Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Arun Khetarpal
Second Lieutenant · 1950 – 1971
A twenty-one-year-old tank commander who refused to abandon his burning tank at Basantar.
On 16 December 1971, during the Battle of Basantar, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal of the Poona Horse engaged enemy tanks counter-attacking Indian positions at Jarpal. His tank was hit, but he continued to fight until he was killed.
Early life and background
Born in Pune into a military family, Arun Khetarpal studied at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, and the National Defence Academy, and was commissioned into the Poona Horse in June 1971.
Historical context
In December 1971 the Poona Horse fought in the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh sector, where enemy armour launched strong counter-attacks.
Key achievements
Khetarpal led his tanks against the counter-attacking enemy armour, destroying several tanks. When his own tank was hit and set on fire, he continued to fight rather than withdraw.
Important events and milestones
- June 1971 Commissioned into the Poona Horse.
- 16 December 1971 Battle of Basantar; killed in action.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous).
His sacrifice
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was killed in action on 16 December 1971, at the age of twenty-one.
Enduring legacy
His tank, ‘Famagusta’, is preserved at the Armoured Corps Centre in Ahmednagar, and his life is honoured at the National Defence Academy, which named a parade ground after him.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Arun Khetarpal (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Official portrait (painting) · Indian Army · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.