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Devendra Mehta (Mutha)
📍 Thikana: Pilowani, District Pali, Rajasthan
🛡️ Clan: Mutha (Rajpurohit)
🎖️ Gallantry Award: Shaurya Chakra (2018)
Corporal Devendra Mehta is a distinguished air warrior from the Garud Commando Force, the elite Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. Hailing from the Rajpurohit Mutha clan of Pilowani, Pali (Rajasthan), he earned national honor and recognition for his exceptional bravery and presence of mind in anti-terror operations.
He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on 25 January 2018 for his outstanding courage during a critical counter-insurgency operation.
On 18 November 2017, Corporal Devendra Mehta was attached to the 13 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion for active counter-insurgency operations under Operation Rakshak in Bandipora district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Acting on specific technical intelligence, a joint offensive was launched by the Garud detachment and the 13 RR unit in Chanderger village. The Garud team stealthily approached a house suspected of harboring six Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and established a close-quarter ambush.
Cpl Mehta was assigned as the buddy of the Light Machine Gun (LMG) man.
He showcased superior situational awareness and combat skills, helping to establish a lethal field of fire that sealed off all possible escape routes for the terrorists.
When the terrorists rushed out, firing and hurling grenades, Cpl Mehta engaged them with precise and lethal fire, neutralizing a Category ‘A’ terrorist, Abu Qital, a senior LeT operative in North Kashmir.
While exposed to heavy gunfire, he provided cover to his injured buddy and fearlessly evacuated Corporal Nirala, who was critically wounded during the assault.
Taking over the LMG, Cpl Mehta continued the firefight to neutralize the remaining terrorists, displaying indomitable courage and disregard for personal safety.
Corporal Devendra Mehta was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for:
"...exceptional courage, selflessness, and resolute leadership in the face of grave danger during an anti-terrorist operation, where his actions directly led to the neutralization of a top terrorist and the saving of a fellow commando’s life."
Cpl Mehta’s gallantry and professionalism exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces. His fearless conduct during one of the most intense counter-insurgency operations has earned him a place among the modern-day Rajpurohit warriors who continue to serve and protect the nation with valor.
