In conformity with the tradition of duly acknowledging, appreciating, and rewarding the raw courage, exemplary fortitude, exceptional valour, and selfless devotion of the bravehearts of the force exhibited in the line of duty, the Nation bestowed as many as 33 Gallantry Medals to CRPF on the eve of the 77th Independence Day which is highest number among all CAPFs. These medals include 4 Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), 1 Shaurya Chakra, 1 President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and 27 Police Medal for Gallantry, taking the total Gallantry Medal tally of the force to 2502, which is reflective of the patriotic rooting of the Force and the unwavering and selfless devotion of its bravehearts towards their duties to the Nation.
Out of these 33 Medals, 20 Medals were bestowed for gallantry in 5 operations conducted in Jammu and kashmir while 13 Medals were conferred on the Bravehearts who displayed gallant action in 4 operations in LWE infested areas. Two bravehearts were also awarded with the Police Medal for gallantry (Posthumous). Along with the 51 Gallantry Medals awarded to the force on Republic Day- 2023, the total tally of the force becomes 84 Gallantry Medals this year, including 4 Kirti Chakra and 4 Shaurya Chakra. Shri Loukrakpam Ibomcha Singh, Assistant Commandant of Valley QAT has been awarded with his second PPMG. He has already been bestowed with as many as 6 PMGs, making him a distinguished and remarkable officer of the force having 8 Gallantry Medals to his credit.
One of the most fascinating display of valour took place on 3 april 2021 wherein Insp/GD Dilip Kumar Das, HC/GD Raj Kumar Yadava, CT/GD Bablu Rabha and Ct/GD Sambhu Roy of 210 CoBRA, made the supreme sacrifice at the altar of duty while trying to neutralize Maoists, preserving lives of their fellow Braveheartys, and protecting government assets. Insp/GD Dilip Kumar Das exhibited exceptional bravery, leadership, and camaraderie throughout the operation. During a compelling situation when Maoists had unleashed tremendous fire coupled with many simultaneous IED blasts in an ambush near Village Jonaguda under PS Tarrem, Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, he took the lead in fortifying the defense around them, despite being fully aware of the fact that he was inevitably putting his life at stake. Tactical brilliance and unmatched bravery displayed by him in the eyes of death, and his effective use of fire power forced the Maoists to retreat from the spot. He sustained serious injuries during this combat and eventually sacrificed his life at the altar of duty. HC/GD Raj Kumar Yadava fought valiantly and rose to the occasion as the counter offensive launched by him was so fierce that the Maoists had to abandon their position of dominance. Though he laid down his life in the encounter, he had seized the moment in favor of his team. Another legendary charge was launched by CT/GD Bablu Rabha. Having run into an ambush where the Maoists were in enormous strength and had positioned themselves at vantage points, he responded terrifically to counter their assault. Being in the forefront of the attack, he saved the lives of his teammates by sacrificing himself and breaking the Maoist ambush. CT/GD Sambhu Roy also exhibited an exceptional saga of camaraderie, when he rushed to aid his injured teammates, despite being aware of his certain death. He retaliated the Maoist firing with unparalleled courage and made supreme sacrifice at the altar of duty. The tactical and strong retaliation by these Bravehearts not only resulted in the neutralization and injuries to many Maoists but also compelled them to flee from battle ground. In recognition of their most extraordinary and conspicuous bravery, unflinching courage, indomitable will and supreme sacrifice Insp/GD Dilip Kumar Das, HC/GD Raj Kumar Yadava, Ct/GD Bablu Rabha and Ct/GD Sambhu Roy of 210 CoBRA have been bestowed with “Kirti Chakra” (Posthumous).
Staying true to their oath of protecting the Nation even at the cost of their lives, the Bravehearts of the Force have proven their mettle time and again. The Force salutes their valour and sacrifice, and thanks the Nation for reposing faith in CRPF. With reinvigorated zeal, the gallant warriors of the Force, reaffirm their pledge to serve the Motherland.
