Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt Gen Raj Mohan Vohra dies due to COVID-19 infection

 Lieutenant General Raj Mohan Vohra (Retd) was from the first batch of the Joint Services Wing of the Indian Military Academy, which later became the NDA, Kharakvasla

New Delhi: Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt Col (Retd) Raj Mohan Vohra has died due to COVID-19, senior officials said on Tuesday. The decorated officer breathed his last on June 14, they said.

"He was admitted to a private hospital for a stent procedure. He died on June 14 due to COVID-19 infection," a senior official said.

His cremation was held on Sunday, the official said.

According to family members, he had undergone an urgent heart surgery but at the fag end of the treatment, he contracted COVID-19 which he had battled for eight days. “He succumbed to the virus yesterday. The Army followed the COVID protocol while according to him a military funeral with full service honours in Delhi today,” his son Vivek Vohra said.

Hailing from Shimla, he was commissioned into 14 Horse in December 1952 and as a Major, he fought in Punjab during the 1965 war with Pakistan. As a Lieutenant Colonel during the 1971 war, he was commanding 4 Horses in the Shakargarh sector where he distinguished himself in combat.

“He displayed conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army,” the citation for his award reads.

The Maha Vir Chakra is the country's second-highest gallantry award. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether on land, at sea or in the air.

Lt Gen Vohra had received the coveted award in 1972.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. His other awards include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Honorary ADC to the President.