Rifleman Rakesh Sharma of 5 Assam Rifles Awarded the Shaurya Chakra for Killing Two insurgents for extortion and killing of civilians in a village in Assam on 22/23 May 2021. For his exceptional tactical acumen, selflessness, inspiring leadership and courage beyond compare while eliminating two dreaded insurgent, Rifleman Rakesh Sharma is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
Rifleman Rakesh Sharma of 5 Assam Rifles awarded the Shaurya Chakra for killing two insurgents in an operation in Assam in July 2021.#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/UQQUfvcm3c
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2022
Citation –
Rifleman (General Duty) Rakesh was part of an ambush after receiving information of move of insurgents for extortion and killing of civilians in a village in Assam on 22/23 May 2021. The Operational contact was established at 0200 hrs and heavy firefight with the column had confirmed neutralization of four insurgents.
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At 0400 hours, Rifleman Rakesh sensing a gap in the ambush, reorganized his location along with his buddy Rifleman Robinson. While shifting to bridge the gap, they drew heavy fire from the tail end of the ambush. Rifleman Rakesh spotted two insurgents fleeing the ambush in cover of dense foliage. He immediately pursued through woods under covering fire of his buddy and closed in to cut off escape route.
Rifleman Rakesh shot dead one fleeing insurgent but being out of cover he drew heavy fire from the second insurgent. Displaying nerve of steel and quick thinking, he crawled to take cover of a fallen tree. Showcasing superlative combat shooting he shot dead the second insurgent also.
For his exceptional tactical acumen, selflessness, inspiring leadership and courage beyond compare while eliminating two dreaded insurgent, Rifleman Rakesh Sharma is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
What is SHAURYA CHAKRA Award
The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valor, 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.