Right at the start of the war on 03 Dec 1971, the navy's communications department detected the presence of a Pakistani submarine a few miles off the city of Diu, on the western seaboard. After coming to know of this threat, two of the three Indian combat vessels were deployed to ensure that the threat from the submarine was effectively neutralised.
The Pakistani submarine, Hangor was equipped with state-of-the-art sensory systems and weapons. In contrast, the sensory equipment on board the Indian vessels were just being upgraded which reduced the ship's speed in water.
On account of the disparity between the capabilities of the sensory equipment and the consequent navigational route followed by INS Khukri, PNS Hangor was able to fire torpedoes at both the Khukri and the Kirpan. While the Kirpan eluded the torpedo attack and was able to get into an advantageous position, the Khukri was unable to do so.
The attack was devastating as there were two explosions and the ship lost electric power and went dark. As the ship started sinking on the starboard side, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla issued orders to his officers and men to abandon ship. He personally supervised the rescue operations and tried to save as many of his officers and men, as possible.
Along with the ship, 18 officers and 178 sailors made the supreme sacrifice.
Captain Mulla chose to go down with ship like a true military leader and in the highest of naval traditions!
Epilogue. The nation honoured him by awarding him the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously.
My take
Captain Mulla sir, you shall ever remain an inspiration for the generations of mariners who follow your footsteps!
Tailpiece.
Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.
To the ICICI bank to clear the anomalies of my credit card.
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