Capt Aji Anthony SC

Captain Aji Anthony hailed from Kerala and was born on 25 Dec 1978. He developed a keen interest in the Armed Forces in his younger days and it continued to grow along with his age. Following his passion, he got selected to join the army and eventually donned the uniform. He was commissioned into the 4 Raj Rif Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours. After serving for sometime, he was deputed to serve with the 57 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.

Bandipore Operation: 03 Sep 2006

During Sep 2006, Capt Aji Anthony’s unit 57 RR was deployed in the Bandipore district of J&K along the LOC. The Bandipore district of Kashmir had been the hotbed for local as well as Pakistani militants, who were incessantly seeking the opportunity to destabilize the peace in that area. Capt Anthony’s unit had to maintain a high state of alert at all times to deal with any eventuality. The unit had undertaken numerous operations in its AOR(Area of Responsibility) since the beginning of the year and Capt Anthony was part of many such operations. On 03 Sep 2006, the security forces had received credible information from intelligence sources about the presence of terrorists in a village of Bandipore district falling in the unit's AOR.  After analyzing the situation a decision was taken by the security forces to launch an operation to flush out the terrorists. Consequently, a team of soldiers led by Capt Anthony from 57 RR unit, swung into action and launched the operation in the morning of 03 Sep 2006.

Capt Anthony and his soldiers reached the site and cordoned off the suspected area in that village. As the search operation was underway, Capt Anthony and his troops came under attack by the terrorists from one of the houses and got divided into two groups. Capt Anthony realizing that the other group was in danger, took one more soldier along with him and ran towards the suspected house. A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter with Capt Anthony taking a lead and directing the operation. In the exchange of fire, Capt Anthony received gunshots and got severally injured. Despite his injuries, Capt Anthony displaying commendable bravery, managed to eliminate one terrorist. However, he later succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom. Capt Aji Anthony was a gallant soldier and committed officer, who laid down his life at the age of 28 years in the service of the nation, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Capt Aji Anthony was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” for his outstanding courage, unyielding fighting spirit, leadership, and supreme sacrifice.