Janjal Pravin Prabhakar
Janjal Pravin Prabhakar | |
|---|---|
Sepoy Pravakhar during an operation | |
| Born | c. 1999 |
| Died | 6 July 2024 (age 24-25) |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch | Indian Army |
| Service years | 2019–2024 |
| Rank | Sepoy |
| Unit | Mahar Regiment |
| Conflicts | Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Awards | Kirti Chakra |
Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar, KC (c. 1999 – 6 July 2024) was an Indian Army soldier of the Mahar Regiment who was deputed to the 1 Rashtriya Rifles for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.[1][2] He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his bravery in a counter-terrorism operation in 2024.[3][4]
Early life
Prabhakar was born in Morgaon Bhakre village in Akola district of Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a rural farming family and aspired to serve in the armed forces from an early age. His parents and elder brother continued to live in the village after he joined the army.[5]
Military career
Prabhakar joined the Indian Army around 2019 and was inducted into the Mahar Regiment. During his service, he was later attached to 1 Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency unit deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct anti-terror operations.[6][7]
Kulgam encounter
On 6 July 2024, Sepoy Prabhakar was part of a counter-terrorism operation against militants in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir.[8] During the operation, security forces engaged militants suspected to be associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.[9] Prabhakar advanced during the encounter and successfully neutralised two militants but was fatally wounded during the firefight. The operation resulted in the elimination of four militants in total.[10]The Indian Army's Chinar Corps later paid tribute to him and another soldier who lost their lives during operations in the district.[11][12]
Kirti Chakra
On the eve of Independence Day (2025), the President of India approved the award of the Kirti Chakra posthumously to Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar for his act of exceptional courage and sacrifice during the counter-terrorism operation.[13][14]
Personal life
Prabhakar had been married for about a year before his death. He is survived by his wife Shambala.[15]
References
- ^ "Six terrorists killed, two soldiers martyred in dual clashes in J-K's Kulgam". Mathrubhumi. 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Last rites of Army jawan martyred in J-K encounter to be held in Akola". Rediff. 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Last rites of Rashtriya Rifles jawan martyred in J-K held in Akola". ThePrint. PTI. 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Independence Day 2025 gallantry awards: full list". The Indian Express. 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Akola's martyred jawan Pravin Janjal to receive Kirti Chakra for bravery". Times of India.
- ^ "2 घंटे पहले घर में भेजे थे 49 हजार रुपए, कुलगाम में शहीद प्रवीण जंजाल की आखिरी इच्छा रह गई अधूरी". Zee News.
- ^ "Four Indian Army Personnel, Including Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, Honored with Kirti Chakra for Outstanding Valor". SSB Shops.
- ^ "Braveheart from Akola martyred in action in J&K terror attack". Nagpur Today.
- ^ "Braveheart from Akola killed in action in J&K terror attack". The Hitawadi.
- ^ "In last call to family, sepoy talked about new home". Times of India.
- ^ "Indian Army Pays Tributes To Two Soldiers Who Died In Action In Separate Operations In Kulgam". Daily Excelsior.
- ^ "Indian Army pays tributes to two soldiers who died in action in Kulgam". Public TV. 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Martyr got married less than a year ago". Times of India.
- ^ "Gallantry awards approved by the President on Independence Day 2025" (PDF). Press Information Bureau, Government of India.
- ^ "Last rites of Army jawan martyred in Jammu and Kashmir encounter to be held in Akola". The Telegraph India.