In 2013, a controversy erupted over the Battle of Laungewala, with Air Marshal MS Bawa (retd) and Maj Gen Atma Singh (retd) claiming that no ground battle had taken place at Laungewala and the victory was only due to the Air Force. Brig Chandpuri had filed a defamation case against the duo at Chandigarh and the matter is still pending before the court.

December 4

2300 Hours: Pakistani formations approach Indian Border Post 635

Midnight: Indian troops report sound of approaching armour; Major Chandpuri apprises seniors of the approaching threat

December 5

0030 Hours: Pakistani artillery opens supporting fire as armour advances towards Indian positions. Indian troops engage Pakistani tanks, stalling their advance. Pakistani infantry mistakes barbed wire surrounding Indian posts to be minefield marker and lose time trying to negotiate it. Tanks get bogged down in sand. Elevated Indian positions and the light from flames of burning Pakistani vehicles make the job of Indian gunners easier

0230 Hours: Maj Gen RF Khambatta, GOC, 12 Infantry Division, contacts Wg Cdr MS Bawa at Jaisalmer for air support, but is told aircraft can take off only at first light0715 Hours: Sqn Ldr DK Das spots tanks ahead of Laungewala Post, IAF Hunters make first strike. By noon, numerous sorties by IAF decimate Pakistani formations, with a loss of about 100 vehicles, including 22 tanks destroyed by the Air Force and 12 by ground forces