Shaurya Chakra

The Shaurya Chakra, award for gallantry was first instituted by the President of India on 04 Jan 1952 as ASHOKA CHAKRA Class Three. It was redesignated as the Shaurya Chakra on 27 Jan 1967 for "GALLANTRY OTHERWISE IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY. THE DECORATION MAY ALSO BE AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY."

2 Lt (Later Lt Col) Udhe Singh, SC

On 30 May 1962, 2 Lieutenant Udhe Singh learnt that a gang of approximately 20 hostiles armed with rifles and automatic weapons were hiding in huts at some distance from siruhi. These hostiles had kidnapped two prominent citizens from an adjacent village, and after extorting money and rations from the villagers, were intending to go back to their camp. On 31 May, after getting reinforcements from Battalion Headquarters, 2 Lieutenant Udhe Singh proceeded towards the hostile hideout. While encircling the hostiles, 2 Lieutenant Udhe Singh and his patrol were heavily fired upon and the encounter lasted more than an hour. Disregarding his personal safety, 2 Lieutenant Udhe Singh continued to lead the attack on the hostile party which fled into the thick jungle, leaving behind some ammunition and equipment. In this action, a notorious hostile leader was captured.

In this operation, 2 Lieutenant Udhe Singh displayed tremendous courage, determination and bravery of a high order for which he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.

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Jem S Raja Manickam, SC (P)

12 Lok Sahayak Sena Affiliated to The Madras Regiment. Enrolled into Royal Indian Arty and served from 12 Dec 41 to 02 Jan 47 and released on demob.

Subsequently re-emp into National Volunteer Force (Later 12 Lok Sahayak Sena (12 LSS) affiliated to the Madras Regt.

ASHOKA CHAKRA CLASS-III (now known as SHAURYA CHAKRA) posthumously on 29 Apr 58 vide Govt of India Gazette Notification No 554/Pers/59 dt 08 Oct 59.

Sep Raji, SC

A Pakistani prisoner, apprehended by the Border Security Force on 29 September 1967 was brought to a Border Security Forces Post. The Border Security Forces let him loose to drink water from the river Sutlej nearby. But all of a sudden, the prisoner jumped into the river and swam down with the current. The Border Security Forces fired twice at him, but the prisoner cunningly evaded the shots by diving into the water. As the BSF gazed helplessly, Sep Raji of A Coy, who was there on water-duty, jumped into the river and chased the prisoner who was already half way across the river. Sep Raji caught the prisoner in the foaming river and over-powered him after a hand to hand duel. He then brought the prisoner ashore and handed him over to the BSF.

By this act of bravery at the risk of his life, Sep Raji was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.

Sep (Later LNk) M Lakshmanan, SC

On 14 July 1961, at about 10 AM No 2543883 Lance Naik M Lakshmanan, who was working in the Officers Mess on the banks of the river Jhelum, heard a scream for help from two Other Ranks in the river. They had been carried away by the swift current to the middle of the river some 60 feet from the bank. Without any slightest hesitation and in complete disregard of the life, Lance Naik Lakshmanan rushed instantly to the aid of the two drowning men. He managed to get hold of them and started bringing them back to the river bank. In the process, one of the drowning person caught hold of his foot and dragged him under water. By then he was very nearly exhausted, but did not give up his attempt to rescue the drowning men. He brought both of them to within 20 feet of the river bank, when others, coming to his aid, were able to bring one of them out of the river. He was forced to give up his search only when he was completely exhausted. LNk Lakshmanan showed commendable determination and courage beyond the call of duty in going to the aid of two drowning men for which he was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai, SC (P)

On the morning of 19 Mar 1975, CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai was lounging in vicinity of the latrine area, where a Naga Hostile Prisoner SS Raja Piyu Kumunga, was doing his morning ablutions. Hostile suddently sprang and jumped in the nearly jungle. CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai, on seeing this made a dash towards the Naga hostile. Just ten yards ahead was a sheer drop of about 200 feet. The Naga hostile jumped down. CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai. With absolute disregard for his personal safety made the risky suicidal jump after the Naga hostile, and managed to get to the hostile. With absolute disregard for his own life he did not let go the hold on the Naga hostile. With absolute disregard for his own life he did not let go the hold on the Naga hostile. With singular determination in a conspicuous act of valour, CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai held on to the Naga Hostile.

In this act beyond the call of duty, CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai suffered multiple head injuries. Soon after he succumbed to the injuries and lived upto the highest traditions of the Indian Army and the Regimental Motto.

CQMH Ramakrishna Pillai, for this act of conspicuous bravery, daring and pre-eminent valour, which cost him his life, was posthumously awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Sep PO Ommen, SC (P)

On 04 Nov 78 Sepoy PO Ommen was detailed with his platoon to rescue civs from marooned areas at Edappazhanji near Trivandrum. Due to incessant rains in the area for about 72 hours River Edappazhanji was in unprecedented spate and had developed very fast water current. Civs living on islands in the river were surrounded by 8 to 10 feet deep water. Sepoy Ommen alongwith other two Other Ranks namely Sepoy Veerabatra Pandy and Sepoy Dakkumala Dayakara Rao disregard to the risk involved, acted extremely daringly beyond the call of duty and rescued 20 women and children from the marooned areas. While this rescue operation was on, a civ informed the Platoon Commander that another house approximately 300 yards upstream was washed away and the inmates of the house were helplessly clinging on to nearby trees. The water level of the river had started rising very fast and the current in the river had, by then, become faster. Still unmindful to the grave danger involved, Sepoy Ommen voluntarily, disregarding his personal safety jumped into the river to save the stranded civilians. But due to the fast current the rope tied to his waist snapped and Sep Ommen was swept away and drowned.

Sep Ommen, for displaying exceptional courage, determination and devotion to good cause sacrificed his life for which he was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

Maj (Later Lt Col) Mohanan Pappini Veetil, SC

Major Mohanan Pappini Veetil was the 2IC of MADRAS bn which was inducted in Mon district of Nagaland in February 1981. Major Mohanan was directed to establish an effective intelligence net work to show the civil populace the sincerity of the Security Force in wanting to assist the locals and to win over their hearts and minds. He moved fearlessly from village to village, house to house, in a spirited effort to woo the masses and win their confidence.

On 12 April 1983, one of the sources of Major Mohanan brought information that some undergrounds were going towards Shengha Tangten for exfiltration.

Immediately, a special Operation was launched to apprehend the individuals. Major Mohanan was in charge of the columns operating from Mon. While moving on the tract Shengha Tangten to Shengha Chingnyu he saw the under grounds and immediately ordered his column and that of Captain Subroto Mitra to rush and apprehend them alive.

The undergrounds fled and ran into the thick jungles in small groups. The officer, though in low medical category, rushed towards the escaping hostiles through thick jungle, cut off their routes of get away by outflanking them, and with utter disregard for his personal safety, personally overpowered two of the three undergrounds who were trying to flee. Inspired by his bold and courageous action, his men pressed home the charge and captured all the eleven fleeing hostiles alive. This led to a further apprehension of more undergrounds including a notorious and the most wanted man of the undergrounds, Mr Noktu Konyak Ranapeyo and his aide, SS Private Khatwant Konyak. His act of gallantry in apprehending the undergrounds set an example for others to emulate.

For this tremendous zeal, dedication, and devotion to duty of a most exceptional order and outstanding courage, Maj Mohanan Pappini Veetil received the award of Shaurya Chakra.

L/Hav Kuppuswamy, SC (P)

During night 5/6 June 1984, Bn was given the task of clearing extremists from one of the Gurudwaras in Moga City. L/Hav Kuppuswamy was commanding the section of the leading platoon which was launched into the assault.

On reaching the Gurudwara, the leading section came under heavy fire from one of the rooms. After carrying out a quick recce, L/Hav Kuppuswamy’s section was given the task of flushing out and apprehending the extremists who were hiding in one of the rooms on the first floor of the Gurudwara. He personally led his section towards the room, and while the section was negotiating the staircase and moving towards the door, L/Hav Kuppuswamy was shot at by one of the extremists in the chest. Despite being wounded, he kept advancing forward, led his section into the room, and killed one extremist and captured five other extremists and thereby successfully completed the task assigned to him and his section. He later succumbed to his injury.

In this action, despite the constraints imposed for maintaining the sanctity of the Gurudwara and not opening fire until fired upon by the extremists, L/Hav Kuppuswamy was shot at first by the extremists. With disregard for his life, and with an exemplary sense of loyalty, courage and bravery beyond the call of duty, he successfully completed the task allotted to him despite the fact that he was wounded in the chest. For this action, L/Hav Kuppuswamy was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Nk Madhusoodanan Pillai, SC

Nk Madhusoodanan Pillai of a Company of a MADRAS Battalion, was engaged in the Operation against extremists holding strong points in and around the Golden Temple, Amritsar. His company was given the task of clearing the extremists from the southern Parikrama area. The Company wqas to move forward after the leading company, the another company, had established a foothold on the ground floor of Parikrama.

However, as the Operation was getting delayed because of effective hold-ups enroute, company had to proceed closely behind the leading company, the company had thus to fight through to reach the heavy fire from Light Machine Guns from extremists in the towers. At a critical juncture, Naik Madhusoodanan Pillair rushed forward and cleared the nearest Light Machine Gun after a close quarter battle in which he sustained injuries.

His bravery helped the company in clearing the extremists from the southern Parikrama area. Naik Madhusoodanan Pillai was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Sep C Rayappan, SC (P)

During the operation to flush out extremists from the Golden Temple, Amritsar, during night 5/6 Jun 1984, Sep C Rayappan of A Company, was engaged as a rifleman of his section. The company was tasked to link up with an other bn, and thereafter given a new task of flushing out the extremists fighting from inside the Akal Takth. Sep Rayappan’s Platoon was ordered to lead the assault into the Akal Takth which was heavily covered by automatic fire from the close followers of the leader of the extremists, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

As Sep Rayappan’s section stormed into the Akal Takth, leading the section of the Platoon, the extremists fired automatics from three to four directions from various heights. The Platoon got held up and there was danger of the entire Platoon getting wiped out. At that crucial juncture, Sep Rayappan disregarding his personal safety, charged at the extremists to save the situation, fighting valiantly. He made the supreme sacrifice of laying down his life in the service of the nation.

For this act of bravery of an exceptional order beyond the call of duty, Sepoy C Rayappan was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Sep A Ravi Kumar, SC

During the operation against extremists in the Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar, C Coy, was given the task of capturing the first floor of the western building of the inner complex.

After the company had successfully captured the objective, Sep A Ravi Kumar heard some noise coming from a Dome dominating his position. Suddenly he found a grenade being hurled at him. Very quickly he picked up the grenade and threw it out towards the Sarovar, and then resumed his advance. When he was on top, he came under effective fire of LMGs. He fired back with his self-loading rifle but the position was well held.

Sep Ravi Kumar tried to force the door open, but could not do so. In the meantime, the extremists from inside hurled a smoke grenade at him as a result of which he sustained burns over his hands and body. Despite this, he kept on looking for chance to finish the extremists who were creating problems for him and his entire Company. Not caring for his personal safety, he grabbed the barrel of an extremist’s LMG with a rag, and lobbed a grenade through the same loop-hole of the bunker, thus silencing the extremists within.

Sep A Ravi Kumar displayed tremendous courage, determination and initiative, in carrying out a task not allotted to him. For this bravery beyond the call of duty, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

LNk Surendran Nair K, SC (P)

On the 2 August 1992, at 2.00 in the after-noon, bn with a platoon of another Bn, moved to cordon an area near Usman village in Taran Taran district of Punjab, where the police was engaged in an encounter with the terrorists who were concealed in a ditch screened by thick sarkanda grass. Lance Naik K Surendran Nair spotted another cemented drain, also covered with Sarkanda. He moved stealthily towards this, when he was barely 5 meters away from his objective, a terrorist opened fire, and lance Naik Surendran Nair was wounded in his abdomen, Despite being mortally wounded, he charged with his LMG firing from the hip and grievously injured his assailant, although he received another burst of bullets, this time on the chest, he continued to bring down accurate fire on the terrorist, till at last he fell unconscious with his finger still on the trigger, he was evacuated to military Hospital, Amritsar where he succumbed to his injuries. The man he had mortally wounded was Ram Rajinder Singh, a Category ‘A’ list of Bhinderwala Tiger force of Kalistan (Sangha group), who carried a cash award of rupees one lakh on his head.

Lance Naik K. Surendran Nair, displayed courage, outstanding devotion to duty, and rare spirit of self-sacrifice in his fight against the terrorist.

Hav Sarthi Reddy Budupu, SC (P)

On 04 October 1993 at approximately 0630 hours No 2585871K Havildar Sarthi Reddy Budupu, Section Commander during the operations against Anti National Elements (ANEs) (J & K) came under heavy fire from a group of houses. Knowing that any movements at such a close proximity, as they were, could be potentially fatal, Havildar Sarthi Reddy Budupu, totally unmindful of his personal safety and ina display of rere courage, led his section in order to get a better vantage point to fire down upon the ANEs and to Cordon Off/encircle the houses from which the ANEs were able to bring effective fire upon own troops. While doing so, he was shot down by an ANE sniper. But inspired and motivated by his fearless move forward, the section following him fired at and forced the ANEs to withdraw.

Maj Kamal Kalia, SC (P)

During the period LC- 35555A Major Kamal Kalia, Coy Cdr, D Coy was operating in OP RHINO against ULFA militants in Districts of Tinsukia And Dibrugarh.

He with ingenuity, dedication and sense of purpose had established an excellent intelligence network. On acquiring intelligence about ULFA top leader Prakash Dutta, Finance Secretary of Tinsukia District, he led a wolf pack team on 01 Apr 92. After painstakingly tracking the militant the officer ferreted out the militant 600 Kms away at Guwahati and in a surgical
operation apprehended him on 05 Apr 92.

Capitalising on psychological ascendancy, the officer after mentally breaking the militant used him to storm the ULFA strong-hold of Lakhipathar. After relentless psychological operations coupled with ground actions in conjunction with the battalion he was able to force 204 ULFA cadres led by Kamla Moran, Bojsakanto Mech, Lakhi Deori and Umesh Moran to surrender alongwith large quantity of arms and ammunition.

On resumption of operations on 27 Dec 92 the officer was deployed in area Moran-Khowang. Again with exceptional zeal he cultivated sources and was able to wean away anti-talk faction cadre of ULFA. He was able to identify various hideouts and was perpetually on hot-pursuit of Toofan Kanwar, area leader Khowang, Rantu Neog, Chairman of ULFA and Guli Das Sub-Area Leader Namdang.

On 27 Mar 93 Major Kamal Kalia was able to identity location of a meeting scheduled to be held at Nandang on the eve of memorial service of Heanto Barua of ULFA to chalk out future strategy. Major Kalia and his team raided the location thwarting the meeting by ULFA. In the raid nine militants along with propaganda material and memorial cut-outs were captured.

On 09 Apr 93 his sources informed about move of Rantu Neog in a Maruti Car on road Moran-Dibrugarh. Major Kamal Kalia immediately activated his team and got into hot-pursuit. While tailing the top militant Major Kamal Malia fatally was knocked by on coming civil bus. By this action beyond the call of duty major Kamal Kalia made the supreme sacrifice while fighting the ULFA militants.

In cognition of his selfless devotion to duty dedication, tenacity and perseverance in operations against ULFA militants. Major Kamal Kalia was awarded Shaurya Chakra (P).

Sub Mayan Gopal, SC (P)

Subedar Mayan Gopal was enrolled in the MADRAS Regiment. The JCO led a column in the cordon and search operation in Pulwama dist on 18 June 1994. On observing suspicious movements of militants along a nallah early morning, Subedar Mayan moved to an adjacent high ground to intercept them.

However, the party led by Subedar Mayan and some militants who approached from a different direction reached the high ground simultaneously. The Subedar with nerves of steel and cool courage personally led the charge on militants against stiff and heavy automatic fire and killed a militant. Subedar Mayan was himself seriously injured too. Unmindful of his own injury and personal safety, the JCO continued to chase yet another militant. At close range, the militant stood up face with Subedar Mayan and both fired simultaneously. Though the militant was shot dead, Subedar Mayan was again hit and died instantly.

During this fierce encounter Subedar Mayan had displayed exceptional leadership and unparalleled courage, for this act of outstanding valour devotion to duty, Subedar Mayan Gopal was awarded Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous).

Nk Varsi Vasudev Rao, SC (P)

On 13th August 1994 in a village in Thoubal district in Manipur, a column was tasked to seek and destroy Naga militants. Naik Rao was leader of the leading section, when they reached the village, they were fired upon by the militants hiding in the college complex. Naik Rao and his men returned the fire. However, he was hit by a bullet in his chest, Bleeding profusely he led his men with extreme courage and total disregard to his own safety, till he breathed his last, This supreme sacrifice of his galvanized his column into action and the operation resulted in subsequent killing of nine militants and apprehension of one of them.

Naik Varsi Vasudev Rao, displayed exemplary courage, firm determination and devotion to duty at the cost of his own life.

Maj John Soundra Pandian, SC (P)

On 10 May 1996 around 0900 hours a group of militants were spotted by Major John Pandian and his party in area Kathua of DODA district of Jammu and Kashmir. In quick action Major Pandian blocked the escape route of the militants and started closing in. Seeing this, the militants opened fire and grievously injured Major Pandian. Without caring for his personal safety in a daring move Major Pandian fired back and killed his assailant on the spot. The other militant threw hand grenade which inflicted fatal injuries on Major Pandian.

Major Pandian’s action and sacrifice galvanised his unit. In the operation that followed five militants were killed on the spot.

Major John Soundara Pandian, thus displayed outstanding bravery, conspicuous courage, devotion to duty and made supreme sacrifice.

Maj SS Gahlawat, SC (P)

On 23 October 1997, when Major Sajjan Singh Gahlawat was carrying out search of village Sangliani, he was fired upon by the militants in which Havildar Thomas was injured. Realising extreme danger to his comrades, who were caught in the open and in a position of disadvantage against the militants, Major Gahlawat, in a daring move dashed to engage the militants from a flank so that injured comrade could be evacuated.

Major Gahlawat with absolute disregard to his personal safety, unflinchingly advanced in hail of bullets and lobbed a grenade into the hideout. During this act, he was grievously injured by a burst of fire. Despite being critically wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued to engage the militants and diverted the militants fire away from own troops which facilitated extrication of his party to safety. He, however, succumbed to the injuries. Demonstration of such dare devil bravery, supreme sacrifice and esprit-de-corps is in the highest tradition of Indian Army.

Maj Gahlawat, thus displayed indomitable courage the grit, initiative of outstanding order, and made supreme sacrifice beyond the call of duty and for which he was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

Nk Yama Sivasankara Reddy, SC (P)

On 6 December 1997, during an operation, Naik Yama Sivasankara Reddy was part of a search party which was tasked to search a village in, district Poonch in Jammu & Kasmir, while the search was in progress, the search party was fired upon from a house by the militants, immediately, the house was cordoned but despite firing for four hours, militants were unrelenting. At about 4.30 p.m. realising critically of the situation and to prevent escape of the militants in the darkness, Naik Reddy unmindful of his personal safety volunteered to lob grenade inside the hideout. When he was crawling towards the house, he was hit by splinters of a grenade. Despite his injures, Naik Reddy lobbed a grenade in the house.

Immediately, one militant rushed out of the house firing indiscriminately injuring Naik Reddy grievously. Despite this, he killed his assailant. Naik Reddy, however succumbed to his injures.

Naik Yama Siva Sankara Reddy displayed indomitable courage and grit, selfless devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in fighting with the militants.

Sep Alphonse S, SC (P)

On 15 May 1998, at 1330 hours, Sepoy Alphonse S was member of a patrol of 15 men led by Major MS Rohil, tasked to apprehend Bodo militants in Simalguri Village. On approaching the village, the patrol was engaged by heavy automatic fire. The patrol closed in killing three militants.

Some militants were then noticed running North East. Sepoy Alphonse led the chase despite frontal fire. As the patrol reached village Nalbari, it encountered heavy automatic fire and grenade attacks from militants hidden in a marshy area with chest high elephant grass. The patrol was deployed and the ensuing fire fight lasted for over two hours.

Appreciating that militants would escape in approaching darkness, Sepoy Alphonse, in an act of cold courage and bold action, crawled towards one of the militants from the West, inviting fire and grenade attacks. Totally unmindful of his personal safety, the Sepoy made a charge on the militant and shot him dead. Noticing a second militant preparing to throw a grenade at Major Rohil and his party and realizing the grave danger to them, Sepoy Alphonse stood up and charged at him. This distracted the militant’s attention who threw the grenade at Sepoy Alphonse. The Sepoy, though fatally wounded, shot at the militant, injuring him. Later Havildar Manjunatha, shot the militant dead.

The operation resulted in killing of five militants and recovery of three AK 47 Rifles, three .303 Rifles, a large quantity of ammunition and equipment.

In making the supreme sacrifice of his life, Sepoy Alphonse S displayed cold courage, dogged determination and utter disregard for personal safety, in the face of intense militant fire, to save his comrades, which is in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For this conspicuous act of gallantry, self sacrifice and valour, far beyond the call of duty, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

The operation resulted in killing of five militants and recovery of three AK 47 Rifles, three .303 Rifles, a large quantity of ammunition and equipment.

Sep (Now Nk) J Veerabhadrudu, SC

No. 2600934F, Sepoy J. Veerabhadrudu was enrolled on 26 December 1996, and joined ‘B’ company, at Alwar on 28 December 1997. Sepoy Veerabhadrudu was part of the Ghatak team led by IC-53312X Major Goraknathan tasked to carryout search and destroy operation in his own area of responsibility. On 20th July 1999, on receipt of authentic information, Operation DARING-VI was launched to carryout search and destroy operation in upper reaches of Gama Litter Baihk in utmost hostile and inhospitable terrain in Uri Sector.

At about 04:30 hour, on 22 July 1999, the Ghatak team established contact with the militants, who opened effective fire on the Ghatak team and fled. Sep J. Veerabhadrudu displaying raw courage, grit and determination charged towards the fleeing militants along with his company commander. The desperate militants releasing that their escape routes were closing, took shelter in a cave and brought down effective fire on the approaching column. Sepoy Veerabhadrudu displaying utter disregard to personal safety crawled towards the militants hideout and effectively engaged them by fire.

Sepoy Veerabhadrudu observed that a militant was trying to lob a grenade at them. In a rare display of raw courage and initiative beyond his two years of service, he immediately fired at the militant instantaneously killing him. The other militant in a desperate action started firing on to the officer and sepoy Veerabhadrudu, displaying quick presence of mind, took cover behind a tree pinned down the militants.

Sepoy Veerabhadrudu with utter regard to his personal safety crawled forward to get a better observation inspite of Major K. Gorakhnation diving and trying to pull the Jawan to safety was injured by a bullet fire by the militants. Unmindful of the injury, the young Jawan again fired at the militant and refused to vacate his position inspite of orders from his company commander. He lobbed a grenade and brought down effective fire on the second militant thus killing him also.

Sepoy Veerabhadrudu provided effective fire and pinned a third militant who was now firing at Major K. Gorkhnathan. The Major crawled nearer to the hideout and killed the militants by lobbing a grenade inside.

Search of the area consequent to killing of the militants resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of arms, ammunition and other incriminating documents which proved beyond doubt that the militants were, mercenaries from Pakistan. The recovery of a pair of combat uniform with badges of rank of a lieutenant of the Pakistan army also proved beyond doubt that one of the three Killed was Pakistan army regular.

Inspite of his injuries Sep Veerabhadrudu contained to remain cheerful further motivating his colleagues, The singular act of No. 2600934F Sepoy J. Veerabhadrudu has been an exceptional order and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian army, The same is worthy of emulation by all.

For the display of raw courage, combat initiative much beyond his young service, determination, Utter disregard to his personal safety and singular display of bravery of a very high order, No. 2600934F Sepoy J.Veeabhadrudu was awarded SHAURYA CHAKRA.

Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar, SC (P)

Lieutenant Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar was commissioned in the MADRAS Regiment on 19 December 1981, and posted to Rashtriya Rifles on 7 November 1998, He was second -in-command of the Battalion and led an operation in (Surankot).

On 30th October 1999, a Cordon and search operation was launched to eliminate hardcore militants hiding in the village. Lt. Col. Bhandarakar spotted the militants escaping towards Nallah. Showing exemplary courage, the officer chased the militants escaping towards nallah and shot dead one militant at point blank range. The second militant hiding inside the nallah fired indiscriminately, injuring the officer grievously. Despite being injured badly the officer moved ahead and lobbed a grenade on the militant, shot him down. This action of the officer saved the lives of other personnel. The slain militants have been identified as Amir Shaizad, Ashraf and Zaman, all foreign militants. The officer’s daring action, thus resulted in the elimination of three hardcore militants. For showing exemplary leadership and raw courage Lt. Colonel Ajit Bhanderkar was awarded SHAURYA CHAKRA (Posthumously).

Hav Radhakrishnan Kunju Panicker, SC (P)

On 14 Jun 2001 Havildar Radhakrishnan led his sub team for Seek and destroy operation in thick jungles and slippery slopes due to rain of Sadganga forest.

On hearing faint sound he sensed terrorists mov. Maintaining cool and presence of mind he deployed his team. He led the search and unmindful of personal safety, closed into close combat range and single handedly killed two terrorists. Firefight ensued thereafter. Hav Radhakrishnan got hit by terrorist fire. Despite being seriously wounded he took effective control of his team. Other terrorists took position behind trees and fired on Hav Radhakrishnan’s team. As a result his buddy Sep Devappa was hit by terrorist fire and fell down. Seeing his buddy falling and his team under fire Hav Radhakrishnan who was himself seriously injured and bleeding profusely charged at terrorists killing one more terrorist. Hav Radhakrishnan later succumbed to injuries. In the ops he killed three terrorists including Bashir Ah Lone, Radi Code ADIL, Self Style Battalion Commander Hizbul Mujahideen. Three AK 47 Rifles and three Radio sets were recovered from killed terrorists.

For this act of valour and exceptional gallantry beyond the call of duty Hav Radhakrishnan Kunju Panicker was awarded Shaurya Chakra Posthumously.

Maj Rajeshwar Singh, SC

Major Rajeshwar Singh was company commander of a forward Defended locality in (J&K). Well organised ambushes spotted six terrorist attempting to infiltrate in bad weather on 12 September 2001. Major Rajeshwar Singh exercised restraint allowing the terrorist to come into the designated killing area. Ambush was sprung with heavy fire killing one terrorist while other terrorist took refuge in a cave, retaliating with heavy RPG and pika fire on own troops. Major Rajeshwar Singh though injured by a grenade splinter continued to lead the operation. Re-grouping the ambush parties to fix the terrorist, he took a bold and calculated move to the cave. He created a diversion and charged the cave along with an NCO, killing two terrorists. The daring act inspired the NCO to shoot another terrorist. Major Rajeshwar Singh maintained the pressure pushing down the terrorist and in yet another swift and daring move mortally wounded a terrorist trying to seek cover. The operation was concluded the next day by killing the last surviving terrorist. Major Rajeshwar Singh, thus, displayed gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit, sound tactics acumen in fighting the terrorist.

Maj Chatoth Binu Bharathan, SC

Maj Chatoth Binu Bharathan was a Company Commander of a MADRAS Battalion. On 14 September 2002, a well concealed and tactfully sited ambush observed through HHTI a group of terrorists moving in general area Pathridhana. Major Binu exercised restrain till terrorists entered preselected killing area and fired a claymore mine. Terrorists immediately retaliated and took cover behind boulders. Major Binu showing cool temperament and presence of mind asked for 81 mm Mortor fire and continuously engaged the terrorists with small arms and AGL preventing them from escaping. After being under protracted fire for more than eight hours Maj Binu leading from the front in a display of rare courage, initiative and relentless pursuit move to a flank and charged towards the terrorist killing one on the spot. He then organized two search parties and personally killed another effective terrorists fire. Thereafter chased the third terrorist for 200 meters before shooting him dead. The operation lasted for 36 hours and resulted in elimination of nine foreign terrorists.

For this act of personal bravery of the highest order, cool temperament, initiative, outstanding dynamism and leadership by personal example, Maj Chatoth Binu Bharathan was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

LNk (Now Nk) Krishna Murthy G, SC

LNk Krishna Murthy G was RL No 1 at FDL Tent of a MADRAS Bn. On 08 Aug 2002 ambush deployed in Manju OP Area sensed a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate under thick cloud cover. LNk Krishna Murthy exercised restrain and allowed the terrorists to enter into preselected killing area. LNk K Murthy sprung the ambush by cleverly firing a claymore mind. The terrorists were badly wounded and started fleeing back towards Line of Control. They were engaged by AGL, MMG and 81 mm Mor fire. During search LNk Murthy relentlessly followed the blood trails to very near the Line of Control, there the party came under heavy terrorists fire. Unmindful of heavy fire by enemy FDLs and terrorists, he located the terrorists and accurately fired RL round killing two terrorists. The LNk then again closed in with the remaining terrorists, now almost on the Line of Control and in yet another swift and daring move killed another terrorist trying to move towards enemy FDL. Operation was concluded by killing the remaining terrorist.

LNk Krishna Murthy G led from the front, displaying indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage. His physical and mental endurance was an epitome of conspicuous gallantry beyond the call of duty and for which he was awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Nk Manesh PV, SC

On 27 Nov 08, Nk PV Manesh was part of the team, tasked to locate and eliminate terrorists from Hotel Oberoi, Mumbai, where they had already killed approx 34 civilians by then.

Nk Manesh, voluntarily led his team setting personal example, rescuing 39 Foreign and Indian Nationals. The rescue operations were conducted in total darkness at night. While carrying out intervention in the suspected room, his team drew fierce fire from the terrorists. Undeterred and with utter disregard to personal safety he continued to fire on the terrorists and pinned them down foiling their efforts to escape.

Immediately, he led and positioned his squad to plug the escape routes and started closing in with the door under cover fire. The terrorists opened fire and lobbed grenades at the squad, in which Nk Manesh got splinter injury in his skull and started bleeding profusely. He refused to be evacuated, kept engaging the terrorists and stormed inside the target room. During the fierce fire fight Nk PV Manesh killed one of the terrorists at close range, before losing consciousness due to loss of blood. He was evacuated to the hospital and subsequently recovered.

For his undaunted valour, resolute determination and dedication towards the mission beyond the call of duty, Nk PV Manesh was awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’.

Hav Luis Periyera Nayagam, SC

On 18 Dec 2008 L/Hav Luis Periyera Nayagam was part of the cordon established to eliminate terrorists hiding among boulders in Golan Nala.

He, leading his small team, pinned down the terrorists with accurate fire and foiled their attempts to escape in the darkness at night. At day break, he volunteered to close in, as the terrorists were well protected from grenade assault and small arms fire.

He crawled from the flanks under heavy volume of fire towards the boulders and threw a grenade that did not have desired effect. Realizing this, he climbed the boulder shielding the terrorists while his buddy provided covering fire. He also directed his buddy to lob grenade below the boulders to distract the terrorists. With utter disregard to his personal safety, he jumped from the boulder on to the two terrorists and killed both of them single handedly.

For this act of gallantry, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra on 15 Aug 2009.

Lt Col Sanjay Kaushik, SC

On 01 July 2009 at 1300h, IC-46936F Lieutenant Colonel Sanjay Kaushik leading the Battalion Ghatak column, moved on reliable input about presence of four terrorists in house of a suspect at village Nilsu. On spot interrogation, provided input that the terrorists were likely to be hiding in the adjoining forest. The officer displayed tactical acumen by immediately resisting the cordon and coordinating a two pronged probe to locate terrorists in the forest which had dense foliage and steep slopes. On being probed, the terrorists fired on own parties spread along a nala, covered with big boulders and dense foliage. The fire fight continued in heavy rainstorm for approx two hours, when the officer anticipating approaching fading light, crawled forward from a flank against heavy fire and charged after throwing grenades. Disregarding personal safety, he closed in and killed two terrorists from point blank range and facilitated neutralization of the third terrorist.

For this act of gallantry, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra on 26 Jan 2010.

Maj NN Venkata Sriram, SC

Based on reliable inputs about presence of terrorists, Major Sriram displaying keen tactical acumen, established effective cordon around suspected houses at village Dirhot on
17 July 2009 blocking all escape routes.

After first light, while searching the suspected houses, the team came under heavy volume of automatic fire. Displaying presence of mind and ingenuity to smoke out terrorists, Major Sriram alongwith his buddy closed in to the house and lobbed grenades and threw burning sacks through a window. While doing this, when one terrorist fired at him from the window, the officer holding his nerves, swiftly retaliated, shooting him dead from point blank range. Displaying dogged determination and with utter disregard to personal safety, Major Sriram thereafter, swiftly entered the house through the window and charged at the second terrorist Sartaz Ahmed @ Dr Sohail, Section Commander, killing him in close combat.

For this act of gallantry, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra on 26 Jan 2010.

NK BAIJU B, SC

On 14 Nov 2009, Nk Baiju B was part of Quick Reaction Team which rushed to Lash Baihk to reinforce a small team which had established contact with terrorists.

After intense degradation of the target, he alongwith his Commanding Officer carefully approached the dhok and crawled upto its roof for house clearing drill. On reaching the rooftop the individual then slowly crept further forward and unmindful of own safety threw three grenades from a small opening into the dhok. This resulted in severe injuries to the terrorists hiding below. Further on entering the dhok for final clearance, the individual showed phenomenal presence of mind when he shot one terrorist who was hiding behind one of the doors of the dhok from close range thus preventing casualties to the house clearing party.

During the entire operation the individual showed indomitable courage and valour beyond normal call of duty and in utter disregard to personal safety. The exemplified personal bravery, professionalism and sheer guts resulted in the elimination of one hardcore foreign terrorist and recovery of huge cache of arms and walkie stores.

For his outstanding performance during OPERATION MURUGAN, Nk Baiju B was awarded SHAURYA CHAKRA on 15 Aug 2010.

Shaurya Chakra

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