Meet Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar: Marine Commandos Who Helped Eliminate 2 Terrorists Without Casualties
On 6 November 2024, during a high-risk joint cordon and search operation (CASO), Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar of the Indian Navy’s elite MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) demonstrated extraordinary courage, tactical acumen, and decisive leadership under fire. His actions led to the successful elimination of two terrorists without any casualties to his own team. For this conspicuous gallantry, he was decorated with the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026.
The Operation: Joint Cordon and Search on 6 November 2024
On the night of 5/6 November 2024, security forces launched a joint cordon and search operation in a sensitive area to neutralise terrorist threats. Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar, serving as a MARCOS officer, was assigned to the operation as part of the coordinated effort involving multiple agencies.
As the operation progressed, one terrorist, cornered by the security cordon, attempted a desperate bid to break through and escape. In that critical moment, Lieutenant Commander Prashar immediately assessed the rapidly evolving threat. Displaying immense fearlessness and presence of mind, he deliberately drew fire towards himself, thereby exposing his own position to protect his teammates and create an opportunity to engage the threat effectively.
Exceptional Bravery and Tactical Acumen
While drawing the terrorist’s fire, Lieutenant Commander Prashar simultaneously identified a second hidden terrorist who posed an imminent danger to the team. With remarkable composure and precision under extreme pressure, he engaged the second terrorist. At the same time, he swiftly alerted his teammate, enabling a coordinated response.
His swift tactical decision-making and willingness to place himself in the line of fire turned a potentially disastrous situation into a successful engagement. The combined actions of Lieutenant Commander Prashar and his team ensured that both terrorists were neutralised by the troops.
Crucially, the operation concluded with zero casualties on the security forces’ side — a testament to his leadership, situational awareness, and gallant conduct.
The Citation and the Award
The official citation read during the Defence Investiture Ceremony highlighted:
“Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar displayed exceptional bravery and swift action during a joint cordon and search operation. When a cornered terrorist attempted to break through the security cordon, he immediately assessed the gravity of the situation. Displaying immense fearlessness, he deliberately drew fire and targeted a second hidden terrorist while simultaneously alerting his teammate in time. As a result of his decisive tactical action, both terrorists were successfully eliminated by the troops without any casualties to his team. For his conspicuous gallantry, exceptional tactical acumen, and actions far beyond the call of duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, he has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra.”
This recognition underscores not only his personal courage but also the high standards of professionalism expected of MARCOS operators in counter-terrorism operations.
A MARCOS Officer’s Commitment to National Security
As a commissioned officer in the Indian Navy’s Marine Commando Force (MARCOS), Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar belongs to one of India’s most elite special forces units. MARCOS personnel are trained for maritime special operations as well as land-based counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions, frequently operating alongside the Army in joint operations in Jammu & Kashmir and other sensitive areas.
His actions on 6 November 2024 exemplify the core qualities of a MARCOS operator: fearlessness in the face of danger, rapid tactical decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his comrades while accomplishing the mission.
Honouring Valour and Service
The Shaurya Chakra awarded to Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar stands as a proud recognition of his gallantry. It also reflects the collective success of the joint operation and the seamless coordination between different arms of the security forces.
In an era where counter-terrorism operations demand split-second decisions and extraordinary courage, officers like Lieutenant Commander Prashar continue to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces. His story serves as an inspiration to defence aspirants and serving personnel alike — a reminder that true leadership is demonstrated not in comfort, but in moments of extreme adversity when lives depend on decisive action.
