State felicitates bravehearts who took on the Maoists

Ranchi: The CRPF personnel and police who valiantly took on the Maoists and showed exemplary courage, have been rewarded with gallantry medals on the occasion of Independence Day. Police medals for gallantry have been given to eight officers while President's police medal for distinguished service has been given to one and police medal for meritorious service has been given to 13 policemen.
The President's police medal for distinguished service was given to ADG headquarters Ajay Bhatnagar.
CRPF's head constable Barun Chandra Mandal, constable Surendra Kumar and constable Pratap Singh of Khunti were given gallantry for showing valour during anti-Maoist operations in Gomia block in April 2014. CRPF 133 battalion commandant Niraj Kumar Pandey said it is a moment of pride and honour for the entire force. From CRPF 133 battalion commandant Satish Kumar, deputy commandant Rakesh Kumar, constable S Karunakaran and constable Mukhtiyar Ahmad Khan were awarded gallantry medals for successful anti-Maoist operations in Angara block of Ranchi in 2014.
The bravery shown by the CRPF's assistant commandant GS Bhandari and Sanjay Kumar with constables Dharmendra Kumar Singh and Shashikant during an operation in Gumla's Palkot was also recognized and rewarded.
A CRPF officer said that CoBRA deputy commandant Devendra Singh Kaswa, and assistant commandant Rajenra Prasad Raigar and Kumar Brajesh were awarded with gallantry medals for a successful operation in Gumla.
The home ministry has announced the awards.IG operations and police spokesperson M S Bhatia said that the recognition boosts the morale of the people who fight the extremists. "It will encourage bravery," he said.
Meanwhile, governor Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Dumka on Sunday to attend programmes scheduled here to mark the Independence Day. She also visited the SKM University headquarter at Dighi near Dumka to inaugurate newly constructed buildings.
(With inputs from Dumka)