2nd Lieutenant Rishi Ashok Malhotra was born on 13th December 1971. He completed his schooling in Pune. He was very good at his studies. He did his graduation from Fergusson College, Pune in 1992. After completing his graduation, he applied for the CDS examination and got passed it and got into IMA, Dehradun for Army training. After completing his training, he got commissioned into the famed The Maratha Light Infantry. He got into 1 Maratha LI as a young Second Lieutenant Rishi Ashok Malhotra. His first posting after the training was to Kashmir valley.
| Service Number | IC 52571N |
| Place of Birth | Bharatpur, Rajasthan |
| Rank | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit | 8 Maratha LI |
| Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Award | Kirti Chakra |
| Date of Martyrdom | 20th May 1994 |
During May 1994, 1 Maratha Light Infantry was deployed in the Kashmir valley. Their major task was to involve in counter-insurgency operations to maintain peace in the state. On 18th May 1994, the unit got specific input about terrorist presence in a nearby village in the Doda district. An operation was launched under the command of 2nd Lt. Rishi. To give an element of surprise for the terrorist, he took a difficult path to the jungle. After travelling a distance of about 30 km over two consecutive nights, 2nd Lieutenant Rishi along with his comrades reached the suspected area and launched the search and cordon operation in the early morning hours of 20th May 1994. This move gave his column the upper hand as the terrorist were in complete surprise. He then moved towards the terrorists, and after making contact with them, heavy firing started from both sides. 2nd Lieutenant Rishi was leading his troops from the front. He was constantly moving ahead to the terrorist’s location strategically. And on doing so, he was hit with bullets shot in his chest. After being injured badly, he continued his fire and in a very brave manner managed to kill two terrorists. He later succumbed to his injuries. 2nd Lieutenant Rishi was remembered by his comrades as a very brave officer, a very good strategy planner in an operation.
In just a very few years of his service, he gave his ultimate sacrifice for the nation. He was awarded ‘Kirti Chakra’ for his indomitable courage.
