Heroic TSR Havildar Jitendra Das Seeks Long-Overdue Promotion and Recognition for Bravery in 1996 Bamutilla near Barakathal Ambush

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 17, 2025

Havildar Jitendra Das, a veteran soldier of the 1st Battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), has made a heartfelt appeal to the higher authorities, seeking long-overdue recognition, promotion, and gallantry award for his heroic actions during a deadly ambush at Bamutilla near Barakathal under Sidhai Mohanpur Police Station on November 6, 1996.

According to a detailed report attested by Assistant Commandant of 1st Bn TSR dated 26 December 1998, and a reference letter dated 30 May 1998, Havildar Jitendra Das, then serving as Naik (Driver), displayed extraordinary courage under enemy fire during an ambush by insurgents. While returning from a duty to evacuate an injured jawan, Das's vehicle came under heavy attack by militants armed with AK-47s, AK-56s, and other automatic weapons.

Despite sustaining a serious bullet injury to his right arm and seeing many of his fellow soldiers wounded, Das managed to return fire and heroically drove the bullet-riddled 3-ton vehicle for over one and a half kilometres. His quick thinking and bravery reportedly saved the lives of his comrades and prevented the extremists from looting weapons and ammunition from the escort party.

The then Commandant of 1st Bn TSR, M.K. Sarkar, had recommended Sri Jitendra Das for the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, immediate promotion to the next rank, and medical aid of Rs. 15,000 for treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. However, Das was promoted only once to the post of Havildar in 1998 after 13 years of service and since then, no further promotion has been granted despite uninterrupted and commendable service.

In his representation, Das expressed deep disappointment that the Rs. 15,000 medical aid was eventually recovered from his salary, and the recommended gallantry medal and further promotion to Naik Subedar or Subedar were never awarded.

He also pointed out a serious case of discrimination and violation of constitutional rights, citing several junior colleagues,

such as Havildar Priya Hari Debbarma, Bhavani Lal, Birendra Jamatia, and Manilal Tudu, who were promoted to Subedar between 1999 and 2000, while his own promotion was withheld.

Furthermore, fellow personnel who were part of the same ambush incident, including LNK Maneswar Baskey, LNK Gouri Sankar Oraon, Rfn. Dulal Deb Nath, and others, have been promoted in accordance with rules, while Das’s case remains neglected by the department during the Left Front regim.

In his appeal, Jitendra Das invoked Articles 14, 16, 19, 21, and 300A of the Constitution of India, asserting that his right to fair treatment and promotion has been grossly violated. He urged the authorities to take immediate corrective action, recognize his contributions, and recommend his name for the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.

Notably,

"The right to receive promotion is not a bounty. It is the duty of the competent authorities to ensure fair and timely promotions to deserving personnel," the letter addressed to DGP stated, urging justice for a soldier who risked his life in service to the state and the nation.

As of now, Das continues to serve with dedication, waiting for a justice long denied. His plea for fairness, recognition, and rightful honour echoes the need for the government and security agencies to uphold the values of bravery, merit, and equality in service.

more news...