Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, AC

26/11 Hero: Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, AC November, 2008 left a scar in memories of all Indians especially those who live in Mumbai. In a terrorist attack that lasted four days across South Bombay at least 174 individuals lost their life including 15 policemen and 2 NSG Commandos. Among these was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who was serving in the elite 51 Special Action Group of National Security Guards. He was posthumously awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, Ashok Chakra. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, AC About the hero: He was born on 15th March, 1977 in Calicut to retired ISRO Scientist K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanlaxmi Unnikirshnan. He grew up in Bangalore and later graduated from 94th Course of NDA and 104th Course of IMA. He was commissioned on 12th June, 1999 as a lieutenant in Bihar Regiment of Indian Army. At IMA Passing Out Parade He was a part of Operation Vijay and led 6 men to establish post 200 metres away from the enemy under direct fire on 31st December, 1999. He was later promoted to Captain in 2003 followed by a promotion to Major in 2005. He even topped the Ghatak Course, at Commando Training School, Belgaum, infamous for being the most difficult course of the Indian Army moreover he received an instructor grading and commendation. He later trained at High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg. In his years of service he served in Gujarat (during Gujarat riots, 2002), Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, Siachen and Rajasthan. He was later selected to join National Security Guards and underwent training. He was assigned the training officer of 51 Special Action Group on January, 2007. Operation Black Tornado: On 26th November, 2008 when various buildings in Mumbai where attacked by ten terrorist of Laskar-e-Taiba, it was the team of 51 SAG commanded by Major Sandeep which was deployed to rescue the hostages safely from Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai. The team of ten commandos led by Major Sandeep took the stairs to rescue hostages from the sixth and fifth floors of the hotel. Suspecting there might be terrorists hiding on the fourth floor in a room locked from the inside they broke the door and as suspected they encountered terrorists who open fired at the team injuring commando Sunil Kumar Yadav in both legs. Major Sandeep managed to get him evacuated but the terrorists used a grenade blast to run and hide from the commando team. The team however was unconcerned about their own safety and continued to rescue hostages for the next 15 hours. Now the time had arrived to take the terrorist head on to rescue the remaining hostages. At around midnight on 27th November the team decided to take the central staircase in order to find the terrorists and rescue the remaining hostages. Well aware of the risk that if they do so they will be exposed to enemy fire from all sides they decided to continue. But as fate had it as they were charging the terrorists ambushed them from the first floor critically injuring Commando Sunil Kumar Jodha. After managing his evacuation the team continued to engage the terrorists. Major Sandeep decided to chase the terrorist alone as they were escaping to the next floor. He single handedly managed to corner all four terrorists in a ballroom in the northern end of the hotel. He trapped them inside the ballroom and fought till the last breath and round before making the supreme sacrifice for the country. It was due to his bravery and strategy that all four trapped terrorists were killed by the NSG team later. Honours: He was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award for his bravery and comradeship. His official citation reads: “C-58660 MAJOR SANDEEP UNNIKRISHNAN BIHAR REGIMENT/51 SPECIAL ACTION GROUP (POSTHUMOUS) Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan led the commando operation launched on 27th November 2008 to flush out terrorists from Hotel Taj Mahal, Mumbai in which he rescued 14 hostages. During the operation, his team came under intense hostile fire, in which one of his team members got grievously injured. Major Sandeep pinned down the terrorists with accurate fire and rescued the injured commando to safety. In the process, he was shot in his right arm. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight the terrorists till his last breath. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan displayed most conspicuous bravery besides camaraderie and leadership of the highest order and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.” His funeral was held with full military honours, thousands of people gathered to pay their respects. A 4.5 km road in Bangalore is named after him and bust of him at the entrance of Indian Education Society at Jogeshwari- Vikhroli Link road in Mumbai was established to honour his sacrifice and inspire young students. Bust of Major Sandeep. Major Sandeep was described as athletic, selfless, generous and calm and composed by his peers from school and NDA. He was 31 when he sacrificed his life in order to protect the citizens and dignity of this nation. We the people of India will eternally be grateful and indebt of such men who put our life before their own and make the supreme sacrifice whenever required. His last words, “Do not come up, I will handle them,” are a testament to this bravery and valour. We can never repay such a debt but we can always honour their legacy and keep them and their families in our prayers. Jai Hind. By, Cdt. Hardik Jani 1 Mah Armd Sqn Mumbai B Group .

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