CRPF Tops Independence Day Honors with 52 Gallantry Medals and Five Shaurya Chakras

On the 78th Independence Day, CRPF received 52 Gallantry medals, the highest among all forces, and five Shaurya Chakras, elevating their total tally to 2,677. The medals recognize operations in Jammu and Kashmir and anti-Naxal efforts, with several posthumous awards for extraordinary bravery.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated the 78th Independence Day with a significant honor, receiving a total of 52 Gallantry medals. This achievement places CRPF at the top among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces, accompanied by five Shaurya Chakras, bringing their total tally of awards to 2,677.

The Gallantry medals are notably divided between operations in Jammu and Kashmir, which accounted for 25 medals, and 32 medals recognizing acts of bravery in anti-Naxal operations across regions affected by Left Wing Extremism. Among the Shaurya Chakra recipients, two officers were honored posthumously for their ultimate sacrifice.

Among the awardees are Sub-Inspector Raushan Kumar, posthumously recognized for his efforts against Maoists in Bihar, and Assistant Commandant Teja Ram Choudhary, who received two medals for his bravery in separate operations in Jammu and Kashmir. In a notable highlight, five personnel from the 201 CoBRA unit of CRPF were awarded Shaurya Chakras for their exceptional courage during a fierce engagement while establishing a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Chhattisgarh on January 30 this year.

The awarded officers – Deputy Commandant Lakhveer, Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal, Constables Malkit Singh, Pawan Kumar, and Devan C. – displayed unparalleled bravery despite being heavily outgunned and injured. They led their teams with unwavering determination, delivering significant blows to the insurgents and securing the area. Both Constable Pawan Kumar and Constable Devan C. were posthumously honored with the Shaurya Chakra for their sacrifice, while their fellow officers were also awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their exceptional valor.

(With inputs from agencies.)