SSB pays tribute to bravehearts killed in Maoist attack 15 years ago

Kolkata: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Wednesday (October 7) paid tribute to four of its bravehearts who lost their lives in an attack by Maoists in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, exactly 15 years ago.

Head constable Dharmeshwar Nath and constables Dileesh Chathuroli Thazhakuniyil, Praveen P and Vivek Kumar of the 41 Bn SSB were returning to camp after a successful anti-Naxal operation on October 7, 2011, when the rebels laid an ambush and blew up their vehicle with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Baghmundi in Dantewada.

All four personnel were killed on the spot. A solemn ceremony was organised at the headquarters of the 41 Bn SSB in Ranidanga, West Bengal. Wreaths were laid at the memorial for fallen personnel by Vandan Saxena, IG, Frontier Headquarters, Siliguri, and other senior officials after a ceremonial memorial service involving the reversal of arms and two minutes' silence.

Others who paid tributes to the fallen jawans were AKC Singh, DIG, Frontier Headquarters, Siliguri, S K Sarangi, DIG, Sector Headquarters, Ranidanga, and DIGs Rajiv Rana, Shiv Dayal, Mamata Agarwal and Vikas Kumar, the commandant of the 41 Bn SSB.

"We shall always remain indebted to these bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the country. Their sacrifice is not just a memory for us, but an inspiration to display courage, responsibility and discipline while serving the nation," Saxena said.

Sanjay Singhal, DG, SSB, also paid tribute to the four jawans through a message on X. "The Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal and all ranks pay heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts of 41 Battalion. On this very day in 2011, they made the supreme sacrifice in an IED blast carried out by anti-national elements in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, while serving the nation," the post said.

"They exemplified unparalleled courage, unwavering dedication to duty, and an unbreakable commitment to national service, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice in service of the motherland. Their courage, devotion to duty, and zeal for national service will continue to inspire us all forever. A hundred salutes to the bravehearts," it added.

According to Ministry of Home Affairs data, 48 SSB personnel were killed in action between 2015 and 2017. Two were killed in 2017-18. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of SSB personnel killed in action was 24.

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