Sepoy Mane Savan Balku hailed from Kolhapur in Maharashtra and was born into a military family. Sepoy Mane Savan joined the Army at the age of 20 years and was recruited into 15 MLI of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. During 2017, Sepoy Mane Savan Balku’s unit of Maratha Light Infantry was deployed in the Poonch sector of J & K along the LOC.
| Service Number | 2813791P |
| Place of Birth | Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
| Rank | Sepoy |
| Unit | 15 MLI |
| Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Award | Sena Medal |
| Date of Martyrdom | 22nd June 2017 |
On 22nd June 2017, the Border Action Team (BAT), which generally comprises special forces of the Pakistan Army and some terrorists, attacked the ‘Area Domination Patrol’ of 15 MLI. Naik Sandeep was part of the patrol which came under that unprovoked attack. The Indian Army retaliated and a fierce gun battle ensued thereafter. During the exchange of fire Sepoy Mane Savan Balku and Naik Jadhav Sandeep Sarjerao got seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital. However, both the brave hearts later succumbed to their injuries and were martyred.
Sepoy Mane Savan Balku was a valiant and dedicated soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation and was awarded the Sena Medal posthumously.
