Commodore Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao, a 1971 war hero and recipient of the second-highest gallantry award, Maha Vir Chakra, took his last breath on Monday, as per the defence sources.
The naval veteran was 94 and died due to age-related illness and is survived by two daughters and a son. Commodore Rao was a recipient of the Veer Seva Medal too.
He played an important role in the war with Pakistan to liberate Bangladesh. He led a small task group of the Western Fleet and carried out an offensive off the coast of Karachi as part of Operation Cactus Lilly. Notwithstanding the threat of air, surface, and submarine attack, he led the group into enemy waters on the night of 4th December 1971. After the surface engagement, he exploded the port of Karachi and torched the oil and other installations there.
Commodore Rao displayed valiance and outstanding leadership in the operation, the defence sources said.
