization of three dreaded terrorists and the apprehension of four hardcore over-ground workers.
Details of the Gallant Operation
According to the official citation, on December 2, 2024, acting on short-notice intelligence inputs, Major Kalita meticulously planned, led, and executed a surgical ambush operation against a hardcore terrorist. When challenged at close range, the terrorist opened indiscriminate fire and attempted to escape. Undeterred, Major Kalita brought down precise fire and skillfully maneuvered his team to block all escape routes. He directed the ambush party to maintain continuous surveillance and suppressive fire, ensuring the terrorist remained pinned down. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery, Major Kalita crawled towards the concealed terrorist under grave danger. Displaying nerves of steel and indomitable courage, he charged the terrorist and neutralized him in an intense close-combat engagement.
Significance of the Neutralized Terrorist
The eliminated terrorist was later identified as an A++ category terrorist responsible for the killing of seven innocent civilians and several deadly attacks on security forces. The operation underscores the relentless efforts of the Indian armed forces in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.
About the Author
Prabin Kalita is a journalist at The Times of India and currently serves as the Chief of Bureau (Northeast). He has been reporting in mainstream Indian national media since 2001, covering a wide range of issues from India's northeastern region and major developments in neighboring countries such as Myanmar, China, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. His expertise includes insurgency, cross-border conflicts, politics, natural calamities, and environmental issues. He holds a postgraduate degree in Geological Sciences from Gauhati University.
