Sepoy Bajirao Dharma Raundal was born on 1st January 1969 to Shri Dharma Nanaji Raundal and Smt Manjula Dharma Raundal. He belonged to Baglaan tehsil in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. He joined the army on 25th June 1988 at the age of 19 years. He was recruited into 6 Maratha LI of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. In 1993, Sepoy Bajirao’s unit was deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.
| Service Number | 2784930 |
| Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra |
| Rank | Sepoy |
| Unit | 6 Maratha LI |
| Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Award | Shaurya Chakra |
| Date of Birth | 15th September 1993 |
On 15th September 1993, the unit received information about terrorists’ activities. The unit decided to launch an operation to neutralise the terrorists. Sepoy Bajirao was made part of the team that was assigned the task of undertaking that operation. As planned Sepoy Bajirao and his comrades reached the suspected area in Narbal village and launched a search & cordon operation. Sepoy Bajirao saw one terrorist hiding on a nearby farm and soon he started running towards a house. Sepoy Bajirao immediately swung into action and fired at the terrorist injuring him. The terrorist though injured continued firing at Sepoy Bajirao after entering the house from a window. Sepoy Bajirao showing great courage entered the house to eliminate the terrorist. However, Sepoy Bajirao received multiple gunshots in his chest and stomach during the ongoing gun battle. But despite being seriously injured he continued to engage the terrorist till his fellow soldiers reached the place. In the ensuing gun battle, all the terrorists were eliminated and a huge amount of weapons & ammunition were recovered from the house. However, Sepoy Bajirao succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
Sepoy Bajirao was given the gallantry award ‘Shaurya Chakra’ posthumously for his extraordinary courage, fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice.
