Indian ArmySecond LieutenantNo: IC-24231

Arun Khetarpal

17 Poona Horse (Armoured Corps) • 17 Poona Horse

Param Vir Chakra

Martyrdom: 16 December 1971

Native Land: Pune, Maharashtra

Operation / Campaign: 1971 Indo-Pak War (Battle of Basantar)

Official Gallantry Citation

“Undaunted bravery and supreme sacrifice at the tender age of 21, destroying ten enemy tanks and uttering 'No, sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working'.”

Saga of Valor & Supreme Sacrifice

On 16 December 1971 at the Battle of Basantar in Shakargarh bulge, 21-year-old 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal commanded a tank troop. When the bridgehead was attacked by a regiment of Pakistani Patton tanks, Khetarpal charged forward in his Centurion tank 'Famagusta'. Despite his tank being set ablaze and being grievously wounded, he refused the order to bail out, destroyed the final advancing enemy tank at point-blank range, and succumbed to injuries.

Sacred Flame of Reverence (अमर दीप)

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“They gave their life that we may live in freedom. Bow down with deep gratitude and illuminate an immortal diya.”

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