The nation has mourned the loss of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Phogat, a decorated officer associated with Operation Sindoor, who passed away at Mumbai’s Tata Hospital after battling illness for several months.
The 38-year-old officer had reportedly been undergoing treatment for nearly five and a half months and breathed his last on Wednesday morning. His mortal remains were expected to reach his native village Makdana in Haryana later in the day, where his last rites would be conducted with full military honours.
According to family members, Manohar Singh Phogat was commissioned into the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on October 22, 2012. His early postings included the CISF Regional Training Centre at Barwaha, followed by service at Kandla and later as an instructor at the Barwaha training centre.
He later served with the National Security Guard (NSG), where he earned distinction as a gold medallist commando.
During Operation Sindoor in November 2025, Deputy Commandant Phogat was deployed in the Uri sector near the border. According to his family, his team played a crucial role in thwarting drone attacks targeting a hydropower plant and successfully rescued around 250 civilians during the operation.
For his courage and exemplary service, he was honoured with the Director General’s Disc recognition.
Deputy Commandant Phogat hailed from a family with a strong military background. His father, Paras Singh Phogat, is a retired Major from the Indian Army, while his brother-in-law, Sarabjit Singh Chhillar, serves as a Colonel in the Army.
He is being remembered as a brave and dedicated officer whose service and sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of India’s security forces.
