The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War saw the emergence of many gallant soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation, but among them, the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal stands as an unparalleled testament to bravery and sacrifice. A young officer of the 17 Poona Horse regiment, he displayed extraordinary courage during the Battle of Basantar, an engagement that turned the tide in India’s favor and solidified his legacy as a national hero. Posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, Khetarpal’s valor and unyielding spirit continue to inspire generations.
Early Life and Military Heritage
Born into a distinguished military family on 14 October 1950 in Pune, Arun Khetarpal was destined for a life of service. He was the elder son of Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal and Mrs. Maheshwari Khetarpal. With a lineage of warriors —his grandfather served in the British Army during World War I, and his great-grandfather had been in the Sikh army—Khetarpal had a deep-rooted affinity for the armed forces.
He pursued his education at the prestigious Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. His drive and leadership qualities led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in June 1967, where he was part of the Foxtrot Squadron and served as the Squadron Cadet Captain of the 38th Course. Subsequently, he joined the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse on 13 June 1971. Just six months later, duty called him to the battlefield.
The Legacy of 17 Poona Horse
The 17 Poona Horse is one of the most celebrated armored regiments of the Indian Army. Raised in 1817, it is known for battlefield excellence, having fought in World War I, World War II, and both the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars. Equipped with Centurion tanks, the regiment played a decisive role in the Shakargarh sector during the 1971 war, earning the title ‘Fakhr-e-Hind’ (Pride of India) for its exploits.
The 1971 War and the Battle of Basantar
The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 was a culmination of political unrest in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Following the Pakistani military’s brutal crackdown on Bengali civilians under Operation Searchlight, India intervened to support the liberation movement. Pakistan launched an attack on India on 3 December 1971, igniting a full-scale war.
Second Lieutenant Khetarpal, who was undergoing his Young Officers’ Course in Ahmednagar at the time, was recalled to his regiment. He was soon deployed to the Shakargarh sector, where the Battle of Basantar was raging.
On the night of 15 December, Indian forces had successfully established a bridgehead across the Basantar River. However, the enemy was preparing a massive counter-attack, and the bridgehead was still vulnerable due to uncleared minefields. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the 17 Poona Horse pushed forward through the minefield to link up with the infantry on 16 December.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Pakistani forces launched a fierce armored counterattack, aiming to break through Indian defenses at Jarpal. When the ‘B’ Squadron requested reinforcements, Second Lieutenant Khetarpal, with his troops in two tanks, immediately responded. En route, he encountered enemy strongholds and recoilless gun nests, which he overran with sheer audacity, capturing several enemy soldiers.
Upon reaching the battlefield, he found the enemy in retreat and pursued them, destroying an enemy tank. However, the enemy soon regrouped and launched a second attack with an entire armored squadron. The three Indian tanks in the sector, including Khetarpal’s, bore the brunt of this assault.
A ferocious tank battle ensued, during which Khetarpal single-handedly destroyed four enemy tanks. However, his comrades’ tanks were either destroyed or immobilized, leaving him alone to face the advancing enemy. Even as his tank was hit and caught fire, his commander ordered him to abandon it. In response, Khetarpal valiantly radioed back “No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working, and I will get these bastards.”
With unflinching determination, he continued firing, taking down another enemy tank before his own was hit again at close range. Fatally wounded, he succumbed to his injuries, but not before preventing the Pakistani breakthrough, securing a crucial victory for India.
Legacy
For his unparalleled gallantry and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. His citation reads, “In the face of the enemy, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal displayed exceptional valor and courage, refusing to retreat despite overwhelming odds. His sacrifice ensured the success of the Indian Army in the Battle of Basantar.”
His name is etched in history as one of India’s greatest war heroes. His alma mater, Lawrence School, Sanawar, honors his memory, and the Indian Army continues to uphold the legacy he left behind. Even the Pakistani officer who faced him in battle later acknowledged his bravery, paying tribute to his indomitable spirit.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
Comments