As the Nation celebrates the 78th Independence Day on August 15, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been conferred with a total of 52 Gallantry medals, the highest among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces as well as five Shauryas.
The 57 prestigious awards have elevated the CRPF’s overall tally to 2,677.
The honours are divided between 25 medals which have been awarded for operations in Jammu and Kashmir and 32 medals for recognizing acts of bravery in anti-Naxal operations across Left Wing Extremism-affected regions.
Among the Shaurya Chakra recipients, two were honoured posthumously for their supreme sacrifice.
Additionally, the list of Gallantry Medal recipients includes Sub-Inspector Raushan Kumar, who was posthumously awarded for his valiant efforts against Maoists in Bihar, and Assistant Commandant Teja Ram Choudhary, who received two Medals for his bravery in separate Jammu and Kashmir operations.
A key highlight this year is the recognition of five personnel from the 201 CoBRA unit of CRPF honoured with Shaurya Chakras for their extraordinary courage during a critical engagement on January 30 this year.
Their acts of heroism occurred while establishing a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Chhattisgarh.
Deputy Commandant Lakhveer, Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal, and Constables Malkit Singh, Pawan Kumar, and Devan C. displayed unmatched bravery in the face of a fierce Naxal assault.
Despite being heavily outgunned and sustaining injuries, they led their teams with unwavering resolve, delivering significant blows to the insurgents and securing the area.
Constable Pawan Kumar and Constable Devan C. were posthumously honoured with the Shaurya Chakra for their sacrifice.
Deputy Commandant Lakhveer, Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal, and Constable Malkit Singh were also awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their exceptional valour. (ANI)