In a first, CRPF cop gets Kirti Chakra

Patna: CRPF constable of Bihar sector Bhrigu Nandan Chowdhary has become the first CRPF commando to get Kirti Chakra (posthumously), the second highest peacetime award after the Ashoka Chakra, for his valiant action during encounter with Maoists in Chakrabanda forest of Gaya-Aurangabad districts.

Bhrigu was recommended for Shaurya Chakra for his high form of bravery but the Indian Army, considering his valour, adorned him with the higher Kirti Chakra, an award which no one from Bihar has ever got. Earlier, IPS officer Randhir Verma was bestowed Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for his gallant act during bank dacoity in Dhanbad where he was posted as SP.

According to citation sent to ministry of home affairs by IG CRPF (Bihar sector) Vivek Sahay, Bhrigu lost both of his legs during IED blast triggered by Maoist. “But he did not lose his courage and helped his fellow soldiers by filling their magazines. His extraordinary bravery and courage was really unmatchable and unheard of,” he said.

Talking about the Maoist operation, the IG further said DIG Umesh Kumar was asked to lead an operation against Maoists in Chakarbanda forest. Accordingly, a plan was chalked out with different commandants of the central police on September 7, 2012. It was worked out that the force would move inside the forest from different directions at 2am on September 8, 2012. Around 11am, Bhrigu and other team members, including COBRA, reached Pachrukhiya village in Gaya district inside the forest, Sahay said in the citation.

While the teams were moving ahead cautiously, the citation further said, Maoists triggered IED blasts at 11.20am followed by heavy firing from sophisticated weapons. The troops immediately took position and returned the fire with same ferocity. During the firing, Bhrigu came under Maoists’ ambush and one IED blast mutilated his both legs, making him virtually immobile. He jumped into a pit near Dumri Nala and in excruciating pain, he helped fellow soldiers Daleep Singh, Jodh Singh, Aman Kumar, Manoj Kumar and Rajesh Rai by filling their magazines. Even while being grievously injured and knowing fully well that he would die soon, he exhibited extraordinary courage and shot dead a Maoist, the IG wrote in the citation.

Courtesy: TNN