the route was unfamiliar to the Indian sailors, but Commander Sawant ably manouevred his force through the choppy waters and took the enenmy by surpirse at Mongla. After routing the enemy, he moved on to Khuln, a better defended port. Even as the Indian moved in, heavy air shelling began, and the Mukti Bahini lost tow of its ships. Commander Sawant continued with the attack. the battle raged long and furious, but the Commander refused to move to safer waters. His unflinching courage inspired his men and they fought back fiercely. The enemy soon conceded defeat.

Commander Sawant was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his esemplary leadership and courage.