Lance Naik Raj Kumar Mahto was born on 09 October 1974 in Masu village near Ranchi, Jharkhand, into a farming family. He was the second of five children of Shri Babulal Mahto and Smt. Devmani Devi. From an early age, he was known for his sense of responsibility and progressive outlook. He supported the education of his youngest sister and stood against the practice of child marriage in his family.
He completed his schooling and pursued further studies at Ram Lakhan College, Ranchi. A talented athlete and football player, he earned recognition for his sporting ability and was known for his cheerful and helpful nature. In 1994, at the age of 20, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the 12 Jat Battalion of The Jat Regiment. After his initial posting at Binaguri, he served in the Siachen Glacier sector in 1998.
His physical fitness, professional ability and soldierly qualities led to his selection for commando training with the National Security Guard in 1999. After completing the training, he served with the 52 Special Action Group. He spent approximately three years with the NSG before returning to his parent unit, 12 Jat, in 2002. He was subsequently deputed to 5 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations.
On 04 June 2004, while serving with 5 RR in Ganderbal district, Lance Naik Raj Kumar Mahto took part in a cordon-and-search operation against armed militants in the Malutgali area. As a member of the assault team, he advanced towards the suspected hideout under covering fire. He was struck by multiple rounds of automatic fire. His comrades attempted to evacuate him to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, but he succumbed to his wounds on the way.
Lance Naik Raj Kumar Mahto was 29 years old when he made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Smt. Jaya Prabha Mahto, and their two sons, Gaurav and Ankit. A bust has been erected in his memory at his native village of Masu, and sporting events including a football tournament and marathon have been organised in his honour.