Part # 1: BSF DIG who led the encounter against Ghazi Baba – the Osama Bin Laden of India
There was a time when Ghazi Baba- Chief of Operations of Jaish-e-Mohammed was called Osama bin Laden of India. He was the mastermind behind the attack on Indian Parliament on 13 December 2001 besides series of car blasts at the Army headquarters in Srinagar and J&K legislative assembly. But in spite of his terror acts he was more like a ghost who could not be caught. That’s so because no one knew exactly how he looked like or where did he stay. No one knew his real name as he was known by many aliases. Born in Bhawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan and trained in Afghanistan Ghazi Baba- was sent to India to fill the leadership vacuum created by the arrest of Maulana Masood Azhar.
BSF’s operation against Ghazi Baba is often compared with the U.S. attack that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden, but in a much shorter period. What were the reasons behind your speed and success?
Ghazi Baba’s encounter by the BSF is often compared to the U.S. secret operation that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. Ghazi Baba was the number one enemy of the country. It was a dream to catch him. BSF was the lead force in J&K for the past 14 years and had every minute detail about the ground zero (lane-by-lane). This helped the BSF to conduct a successful operation without a single casualty to the innocent civilians.
While both these incidents were successful counter-terrorism operations, BSF’s task took a much shorter period. One of the main causes behind this was that BSF had complete freedom to work and full operational control over the area (Srinagar). This helped the BSF to plan and execute the operation without bureaucratic delays.
Operation Neptune Spear, the U.S. operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden, took nearly a decade of intelligence gathering and planning. Two helicopters piloted by U.S. Army aviators transported 23 SEALs, an interpreter, and a combat dog to carry out the raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The mission led to the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011.
It involved multiple agencies, advanced surveillance technologies, and complex diplomatic considerations. The operation, executed by U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), also known as SEAL Team Six, targeted bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation required extensive coordination and months of preparation before execution.
In contrast, BSF’s swift and successful operation was made possible by excellent interrogation techniques connecting the dots, effective human intelligence, rapid decision-making, operational autonomy, tactical ingenuity, dare devil team and immediate strategic impact. These factors helped BSF achieve success in a remarkably short time.
What was the most difficult decision you had to take during the operation, and how did you explain the risks to your team?
The most challenging decision during the operation was to block the lanes to prevent Ghazi Baba from escaping after a fierce gun battle. It also included demolition of the hideout to ensure the safety of BSF personnel involved in the operation.
We explained the risks involved to our team including chances of a long drawn out close-quarters combat, Kamikaze (suicide) attack, and booby traps in the bid to neutralize the high-value target hiding inside the house. Our men agreed to go along for the sake of national security and take decisive action under extreme circumstances. This operation not only eliminated a key terrorist but also demonstrated the BSF’s resolve and strategic acumen in counter-terrorism efforts.
Also Read: BSF DIG who led the encounter against Ghazi Baba – the Osama Bin Laden of India
Another crucial decision taken by us was to raid the hideout at 3.30 AM, which was suicidal and risky but had its advantages. I deliberately chose the time for the operation because of the high probability of getting Ghazi. It was not an easy decision and had a hidden risk of own casualties. We also decided not to use vehicles to observe complete silence.
You were gravely injured in this operation and continue to live with a bullet lodged in your body. How has this experience shaped your outlook towards duty and life?
I had two choices – raid Ghazi’s hideout in the middle of the night and nab him with his pants down, or wait till sunrise when the chances of getting him were less because he and his men too could see us advancing towards them. I chose the first one, which led to a prolonged gun battle but with success.
I sustained multiple injuries, to be specific, 7 AK 47 bullets, one of which is still lodged in my left greater sciatic notch — as a permanent reminder of the encounter. As a result, even today, I cannot get an MRI done – forever.
Due to the injuries suffered, I remained hospitalised intermittently between 2003- 2007 and as late as January 2025. My colon had to be removed. The doctors have been carved an anal pouch in my body. My right hand is completely shattered, while my right leg has partial paralysis due to sciatica nerve damage. I underwent multiple surgeries but recovered and joined NIA in 2009 and worked there for 9 years. Finally, in 2022, I was prematurely retired because of my disability. Life goes on. There is a philosophy that every bullet has a name written on it, but many times it is God who decides whom the bullet or grenade will injure or kill.
What was going through your mind when you got injured? Did the thought of stepping back from operations ever cross your mind, even afterwards?
In that critical moment, my foremost thoughts were of my team and the mission at hand. The instinct to protect my comrades and fulfil our objective overrode any personal fear or pain. The idea of stepping back from operations never crossed my mind, even afterwards. Despite the injuries, my commitment to duty remained unwavering. I continued to serve in a non-combat role, contributing to our mission in every way possible. I am still doing it in different roles.
The operation saw one of the highest numbers of gallantry medals being awarded. While these honours are significant, do you believe medals truly compensate the families who lose their loved ones in the line of duty?
Gallantry awards are an acknowledgement of bravery and sacrifice. But for the families, these honours cannot fully compensate for the immeasurable loss of their loved ones killed or injured in the line of duty. The emotional void in their life cannot be filled and, it doesn’t alleviate their grief.
While gallantry awards are a testament to a soldier’s bravery, the responsibility of the nation and society doesn’t end with conferring medals. Continuous support, recognition, and integration of the families into the community are essential for honouring their sacrifice.
How did you keep your team motivated in such a high-risk operation where every step could be fatal?
Maintaining high morale requires clear communication, shared purpose, and unwavering trust within the team. We tried to ensure that everyone was aware of their roles, the risks involved, and the importance of the operation. We invested time in building strong interpersonal relationships in the unit. This ensured that each member could rely on each other, knowing that their safety was in good hands. This bonding in the battalion was essential, but different as compared to other units. Our commandant P K Joshi, had given us complete operational freedom. During the operation, I sustained multiple injuries but continued to lead my team. This reinforced the team’s resolve to see the mission through.
We consistently reminded ourselves of the broader impact of our actions and prevented future attacks to save countless lives. This combination of clear objectives, exemplary leadership, mutual trust, and greater good enabled the team to maintain high morale and execute the operation successfully, despite the inherent dangers. Teammates like Binu Chandran and Himanshu Gaur are the dream of every commander.
In an age where asymmetric warfare is becoming the norm, how do you prepare your troops mentally and emotionally for such missions?
Preparing troops mentally and emotionally for asymmetric warfare, with unpredictable threats, requires psychological resilience, adaptability, strong leadership and operational autonomy. Techniques such as stress inoculation training, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioural strategies are employed to enhance soldiers’ ability to cope with high-pressure situations. These methods aim to improve decision-making under stress and maintain focus in chaotic environments.
Advanced simulations and virtual reality environments allow troops to experience realistic combat scenarios without physical risks. By engaging in such immersive training, soldiers can prepare for the diverse challenges they may face on the battlefield. Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone, providing clear communication, and fostering trust within the team. By emphasising shared purpose and mutual support, units can navigate the psychological demands of asymmetric warfare more effectively.
Can you share any particular moment from the operation that still lingers with you — a moment of bravery, fear, or even doubt?
The operation to eliminate Ghazi Baba remains etched in my memory. As we entered the house in Srinagar’s Dana Mazaar area, everything appeared ordinary. However, an oddly placed dressing table caught our attention. Upon closer inspection, we realized it concealed a secret door leading to a hidden room. As we attempted to open it, militants inside unleashed a volley of gunfire and grenades. The suddenness and intensity of the attack were overwhelming. In that harrowing moment, despite sustaining injuries, the focus remained on the mission and the safety of my team. The courage and resilience displayed by every member during that critical juncture exemplify the unwavering commitment to duty that defines our forces.
What did Ghazi Baba’s elimination mean in the broader context of India’s fight against terrorism?
The elimination of Ghazi Baba was not just removal of a high-profile terrorist but a strategic victory that disrupted militant operations, strengthened national security, and showcased the efficacy of India’s counter-terrorism initiatives. The elimination of Ghazi Baba was a turning point in India’s counter-terrorism efforts. End of his life had profound implications:
Ghazi Baba, also known as Rana Tahir Nadeem, was the commander-in-chief of JeM in J&K. His sudden death left the organisation without a leadership structure – a sort of “army without a general” for almost 13 years. The operation bolstered national security and demonstrated the effectiveness of India’s counter-terrorism strategies. It also served as a deterrent to other militant groups operating in the region.
The success of the operation underscored the importance of coordinated intelligence and strategic planning among India’s security agencies. It highlighted the value of human intelligence and grassroots-level information gathering in counter-terrorism operations with a highly motivated team.
How has the nature of terrorism evolved in the last two decades, and how should India adapt its counterterrorism strategy?
Over the past two decades, terrorism in India has evolved both in nature and scope. Initially concentrated in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of the Northeast, terrorist activities have expanded beyond traditional hotspots and started affecting major urban centres like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kerala, and New Delhi.
Militants these days are using encrypted communication platforms, drones, and advanced weaponry, some of which are believed to have originated from conflict zones like Afghanistan. There is also a shift towards hybrid warfare, combining conventional attacks with cyber operations, propaganda dissemination, and psychological warfare. The quality of overground workers is improved. They function on a task basis rather than a formal hierarchy. Efforts have been made to radicalise and recruit individuals within India, leveraging social media and other online platforms. Technology and AI are both force multipliers, but we must build up our human intelligence gathering system.
To effectively counter these threats, India should strengthen collaboration among intelligence agencies at both the central and state levels. Establish integrated intelligence grids for real-time information sharing and proactive threat assessment. Investing in advanced surveillance systems, cybersecurity infrastructure, and artificial intelligence to monitor and counter sophisticated terrorist operations. Apart from this, community policing can help identify and address extremist influences at the grassroots level.By implementing these measures, India can strengthen its resilience against the multifaceted threats posed by modern terrorism, ensuring national security and public safety.
What keeps you going despite the physical and emotional scars from operations like these?
The physical and emotional scars serve as constant reminders of the sacrifices made in the line of duty. What sustains me is a deep-seated commitment to the mission and the unwavering support of my comrades. During the operation, the instinct to protect my comrades and fulfil our objective overrode any personal fear or pain. The memory of fallen comrades, like Constable Balbir Singh who sacrificed his life during the operation, reinforces the importance of our mission and the bonds we share. Their bravery and dedication inspire me to continue serving with honour and resilience. I am still motivated to contribute my experience and expertise of that era which had very different phase of terrorism.
If you had to send a message to young officers joining the force today, what would you tell them about duty, sacrifice, and honour?
Duty is the unwavering commitment to serve your nation with integrity and honour. It’s about making decisions, even when faced with adversity. As President Barack Obama once emphasized, “Honor… is what you do when nobody is looking.” Your actions, both seen and unseen, define your character and the trust placed in you by your country.
Sacrifice is an inherent part of this journey. It may mean long periods away from loved ones, facing challenging environments, or making the ultimate sacrifice. Remember the words of General Douglas MacArthur: “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” Your sacrifices ensure the freedoms and safety of countless others.
Honour is the legacy you build through your service. It’s reflected in your daily conduct, the respect you show to others, and the standards you uphold. As General Matthew Ridgway believed, leadership rests on character, courage, and competence. Let these principles guide your actions and decisions.
Embrace this path with pride, knowing that your dedication contributes to a cause greater than oneself. Your journey will be filled with challenges, but also with moments of profound fulfilment and camaraderie. Stand tall, lead with conviction, and always uphold the values that define our esteemed forces. Stay strong, stay committed, and know that your service is deeply valued.
Finally, how do you want the nation to remember the men who took part in this operation, many of whom paid the ultimate price?
The operation was a pivotal moment in India’s fight against terrorism. The men who participated in this mission, many of whom paid the ultimate price, exemplify the highest ideals of duty and honour.
These people should not just be remembered for their tactical success but also for their unwavering commitment to the nation, courage and dedication. Honouring their memory requires a collective commitment to uphold the values they stood for and to support the families they left behind. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who defend it. No organisation can contribute significantly without a strong, motivated workforce. Team spirit and human connection are great virtues.
