On 1 October 2014, Major Abhijai Thapa of the Indian Army Aviation Corps displayed an extraordinary level of courage, calmness and selfless devotion to duty when his Cheetah helicopter suffered a catastrophic technical failure mid-air near Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
In the few seconds available to him, Major Thapa made a decision that would define his legacy forever. Instead of attempting to save himself, he diverted the crippled helicopter away from a densely populated village and military lines, preventing what could have become a massive tragedy. His act saved the lives of more than 11,000 civilians and soldiers, but cost him his own life.
For this exceptional act of gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Major Abhijai Thapa was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Early Life and Background
Major Abhijai Thapa was born on 5 June 1985 in Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. He belonged to Shyamnagar, Dharamshala, and was the son of Shri Sunil Thapa and Smt Sunita Thapa.
Growing up in Himachal Pradesh, Major Thapa was shaped by values of discipline, resilience and service. From a young age, he showed the qualities that later became the foundation of his military career — courage, responsibility, determination and a deep sense of commitment towards the nation.
He was married to Smt Anjali Thapa, who later remembered him not only as a brave soldier but also as a loving husband and a man of immense inner strength.
Military Career
Major Abhijai Thapa was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. His service number was IC-70688P.
During his career, he qualified as a helicopter pilot and was transferred to the Army Aviation Corps, one of the most challenging and operationally demanding arms of the Indian Army. Army Aviation pilots operate in difficult terrains, support frontline troops, carry out reconnaissance missions and often fly in high-risk operational environments.
By 2014, Major Thapa had gained significant flying experience and had logged more than 250 hours of flying. He was posted with 39 Independent Reconnaissance and Observation Flight at the Army Aviation Base in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
His role involved operational flying, reconnaissance duties and aviation support for Army formations. He was known as a professionally competent and committed officer.
The Fateful Day: 1 October 2014
On the morning of 1 October 2014, Major Abhijai Thapa was detailed as the Captain of the Aircraft for an operational readiness consolidation sortie under Operation Iron Fist.
The mission was aimed at battle inoculation of aviators and preparation for operational deployment. Flying with him were Major Vikas Varyani and Captain Avinash Somvanshi.
After around 60 minutes of flying, the helicopter was over Bhartol village near Bareilly. Below the aircraft were densely populated civilian areas as well as the unit lines of 54 Engineer Regiment, where a Sainik Sammelan was underway.
At that moment, the helicopter suffered a catastrophic failure of the tail rotor. This type of failure can make a helicopter extremely difficult to control, as the tail rotor is essential for maintaining stability and direction.
The aircraft began losing control and altitude rapidly.
A Split-Second Decision That Saved Thousands
Major Abhijai Thapa immediately assessed the emergency and understood the danger below. Had the helicopter crashed into the village or the military lines, the loss of life could have been devastating.
Despite the aircraft being critically damaged, he maintained his composure and took decisive action.
He manoeuvred the helicopter away from the densely populated area. He transmitted a distress call to the Air Traffic Control tower. He also cut off the fuel supply to the engine to reduce the possibility of fire and collateral damage after impact.
These actions required exceptional courage and presence of mind. Major Thapa knew that the chances of survival were extremely low, yet he chose to place the lives of civilians and fellow soldiers above his own.
The helicopter eventually crashed away from habitation. Major Abhijai Thapa, Major Vikas Varyani and Captain Avinash Somvanshi made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Their actions saved the lives of more than 11,000 people, including residents of Bhartol village and soldiers gathered at the 54 Engineer Regiment lines.
Official Citation for Shaurya Chakra
The official citation for Major Abhijai Thapa’s Shaurya Chakra recorded his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
It stated that he exhibited indomitable valour, extreme courage and utter disregard for personal safety by manoeuvring the crippled aircraft away from the inhabited area. In the limited time available, he transmitted a distress call and cut off the fuel supply to minimise collateral damage.
The citation further noted that Major Thapa successfully diverted the aircraft despite the tremendous damage it had suffered, saving the lives of his brothers in uniform and the people of Bhartol village.
His actions reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army — service before self, courage under pressure and complete devotion to duty.
Gallantry Awards to the Brave Crew
For his extraordinary act of courage, Major Abhijai Thapa was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra on Republic Day 2015.
The award was conferred by then President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
Major Vikas Varyani and Captain Avinash Somvanshi, who also made the supreme sacrifice in the same mission, were posthumously awarded the Sena Medal for their bravery and devotion to duty.
Together, the three officers displayed the finest traditions of military service and sacrifice.
Family and Personal Legacy
Major Abhijai Thapa is survived by his parents, Shri Sunil Thapa and Smt Sunita Thapa, and his wife, Smt Anjali Thapa.
His wife later paid an emotional tribute to him, expressing both the pain of losing her soulmate and the pride of being married to a soldier who laid down his life for a noble cause. Her words reflected the silent strength of military families, who bear the cost of sacrifice with dignity and courage.
Major Thapa’s story continues to inspire soldiers, officers, cadets and defence aspirants across the country. His life is a shining example of the values expected from an officer — courage, quick decision-making, responsibility, initiative and selfless leadership.
Inspiration for Defence Aspirants
For young men and women preparing for the Armed Forces, Major Abhijai Thapa’s story is more than a tale of bravery. It is a real-life example of officer-like qualities in action.
In the Services Selection Board interview, candidates often speak about courage, leadership and responsibility. Major Thapa lived these qualities in the most difficult moment of his life.
When faced with certain danger, he did not panic. He did not think only of himself. He assessed the situation, made a decision and acted in the interest of others.
That is the true essence of military leadership.
Conclusion
Major Abhijai Thapa’s supreme sacrifice will always remain etched in the history of Indian military aviation. On 1 October 2014, when his helicopter was falling from the sky and thousands of lives were at risk, he chose duty over survival.
He diverted the crashing aircraft away from civilians and soldiers, saving more than 11,000 lives at the cost of his own.
His courage reminds us that true bravery is not the absence of fear. It is the ability to act with honour, clarity and selflessness even when the cost is everything.
Major Abhijai Thapa, Shaurya Chakra, will forever be remembered as a braveheart of the Indian Army Aviation Corps — a soldier who flew into history through courage, sacrifice and service before self.
