Sergeant Rudresh Murigappa was recruited into the Indian Air Force in the technical stream and trained as a technician before undergoing specialist training as a flight gunner. In August 1996, he was serving with 130 Helicopter Unit and was deployed on air-maintenance operations in the Operation Meghdoot area. On 26 August 1996, he served as the flight gunner aboard an Mi-17 assigned to deliver supplies to Indian Army posts on the south-western side of the Siachen Glacier. After the load was dropped, the helicopter was engaged by enemy fire and received a direct hit before crashing in the icy mountains. Sergeant Rudresh Murigappa, along with Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Jain, Pilot Officer Vaibhav Bhagwat and Sergeant Krishna Chandra Jha, made the supreme sacrifice. He was subsequently mentioned in despatches posthumously for his service in Operation Meghdoot.
Sgt R Murigappa was a valiant soldier and dedicated air warrior who sacrificed his life in the service of the nation.