Soldier of the 17 Poona Horse of Indian Army,Was an newly Commissioned Officer.On 16 December 1971, the Squadron Commander of ‘B’ Squadron, the Poona Horse asked for reinforcement as the Pakistani Armour which was superior in strength, counter attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector. On hearing this transmission, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was in ‘A’ Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troop, to assist the other squadron. En route, while crossing the Basantar River, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his troop came under fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests that were still holding out. Time was at a premium and as critical situation was developing in the ‘B’ Squadron sector, Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, threw caution to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally charging them, overrunning the defence works with his tanks and capturing the enemy infantry and weapon crew at pistol point. In commander of his troop was killed. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal continued to attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through towards the ‘B’ Squadron position, just in time to see the enemy tanks pulling back after their initial probing attack on this squadron. He was so carried away by the wild enthusiasm of battle and the impetus of his own headlong dash that he started chasing the withdrawing tanks and even managed to shoot and destroy one. Soon thereafter, the enemy reformed with a squadron of armour for a second attack and this time they selected the sector held by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and two other tanks as the points for their main effort. A fierce tank fight ensured ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was severely wounded,and he was asked by his superiors to destroy his tank but he replied “No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” and continued to attack and destroyed another enemy tank, At this stage his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant officer.
And None of the enemy tank was able to cross the sector and able to enter in India,This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty and for his gallant act he was awarded with Param veer Chakra.
He is considered as one of the Great Martyr who sacrificed his life for Mother India and in his honor the Indian Military academy has named their auditorium Khetarpal where all the newly commission officer take oath,and the main Entrance of IMA has also been named on his name,National Defense Academy named one of the Ground on his name,His tank was later restored by the Indian Army and is kept at the Armoured Corps Centre And School Ahmednagar.
