SHRADHANJALI

Two NSG heroes die in action

NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed in action on Friday.

MUMBAI: National Security Guards, the elite force that specialises in anti-s abotage operations, has lost two of its finest soldiers in two separate operations against the fidayeen on Friday.Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a 30-year- old officer who was on deputation to the NSG from the 51 Special Operations Group of the armed forces, showed exceptional courage by laying down his life to save the lives of his fellow colleagues at Taj Hotel, a senior NSG officer told to this website's newspaper. Major Unnikrishnan, a Malayali who was born and brought up in Bangalore, was from the Bihar regiment of the Army.The courageous was picked for undertaking an operation at the Taj hotel on Friday morning. Unnikrishnan came back with an injured soldier who had come under fidayeen fire.After leaving him safely with his colleagues outside the Taj hotel, the major returned to the scene of firing to continue the operation. Even after coming under heavy enemy fire and being asked by his fellow soldiers if he needed reinforcement, Unnikrishnan declined the offer.

Originally posted by: coolpurvi

sam here is the story of that braveheart

BANGALORE: Like any parents with a single child, the Unnikrishnans too were against their only son joining the defence forces. However, Major Sandeep had made up his mind while in Class VIII itself.

Major Sandeep was killed on Thursday evening, when engaged in an the operation to clear terrorists holed up in the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

Back home in Bangalore, gloom loomed over Unnikrishnan's house near Yelahanka. His father, a retired ISRO employee, spoke twice to the media, his voice heavy with grief. But other family members were not forthcoming. The NSG DG confirmed Sandeep's death around 11.30 am.

It was a gruelling wait for the family ' the body was scheduled to arrive at 5.30 pm, but it was put off to 9.30 pm. The body arrived at the Air Force base at Yelahanka and was taken to the Command Hospital. The last rites will be performed on Saturday, with military honours.

Born on March 15, 1977, joining the Services was a childhood dream for Sandeep. Even as a Class VIII student at the Frank Anthony Public School, his parents could sense the determination in the boy. He joined the 7th Bihar Regiment on June 12, 1999, where he underwent rigorous training in counter-insurgency operations. He joined the NSG on January 20, 2007, and became team commander of 51 SDG.

On Thursday evening, Sandeep led the operation in the Taj, engaging himself in clearing the terrorists. When one of the NSG commandos was injured, Sandeep organised his evacuation and noticed one of the terrorists moving to the next floor through a staircase. Sandeep followed him and engaged the terrorist in a gunbattle, till the others joined him. By that time, he was seriously injured and succumbed to his injuries.

His passion for working in the defence forces took a toll on his personal life too. Sandeep had married his childhood friend and classmate Neha, but their relationship was strained.

Two NSG heroes die in action

NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed in action on Friday.

Manan Kumar

First Published : 29 Nov 2008 02:53:00 AM IST

Last Updated :

MUMBAI: National Security Guards, the elite force that specialises in anti-s abotage operations, has lost two of its finest soldiers in two separate operations against the fidayeen on Friday.Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a 30-year- old officer who was on deputation to the NSG from the 51 Special Operations Group of the armed forces, showed exceptional courage by laying down his life to save the lives of his fellow colleagues at Taj Hotel, a senior NSG officer told to this website's newspaper. Major Unnikrishnan, a Malayali who was born and brought up in Bangalore, was from the Bihar regiment of the Army.The courageous was picked for undertaking an operation at the Taj hotel on Friday morning. Unnikrishnan came back with an injured soldier who had come under fidayeen fire.After leaving him safely with his colleagues outside the Taj hotel, the major returned to the scene of firing to continue the operation. Even after coming under heavy enemy fire and being asked by his fellow soldiers if he needed reinforcement, Unnikrishnan declined the offer.

Originally posted by: coolpurvi

shame on our politiians. they dont care for us. they know how to decieve us n get their votes. I m frustated. I want to vote none. all r useless