Thread by @0ctoberScorpian

🚨 4 enemy tanks in front of him.
Alone. Injured. His own tank on fire.
Most would retreat.
He chose to fight.
This is the story of 21-year-old 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal the Lion of Basantar.

Arun Khetarpal joined NDA in 1967. By 1971, he was still under training with 17 Poona Horse when war broke out with Pakistan.

Most cadets would’ve stayed back.
Arun? He begged for permission to join the frontlines.
His CO reluctantly agreed.

Destination: Shakargarh sector, Punjab.
Strategic because it connected Punjab to J&K.
The Basantar river cut through it, a natural boundary.

Pakistan’s plan: smash through Shakargarh, isolate Kashmir.
India’s plan: cross Basantar, surprise them in their own territory.

The plan worked… initially.
Bridgehead built. Landmines cleared.

But suddenly, 14 Pakistani T-55 tanks from the 13 Lancers charged.
Only 3 Indian tanks stood in their way.
Outnumbered almost 5 to 1.

The Indian tank crew:
👉Capt. V Malhotra
👉Lt. Avtar Singh Ahlawat
👉2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal

Battle began.
Shells thundered. Dust clouds rose.
14 vs 3.

First clash:
Arun and his men destroyed 3 Pakistani tanks.
But Capt. Malhotra’s gun jammed. He had to pull back.

Now it was 11 vs 2.

Arun and Lt. Avtar kept firing.
Another 4 tanks destroyed.
But Avtar’s tank took a direct hit. He was forced to retreat.

Now it was 7 vs 1.

Just one Indian tank remained.
Inside it: 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal.
Facing 7 Pakistani tanks alone.

He didn’t flinch. He fought.
By the time the dust settled, only 4 enemy tanks were left.

But tragedy struck.
A shell slammed into Arun’s tank. Flames engulfed it.
He was badly injured.

His commander ordered: “Abandon your tank, retreat!”
Arun’s reply became immortal:

👉 No sir. I will not abandon my tank. My gun still works. And I’ll get these bastards.

Despite injuries, despite fire burning around him, Arun fought on.
He destroyed 2 more tanks.
Another was abandoned.

Only 1 enemy tank left.
75 meters apart.
Face to face.

Both tanks fired simultaneously.
Both tanks were hit.

Arun’s tank was burning. His fingers melted. His face charred.
He was pulled out by his gunner.

His last request? Just a sip of water.

By the time help arrived… the Lion of Basantar was gone.

He was only 21.

Result?
The proud 13 Lancers regiment of Pakistan was annihilated.
In hours, Pakistani forces were crushed and later forced into surrender.

Arun’s sacrifice saved the bridgehead.
Saved the sector.
Changed the war.

For his unmatched courage, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

He became the youngest recipient, until Kargil’s Yogendra Singh Yadav.

The Battle of Basantar was one of the largest tank battles in South Asia.
India captured 1,000 sq km territory.
46 enemy tanks destroyed.

Today, the parade ground at NDA and auditorium at IMA bear his name.

Arun lives forever.
Heroes never die. 🇮🇳

When his commander told him to retreat, Arun Khetarpal said:
👉 “No sir. My gun still works. And I will get these bastards.”

And that’s exactly what he did.
A lion at 21.
A legend for eternity. 🫡