TANK KILLER - Arun Khetarpal
On 16 December 1971, the Squadron Commander of 'B' Squadron, the Poona Horse asked for reinforcement as the Pakistani Armour which was superior in strength, counter attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector. On hearing this transmission, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was in 'A' Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troops, to assist the other squadron. En route, while crossing the Basantar river, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his troops came under fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests that were still holding out. Time was at a premium and as critical situation was developing in the 'B' Squadron sector, Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, threw caution to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally charging them, overrunning the defence works with his tanks and capturing the enemy infantry and weapon crew at pistol point. In commander of his troop was killed. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal continued to attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through towards the 'B' Squadron position, just in time to see the enemy tanks pulling back after their initial probing attack on this squadron. He was so carried away by the wild enthusiasm of battle and the impetus of his own headlong dash that he started chasing the withdrawing tanks and even managed to shoot and destroy one. Soon thereafter, the enemy reformed with a squadron of armour for a second attack and this time they selected the sector held by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and two other tanks as the points for their main effort. A fierce tank fight ensured ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was severely wounded. He was asked to abandon his tank but he realised that the enemy though badly decimated was continuing to advance in his sector of responsibility and if he abandoned his tank the enemy would break through, he gallantly fought on and destroyed another enemy tank. At this stage, his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant officer.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was dead but he had, by his intrepid valour saved the day; the enemy was denied the breakthrough he was so desperately seeking. Not one enemy tank got through.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal had shown the best qualities of leadership, tenacity of purpose and the will to close in with the enemy. This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty.
Crew of Famagusta
With Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal three more bravehearts were present.
1. Sower Prayag Singh he was the driver of the Famagusta. He was captured and later repatriated with India ๐ฎ๐ณ and retired with honary rank of Captain.
2. Sower Nand Singh he was Radio operator of the Famagusta. He was KIA during the engagement.
3. Sower Nathu Singh he was the gunner of the Famagusta. He was also captured by Pakistan and later repatriated with India ๐ฎ๐ณ and then retired with honary rank of Captain.
The Last words said by Arun Khetarpal over the radio to his commanding officer after getting the order to abandoned the Famagusta were -
"No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards."
Even the Enemy commander was impressed by the action of lieutenant and said -
"The only occasion when a breakthrough could have occurred was when two squadrons of 13 Lancers attacked together in the afternoon, but a gallant last ditch lone stand by 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal of Poona Horse averted the danger."
His remains and the tank was returned to Indian Army by Pakistan ๐ต๐ฐ.
His father Brigadier M L Khetarpal went to visit the his birth place in Pakistan in 2001 and then the Brigadier Naser said-
Sir, there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally, fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However, on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I was to live and he was to die. It was only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was.I had all along thought that I would ask your forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it is character and values that matter."
He was cremated on 17 December with full honours and rituals of Sanatan Dharm and the Ashes were sended to his family, who did not know that Arun was KIA till 26 December.
We salute his Bravery and Courage.
JAI HIND ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐๐ฎ๐ณ
We still breathe and see our beautiful nature of our motherland only due to supreme sacrifice of our brave sons
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