Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Phogat, Operation Sindoor Hero, Dies in Mumbai
The nation is grieving the death of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Phogat, a distinguished officer involved in Operation Sindoor, who succumbed to his illness at Tata Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged battle lasting several months.
The 38-year-old officer had been receiving medical treatment for approximately five and a half months before passing away on Wednesday morning. His body was expected to arrive in his hometown of Makdana, Haryana, later that day, where his funeral would be held with full military honors.
Family members reported that Manohar Singh Phogat joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on October 22, 2012. He initially served at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, then at Kandla, and later returned to Barwaha as an instructor.
He subsequently joined the National Security Guard (NSG), where he was recognized as a gold medallist commando.
In November 2025, during Operation Sindoor, Deputy Commandant Phogat was stationed in the Uri sector near the border. His team played a pivotal role in preventing drone attacks on a hydropower plant and successfully evacuated around 250 civilians, according to his family.
In recognition of his bravery and outstanding service, he received the Director General’s Disc award.
Hailing from a family with a strong military tradition, Deputy Commandant Phogat was the son of Paras Singh Phogat, a retired Major in the Indian Army. His brother-in-law, Sarabjit Singh Chhillar, is a Colonel in the Army.
He is remembered as a courageous and dedicated officer whose commitment and sacrifice exemplified the highest values of India’s security forces.
