Gunner Sahadev Maruti More SM

Gunner Sahadev Maruti hailed from Bijapur in Karnataka.  Gunner Sahadev Maruti More had joined the army in 2011 and was recruited into the Regiment of Artillery. The youngest of three brothers, Gunner Sahadev Maruti More, was a keen sportsman and a district-level player of Kabaddi and Volleyball. After serving in various operational areas along with his unit, he was later deputed to serve with 41 Rashtriya Rifles deployed in J & K.

Kupwara Operation: 13 Feb 2016

During 2015-16, Gunner Sahadev Maruti was serving with 41 Rashtriya Rifles unit, which was engaged in counter-insurgency operations in J & K.  The unit was operating in Kupwara district which was a terrorist infested area and offered challenging situations on a regular basis. On 13 Feb 2016, the unit received information from the intelligence sources about the presence of some hard-core terrorists in the area under its control. A decision was taken to launch a search and destroy operation to deal with the dreaded terrorists.

Gunner Sahadev Maruti was part of the team that spearheaded the operation. The team surrounded the suspected area and soon spotted the terrorists, who opened fire on being challenged. A fierce gun battle ensued and the troops succeeded in eliminating five terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group. However, during this heavy exchange of fire Gunner, Sahadev Maruti got severely injured and later succumbed to his injuries. During the operation Gunner, Sahadev Maruti displayed outstanding courage and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Gunner Sahadev Maruti was given the gallantry award “Sena Medal” for his bravery, unyielding spirit, and sacrifice. He is survived by his mother, wife, two brothers, and two sisters.