New Delhi [India], July 5 (ANI): During an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, President Droupadi Murmu awarded six personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their exceptional valour during operations in Aurangabad, Bihar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh.
During the ceremony, four CRPF bravehearts were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for their valour in the fight against Maoists in Bijapur on April 3, 2021.
On that day, a joint anti-Maoist operation was launched in the Silger Forest area, District Bijapur, involving troops from 210 CoBRA, 241 Bn, and the Chhattisgarh Police. The operation took a grim turn when the Maoists ambushed the troops with indiscriminate gunfire and grenades.
Despite the overwhelming and perilous situation, the troops displayed exceptional courage, countering the initial attack and retaliating with determination. They fought bravely for six hours, inflicting heavy casualties on the Maoists, who eventually fled the scene. In this fierce battle, 22 warriors, including seven from 210 CoBRA and one from 241 Bn, made the ultimate sacrifice.
In recognition of their bravery, four of these Bravehearts–Shaheed Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, Shaheed HC Raj Kumar Yadav, Shaheed Ct Bablu Rabha, and Shaheed Ct Shambhu Roy–were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra on 15 August 2023.
President Murmu awarded the Kirti Chakra to the family members of these four today.
Two CRPF personnel were also awarded Shauyra Chakra (non posthumous) today by the President.
On February 25, 2022, a special Search and Destroy operation was launched in the Chhakarbandha forest area, District Aurangabad, involving 205 CoBRA, 47 Bn CRPF, and Bihar Police.
As the troops approached their target, Maoists opened fire. Afterwards, Bibhor Kumar Singh, Assistant Commandant led a flanking attack, causing the Maoists to retreat. Despite being gravely injured by an IED and losing his left foot, he continued to lead his troops, securing a dominant position and recovering IED-making materials. For his bravery, Bibhor Kumar Singh was awarded the Shaurya Chakra on 15 August 2023.
On 19th December 2021, a joint anti-terrorist operation involving Valley QAT, the Army, and JK Police was launched in the Darbagh area. Acting on intelligence, a House Intervention Team (HIT) was formed to neutralize a terrorist hiding in a house.
Constable Gamit Mukesh Kumar and his fellow trooper engaged the terrorist in hand-to-hand combat, forcing him out of the house. Amid gunfire, Constable Gamit Mukesh Kumar displayed unmatched courage, ultimately eliminating the terrorist. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. For his bravery, Constable Gamit Mukesh Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra on 15 August 2023.
Both the CRPF personnel were awarded today by the President. (ANI)
