Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, Sena Medal with two bars (posthumously awarded the second bar), was a distinguished officer of the Indian Army’s Brigade of the Guards who commanded the 21st Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (21 RR). He exemplified exceptional leadership, courage, and devotion to duty in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. On 2 May 2020, while leading a high-risk cordon-and-search operation in the Handwara sector of Kupwara district, he attained martyrdom alongside four other security personnel. His actions during the encounter, which resulted in the elimination of two terrorists and the safe rescue of civilians, underscored his commitment to leading from the front. For his gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Colonel Sharma was posthumously honoured with a second bar to the Sena Medal on 26 January 2021.
Early Life and Path to Commissioning
Colonel Ashutosh Sharma was born on 3 July 1975 in Parwana village (also known as Parwana Mahmodpur), Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Shri Shambhu Dutt Pathak, a soil conservation officer, and Smt Sudha Sharma. Raised in a family that valued discipline and public service, he developed an early aspiration to join the Indian Army. He completed his schooling and graduation in Bulandshahr at DAV Inter College.
Determined to pursue a military career, Colonel Sharma cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) written examination in multiple attempts but faced repeated challenges in the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. He succeeded on his 13th attempt after nearly six-and-a-half years of persistent effort. He was commissioned into the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission (SSC-72) course on 1 September 2001, following training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. He joined the 19th Battalion of the Brigade of the Guards (Service No. IC-65402L).
Distinguished Military Career
Over nearly two decades of service, Colonel Sharma specialised in counter-insurgency and internal security operations, primarily in Jammu and Kashmir. By 2020, he had risen to the rank of Colonel and assumed command of the 21st Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, deployed in the sensitive Kupwara sector. He earned a reputation as a thorough professional who consistently led troops from the forefront in demanding cordon-and-search missions. His operational acumen in the Rajwar forest region earned him recognition among peers for resolute leadership in high-threat environments.
Record of Gallantry
Colonel Sharma’s exceptional bravery was formally recognised through the award of the Sena Medal for gallantry on three occasions—a rare distinction in the Indian Army:
- Sena Medal (Gallantry): Awarded on 26 January 2018 for outstanding courage and leadership during counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley.
- Bar to Sena Medal: Conferred on 15 August 2019 while serving as Commanding Officer of 21 RR. In this action, he personally neutralised a terrorist advancing towards his troops and Jammu & Kashmir Police personnel while concealing a grenade, thereby preventing potential casualties at close range.
- Second Bar to Sena Medal (Posthumous): Announced on 26 January 2021 in recognition of his leadership, valour, and sacrifice during the Handwara operation of 2 May 2020.
These awards reflect his repeated demonstration of tactical skill, personal bravery, and commitment to safeguarding his men and civilians under fire.
The Handwara Encounter and Supreme Sacrifice (2 May 2020)
On 1–2 May 2020, acting on specific intelligence regarding terrorists (including reports linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba elements and efforts targeting a commander named Haider), a joint operation involving 21 RR troops, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu & Kashmir Police was conducted in the Wadarbala-Rajwar forests of Kupwara district. While the team was returning, fresh inputs indicated that two to four terrorists, dressed in combat uniforms, had taken shelter in two adjacent houses in the Chanjimulla (or Changimulla) hamlet near Handwara and were holding civilians hostage.
Colonel Sharma promptly initiated a cordon-and-search operation. Civilians were successfully evacuated from the houses. However, the security forces came under intense automatic fire, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted approximately 18 hours. Two terrorists were eliminated during the engagement. In the course of the prolonged exchange, Colonel Sharma, along with Major Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, and Jammu & Kashmir Police Sub-Inspector Shakeel Qazi, sustained fatal injuries. Colonel Sharma was the first Commanding Officer of Colonel rank in the Indian Army to attain martyrdom in a counter-terrorist operation in the preceding five years.
His mortal remains were brought to Jaipur and cremated with full military honours on 5 May 2020 in the presence of senior military and civil dignitaries.
Personal Life and Enduring Legacy
Colonel Ashutosh Sharma is survived by his wife, Pallavi Sharma, whom he married in 2010, their daughter Tamanna, and his parents. His family has consistently expressed pride in his service and sacrifice.
Colonel Sharma’s legacy endures as an inspiring example of selfless leadership and professional excellence. He is remembered annually on his Balidan Diwas (2 May) by the Indian Army, veterans’ organisations, and civilians across the nation. His story continues to motivate serving personnel and future generations of officers, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Through his actions, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma demonstrated that true command is defined not merely by rank, but by the willingness to lead from the front in the face of grave danger.
Colonel Ashutosh Sharma’s life and sacrifice remain a testament to the unwavering resolve of India’s armed forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.
