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Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal Biography: Age, Career, Family and 더

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 14, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth14 October 1950

Age21 (at time of death)

BirthplacePune, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), India

ProfessionArmy Personnel

NationalityIndian

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyFather - M. L. Khetarpal; Mother - Maheshwari Khetarpal; Brother - Mukesh Khetarpal

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal Biography

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was a young Indian Army officer of the Poona Horse who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his actions in a

Early life and background

Arun Khetarpal was born on 14 October 1950 in Pune, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), into a family with a strong military tradition. His father served in the Corps of Engineers and the family traced its roots to Sargodha in pre-Partition Punjab. Arun attended The Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he stood out academically and in sports and was later made a school prefect.

After finishing school in 1967, he joined the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla. He performed well at the NDA, earning the appointment of Squadron Cadet Captain, and also became a member of the academy band as a saxophone player. Following three years at the NDA, Arun proceeded to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun to complete his officer training.

Career

Arun Khetarpal was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant on 13 June 1971 and was posted to the 17 Poona Horse of the Armoured Corps. His service number was IC-25067. While undergoing the Young Officers’ Course, the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 broke out and he was recalled to join his unit on the Western front.

His unit was tasked with establishing and securing a bridgehead in the Shakargarh sector. During the Battle of Basantar, on 15–16 December 1971, Poona Horse squadrons faced heavy counterattacks from Pakistani armoured columns. On 16 December, when the B Squadron came under attack, Khetarpal, commander of A Squadron, moved immediately to support them.

Arun led an assault against the counterattacking forces in his Centurion Mark 7 tank named Famagusta. Despite severe damage to his tank and grievous wounds, he continued to engage the enemy. Accounts in the record attribute the destruction of multiple Pakistani Patton tanks to his actions during the battle. His tank was ultimately disabled and on fire; he refused orders to abandon it, insisting his main gun was still functional. He continued fighting until a final hit ended his life on 16 December 1971.

He was 21 years old at the time of his death. For his conspicuous bravery and leadership during the Battle of Basantar, Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded India’s highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.

Public profile

Khetarpal’s conduct in the 1971 battle has been remembered as a decisive factor in preventing a Pakistani armoured breakthrough in that sector. The Centurion tank he commanded was repaired after the war and installed at the Regimental Centre of the Armoured Corps in Ahmednagar. His father later visited Pakistan and met the Pakistani tank commander who had engaged him in battle; that officer recounted the engagement and expressed respect for Arun’s courage.

Institutions have commemorated Arun’s memory: a parade ground at the National Defence Academy carries his name, and a stadium at his alma mater, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, was also named in his honor.

Personal life

Arun was unmarried. His parents were M. L. Khetarpal, a retired Brigadier, and Maheshwari Khetarpal. He had a younger brother, Mukesh Khetarpal. Outside the military, he enjoyed music and played the saxophone.

Latest updates

Reports emerged in January 2024 about a biographical film in development titled Ekkis, in which actor Agastya Nanda was reported to be slated to portray Arun Khetarpal.

Legacy

Arun Khetarpal’s short but impactful military career and his actions during the Battle of Basantar have been preserved in military histories and commemorations. His name is carried forward at military and educational institutions, and his story remains an example cited for courage under fire.
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Recent Work

Ekkis (biographical film reported)

A biographical film reportedly in development with actor Agastya Nanda reported to portray Arun Khetarpal.

2024
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Career Highlights

  1. Commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 13 June 1971
  2. Served with 17 Poona Horse (Armoured Corps)
  3. Posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra
  4. Parade ground at the National Defence Academy named after him
  5. Stadium at The Lawrence School, Sanawar named in his honour
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal born?

14 October 1950

What is Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal known for?

Army Personnel

What is Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s marital status?

Unmarried