President Droupadi Murmu approved 76 gallantry awards on the eve of the 77th Independence Day for paramilitary and armed forces personnel, including Kirti Chakras for four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members who were killed in action during an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh two years ago, according to a statement from the defence ministry on Monday.
Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, head Constable Raj Kumar Yadava, constable Bablu Rabha, and Constable Sambhu Roy are the four CRPF members who have been posthumously given the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime heroism decoration.
Naxal attack and open firing
On April 3, 2021, in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, the CRPF members took part in a counterattack against the Naxals. The Naxals had opened fire heavily and had also carried out a number of IED (improvised explosive device) blasts to cause as many casualties as possible among the security personnel.
The CRPF claims that the troops risked their life to not only save their coworkers but also to defeat the Naxals. The daring acts of the four, who were the first to bolster the fortifications for their teammates, led the Naxals to stage a retreat from their vantage point.
Award list
According to the release, the list of gallantry awards also includes 52 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), four Vayu Sena Medals, two Bar to Sena Medals, and 11 Shaurya Chakras (including five posthumous).
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Nine soldiers, a constable from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and a constable from the CRPF are among the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest award for valor during a time of peace.
Recipients of Shaurya Chakra
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Major Vikas Bhambhu, Major Mustafa Bohara, Major Sachin Negi, Major Rajendra Prasad, Major Ravinder Singh Rawat, Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar, Naik Bhim Singh, Rifleman Kulbushan Manta, JKP Constable Saifullah Qadri, and CRPF Constable Gamit Mukesh Kumar are the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra.
For their important contributions to various military operations, the President has additionally approved 30 Mention-in-Despatches to the army, including one for army dog Madhu (Posthumous).
