Two martyred commandos of Odisha Police to get Shaurya Chakra

BHUBANESWAR: President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday approved gallantry awards including Shaurya Chakras to armed forces, police and paramilitary personnel on the eve of the Independence Day. Two martyred commandos of Odisha Police, Debasis Sethy and Sudhir Kumar Tudu, will get Shaurya Chakra for their exemplary bravery, valour and courageous action.
After the announcement of the awards, DGP Abhay talked to their family to convey his gratitude and support. “We thank the government of India for conferring this prestigious honour on two sons of Odisha Police. On this occasion we express our gratitude and pride for their valiant action,” he added.
These two police personnel were working in the special operation group (SOG), a specialised anti-Naxal force of the state police. They attained martyrdom on September 9 last year while fighting with the Maoists in the dense forest near Sirki village under Madanpur Rampur police limit 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 in SOG in 2016. On the day of the exchange of fire, Sethy was in the right flank, when the Maoists were resorting to heavy and indiscriminate firing.
When the fire stopped for a while, the brave commando taking cover behind rocks and trees went towards the camp of the Maoists. Putting his life in danger, he marched ahead and helped his team members. His position was very crucial as he was on the extreme left of the assault party (right flank).
Despite heavy firing and extremely challenging terrain, he successfully countered the Maoists displaying exemplary bravery and courage. The ultras had to retreat because they had also suffered casualties. In this process, the commando sustained three bullet injuries. But he did not allow the Maoists to attack on the police team.
Similarly, 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 in SOG in 2018. In the exchange of fire, Tudu had volunteered to come out from safe cover risking his life. In the right flank assault party, he was in the 5th position.
On the day of the operation, Tudu moved like a serpent and taking advantage of the thick undergrowth, he managed to get inside the Maoist camp. He went inside the camp resisting heavy fire and managed to attack the Maoists and make them retreat deep into the forest.
Tudu played a prominent role by fighting courageously and this brave act saved the lives of other commandos of the police team. But he attained martyrdom during this exchange of fire, said the official sources.
Kalahandi SP Saravana Vivek M said the Maoist activities in the area have decreased after the successful operation. “Five Maoists were killed in the gun battle. Three Maoists have surrendered after this exchange of fire,” he added.