Colonel Santosh Babu , who was among the 20 soldiers killed in the line of duty when they clashed with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s G...
Colonel Santosh Babu, who was among the 20 soldiers killed in the line of duty when they clashed with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on June 15, has been awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his “conspicuous bravery in face of enemy, exemplary leadership and astute professionalism”, reported NDTV. The Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest wartime gallantry honour.
His citation said that Babu, deployed in Galwan Valley, was tasked with establishing an observation post, which he executed successfully.
“Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to pushback Indian troops,” his citation said. “Despite being grievously injured, he led from the front with absolute command and control despite hostile conditions to deter the vicious enemy attack at his position.”
The citation also noted that the officer resisted the enemy attack till his last breath, inspiring troops to hold ground.
However, Colonel Babu’s family said they were very disappointed with the honour. “We are thoroughly disappointed,” Santosh Babu’s father Bikumalla Upender, a retired employee of State Bank of India, told Hindustan Times. “I was expecting my son would be conferred the Param Vir Chakra,...
