New Delhi: Two martyred Special Operation Group (SOG) Commandos from Odisha- Sudhir Kumar Tudu and Debasis Sethy – were awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’ (posthumously) for their exemplary bravery, valour and courageous action by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2022 here on Tuesday.
The awards were received by the martyred jawans’ parents. This is for the first time any Odisha Police personnel has been awarded Shaurya Chakra.
Tudu and Sethy attained martyrdom on September 9, 2020, while fighting with the Maoists in the dense forest near Sirki village under Madanpur Rampur police limits in Kalahandi district.
Debasis Sethy, 27, of Angapada village under Kishorenagar police limits in Angul district, had joined the Odisha Police in 2013 as constable and was inducted into SOG in 2016. On the day of the exchange of fire, Sethy successfully countered the Maoists displaying exemplary bravery and courage despite challenging terrains. While the ultras had to retreat, the commando sustained three bullet injuries.
Sudhir Kumar Tudu, 28, of Sanbhadua village under Suliapada police limits in Mayurbhanj district had joined Odisha Police in 2013 as constable and was inducted into SOG in 2018. He had volunteered to come out from safe cover risking his life during the exchange of fire with the Maoists. Tudu managed to get inside the Maoist camp and made them retreat deep into the forest, before falling to bullets. This brave act saved the lives of other commandos of the police team.
Five Maoists were killed in the gun battle while three others surrendered after this exchange of fire.
Shaurya Chakra is awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. It may be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel, sometimes posthumously. It is third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards and comes after the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra.
