HEAD CONSTABLE
Head Constable Shambhu Prasad Bhagat of 112 BN CRPF made the supreme sacrifice on 18 October 2005 while on guard duty in Srinagar. Born on 10 January 1964, he hailed from Harpur village in Siwan district, Bihar. His service placed him in a security role in an area where armed attacks could develop suddenly and put both security personnel and civilians at risk.
On 18 October, an armed attacker approached the residence of Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami at Tulsibagh colony in Srinagar. When stopped for frisking, the attacker drew a concealed weapon and opened indiscriminate fire. The CRPF guard at the gate immediately retaliated, and the attacker was shot dead. In the confusion, another attacker entered the residence of Ghulam Nabi Lone, then Education Minister, and opened fire inside the house.
Shambhu Prasad was the guard on duty at the minister’s residence. On hearing the attack, he rushed to confront the gunman and returned fire at close quarters. Both men sustained injuries in the encounter, but the attacker managed to flee, leaving behind his weapon. Shambhu Prasad’s injuries proved fatal, and he subsequently attained martyrdom.
The incident also led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition, including two AK rifles, rounds of ammunition and grenades, according to the CRPF memorial account. The record describes the attack as a rapidly unfolding incident in which Shambhu Prasad responded directly to protect the residence and those inside it. His sacrifice is remembered as part of the Force’s service in Jammu and Kashmir.
