NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG 9
Commodore KP Gopal Rao MVC, VSM (Retd), recipient of Mahavir Chakra, the second highest military decoration of the nation, passed away today morning at his residence in Chennai.
Rear Admiral Puneet Chadha, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area laid a wreath on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff on the mortal remains. His body was cremated with full military honours by the Indian Navy at Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai.
Late Commodore KP Gopal Rao MVC, VSM was a specialist in Gunnery. He was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his contribution in 1971 Indo-Pak War. During the War, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of “INS Kiltan”. On the night of 04/05 December 1971, during the Indo-Pak operations, a small Task Group of the Western Fleet under the then Commander Gopal Rao led his Task Group to invade deep into enemy waters and bombarded Karachi Port setting fire to oil and other installations in the Harbour.
It is to mark this operational victory that the Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4. In this Operation, Commander Kasargod Patnashetti Gopal Rao displayed conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership in the best traditions of the Indian Navy and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra.
Late Commodore K P Gopal Rao MVC, VSM was born at Madurai on 13 November 1926. He was commissioned into Indian Navy on 21 April 1950. He was a prominent member of the Navy Foundation, Chennai Charter. He has been an active member of the foundation and contributed immensely, a release from Defence PRO said.
