We Remember Three CRPF Bravehearts Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice in Srinagar
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Martyrdom | 11 September 2004 |
| Unit | 94 Battalion CRPF |
| Location | Ritz Hotel, Dalgate, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Bravehearts | A. Anandan, Second-in-Command; Chet Ram Khullar, Second-in-Command; Constable Ashok Kumar Saha |
| Gallantry Award | President's Police Medal for Gallantry, Posthumous |
On 11 September 2004, two terrorists managed to enter the headquarters of 94 Battalion CRPF at the Ritz Hotel in Dalgate, Srinagar. They climbed over the walls of the Motor Transport Park and, after entering the camp, opened indiscriminate fire on the CRPF personnel.
At the rear side of the camp, Constable Ashok Kumar Saha was performing sentry duty. As soon as the attack began, he immediately retaliated and engaged the terrorists. The attackers responded with heavy fire and grenades, seriously wounding him. Despite the danger, Constable Saha continued to fight and, before he was martyred, succeeded in neutralising one of the terrorists.
The second terrorist then attempted to move towards the barracks where the jawans were positioned. Strong retaliation from the CRPF personnel forced him to abandon that plan and take cover inside the Motor Transport Park.
An assault team was formed to flush out the terrorist from his hiding position. The team was led by Second-in-Command A. Anandan and Second-in-Command Chet Ram Khullar.
The Final Assault
As the assault team searched the Motor Transport Park in darkness, the terrorist suddenly opened indiscriminate fire on the approaching CRPF personnel. Both A. Anandan and Chet Ram Khullar sustained severe injuries in the firing.
Despite their wounds, neither officer withdrew. They pressed forward towards the terrorist and continued the engagement. Displaying extraordinary courage and determination, the two wounded officers advanced on the position and succeeded in neutralising the remaining terrorist.
Two AK rifles, 242 rounds of ammunition and three grenades were subsequently recovered from the terrorists.
Second-in-Command A. Anandan, Second-in-Command Chet Ram Khullar and Constable Ashok Kumar Saha made the supreme sacrifice during the operation. Their exceptional courage was recognised with the President's Police Medal for Gallantry, awarded posthumously.
A. Anandan was born on 26 February 1963 and served with 60 Battalion CRPF. Chet Ram Khullar was born on 5 June 1949 and served with 65 Battalion CRPF. Constable Ashok Kumar Saha was born on 29 January 1976 and served with 94 Battalion CRPF.
Three Bravehearts from different backgrounds, serving in the same force, stood together when their camp came under attack. Constable Saha fought as a sentry, while A. Anandan and Chet Ram Khullar, despite suffering severe injuries, pressed forward to confront the remaining terrorist.
Their courage on 11 September 2004 remains a proud chapter in the history of the Central Reserve Police Force.
We remember their courage.
We honour their martyrdom.
We preserve their stories. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
