Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Aug 17: A Mi-17 helicopter pilot with a varied heli-borne mission experiences in J&K hills, Wing Commander Sandeep Singh was awarded Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peace time gallantry award, on the occasion of Independence Day this year.
He was awarded for displaying “exceptional courage under fire” while evacuating Central Reserve Police Force personnel during anti-naxal operations in Chhattisgarh.
On November 21, 2014, Wg Cdr Sandeep received a mission from Anti Naxal Task Force Commander to evacuate casualties from a forest area in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The CRPF troops had come under heavy fire from Naxals resulting and five serious troop casualties who had to be evacuated immediately. With causalities on board and sensing the threat all around, he carried out a “Vertical out of Ground Take Off” in the only available direction.
The helicopter came under a burst of fire from automatic weapons as it got airborne. Undeterred and unfazed, he maintained his composure and courageously carried out evasive manoeuvres to minimize the exposure. Due to his deft handling of the situation the causalities were minimized and only one crew and one person onboard sustained bullet hits with the aircraft remaining fly worthy.
He continued the mission as it grew dark over the jungles of Bastar. He landed the helicopter safely at Jagdalpur and further got airborne in another helicopter to evacuate all injured to Raipur by night. All lives were saved in the end. His exceptional courage, excellent calmness and professionalism not only saved lives but also altered the course of encounter for the ground troops. His act displayed exceptional courage under fire and conspicuous gallantry.
An experienced rescue missions pilot served in J&K has under his belt numerous challenging rescue and special operations and has served for 9 years in the area. Earlier, he was posted at Udhampur, Jammu, Awantipur and Thoise airbases of J&K.
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