Vir Chakra (VrC)

Captain Rupesh Pradhan was the platoon Commander of the Engineer Platoon assigned to carry out enemy minefield breaching near the Line of Control, North of Muntho Dhalo to facilitate early deployment of troops. He volunteered to undertake the enemy mine filed breaching himself when his platoon was exhausted from continuous high-risk mine breaching for two days. While carrying out the de-mining of enemy minefield, Captain Pradhan with the sole intention of protecting his exhausted troops positioned himself well ahead, thereby exposing himself to the risk of the mine blast.

Captain Rupesh Pradhan while de-mining, located and destroyed more than half of one hundred and twenty five mines, exhibited true leadership qualities with total disregard to his personal safety in the face of the enemy He was critically injured while demining when one mine blew up in his face. 

Captain Rupesh Pradhan displayed an act of gallantry of a very high order in the presence of the enemy and exemplary courage and dedication beyond the call of the duty with total disregard to personal safety.