Deputy Commandant Dibakar Mahapatra of 41 Battalion CRPF made the supreme sacrifice on 29 September 2008 during an operation in the jungles under Police Station Barsoor in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh.
On that day, troops of 41 Battalion CRPF had launched an operation against Maoists in the jungles of the area. After contact could not be established, the troops planned their withdrawal.
While the troops were withdrawing in vehicles, Maoists detonated an improvised explosive device at Ghat Valley, targeting the vehicles. One vehicle came under the impact of the blast and its occupants sustained severe injuries.
The Maoists then advanced while firing heavily and attempted to take advantage of the situation. Despite their injuries, the CRPF personnel held on to their weapons and retaliated. Their resistance forced the attackers to abandon their plan and flee from the area.
Deputy Commandant Dibakar Mahapatra was among the four CRPF personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the encounter.
Born on 11 July 1974, he belonged to Odisha and served with 41 Battalion CRPF. The official CRPF record identifies his address as Shiba Nagar, Baragarh, in present-day Odisha.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Deputy Commandant Dibakar Mahapatra and honours his service, courage and supreme sacrifice.
