ASSISTANT COMMANDANT
In October 1970, the 45th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force was deployed in West Bengal for anti-Naxal operations. Naxalism had taken root in the state during the late 1960s, and security personnel were engaged in operations against those involved in the movement. It was in this challenging operational environment that Shri Shoodan Singh was serving with the battalion.
On 19 October 1970, Singh was leading his company during an operation against Naxals in Siliguri, West Bengal. During the operation, a fierce encounter broke out. As the situation escalated into a gun battle, Singh and the personnel under his leadership faced the armed opposition directly.
The ensuing exchange of fire demanded resolve and leadership from the company. Singh rallied his men, and the personnel fought bravely during the encounter. The confrontation placed the company under intense danger, but they continued to engage the opposing force.
During the exchange of fire, Singh sustained grievous injuries. He made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on 19 October 1970. His service and sacrifice remain part of the CRPF’s history of personnel who faced armed threats while carrying out their operational responsibilities.
