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Additional SP Rajiv Ranjan & constable Arvind Kumar |
They were comrades-in-arms who brought the curtains down on a ransom high drama in the state capital two and a half years ago. On Thursday, they will together bask in the glory of their hitherto unsung heroism.
East Singhbhum additional SP (operations) Rajiv Ranjan Singh (48) and Ranchi constable Arvind Kumar Singh (33) are the only two men in uniform from Jharkhand to have been selected for this year’s President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, which marks Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.
The two policemen’s courage chronicle dates back to July 31, 2009.
Luv Bhatia, the 22-year-old son of Ranchi hotelier Ashish Bhatia, was abducted from Hatia police station area on July 30 by an Uttar Pradesh gang. The criminals demanded Rs 10 crore for the youth’s safe release.
Rajiv Ranjan, then DSP of Hatia, traced the victim to abandoned quarters in Jagannathpur’s HEC Township. He mobilised a six-member team, including his then bodyguard Arvind, and engaged the four-member gang in a morning encounter.
Three criminals were shot dead and the fourth arrested to free Luv who was being kept trussed up in a room. An intrepid Arvind sustained bullet wounds on his left leg during the operation.
In 2010, the state police administration recommended their names for the gallantry awards. The Centre selected them this time.
Speaking to The Telegraph on Wednesday, Rajiv Ranjan said he was glad to have done his duty. “The recognition from the President will further boost my morale and that of my colleagues,” he added.
For Arvind, who turns 34 on February 6, the President's medal is an advance birthday gift.
Now the bodyguard of Hatia additional SP Indrajeet Mahata, the young policeman said he could never forget his stint with Rajiv Ranjan.
Modest to the core, Arvind said he would have been happier if his colleagues, part of the crackdown team, received medals too. “We won the battle together. Doranda inspector Harischand Singh and constables Mantosh Mahto, Sudhir Kumar, Mohanty Munda and Ropna Oraon deserve the award as much as I do,” the native of Lakhisarai, Bihar, said.
State police spokesperson R.K. Mallick extended his congratulations to the policemen. “It is a proud moment for the state. The awards will keep spirits high,” he said.
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