Naik Radhakrishnan C KC

Naik Radhakrishnan C hailed from the serene village of Kattur, situated in Harur Taluka of Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. Belonging to a humble and hardworking family rooted in the soil of Tamil Nadu, he grew up imbibing strong values of integrity, fearlessness, and a commitment to helping those in need. The formative years he spent in this culturally rich region exposed him to varied traditions, perspectives, and social values. His education further strengthened his sense of patriotism and service—traits that became distinctly visible in his military conduct in later years. From a young age, Radhakrishnan displayed qualities highly valued in the armed forces: discipline, physical strength, responsibility, and leadership. With a deep desire to serve the nation and protect its people, Naik Radhakrishnan C joined the Indian Army and was inducted into the 10 Madras battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most respected infantry regiments of the Army, known for its operational excellence and legacy of valour spanning over a century. The regiment has played a pivotal role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in some of the most demanding operational sectors.

As a Naik, a junior leadership rank in the Indian Army, he was entrusted with leading search operations and small tactical teams during anti-terrorist missions. His deployment with the 10 Madras Battalion placed him at the forefront of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir, where the terrain and conditions demanded exceptional courage and resolve. Throughout his service, Naik Radhakrishnan C upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Kupwara Operation (J&K): 18 October 2006

In 2006, Naik Radhakrishnan’s unit, 10 Madras Battalion, was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, where it was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. In October 2006, the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir was an active theatre of counter-terrorism operations. Surrounded by dense forests, rugged mountains and thick undergrowth, the area was a known hub for militant activity. To counter the threat and safeguard civilians from cross-border terrorism, the Indian Army carried out continuous search and cordon operations. The 10 Madras Battalion was deeply involved in these efforts, conducting regular missions to detect and eliminate terrorists attempting to infiltrate or operate within Indian territory. These operations demanded immense courage, tactical skill and quick decision-making under pressure. On the morning of 18 October 2006, around 0700 hours, Naik Radhakrishnan C was leading a search team in Kupwara as part of an operation to scan an area suspected of militant presence. While navigating through thick undergrowth and uneven terrain, he noticed suspicious movement nearby. Drawing from his operational experience, he instantly recognized the threat and promptly alerted the nearby teams, ensuring a coordinated response to contain the militants.

What followed was a display of remarkable courage and leadership. Without hesitation, Naik Radhakrishnan moved ahead to maintain contact with the terrorists, preventing them from breaking the cordon. A close-quarter gun battle ensued as the terrorists attempted to escape. Amid heavy exchange of fire and grenades, he showcased exemplary combat skills. In the initial engagement, he successfully neutralized the first terrorist, though he sustained severe injuries in the process. Despite being critically wounded, Naik Radhakrishnan refused to retreat. Driven by an unwavering determination to accomplish the mission and protect his comrades, he pressed forward under intense enemy fire. With exceptional bravery, he hurled grenades and continued firing, eliminating two more terrorists. In total, he neutralized three militants — a feat that stands as a testament to extraordinary valour. Even as his injuries grew critical, he declined to withdraw from the encounter or seek immediate medical evacuation. His only focus remained on the mission and the safety of his team. Eventually, when his condition worsened, an emergency air evacuation was initiated. However, the injuries he had sustained were beyond recovery, and while being evacuated, Naik Radhakrishnan C made the supreme sacrifice. In recognition of his exceptional courage, valour, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, on 15 August 2007.

Naik Radhakrishnan is survived by his wife, Smt R Rajeswari.

The citation for the "Kirti Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 18 October 2006 at 0700 hours, Surveillance Detachment in an area in Kupwara District (J&K) observed suspicious movement. Stops were placed covering escape routes and extensive search was launched. Naik Radhakrishnan C was the commander of a search team.

While combing operations were in progress in the inhospitable terrain, Naik Radhakrishnan C detected and heard suspicious movements of terrorists and immediately informed the other search teams around. As there was not much time to react Naik Radhakrishnan immediately jumped over bushes and tried to maintain contact with the terrorists who were trying to break the cordon and escape. In the ensuing close firefight, he killed one terrorist. However in the process he got wounded grievously in the courageous charge made on the terrorists. The other terrorists sensing the aggressive spirit and indomitable will of the brave soldier made a desperate attempt to break contact by firing indiscriminately and hurling grenades at him.

Despite the heavy exchange of fire and severity of his injuries Naik Radhakrishnan maintained close contact, fired back at the terrorists and pinned them down. Thereafter, displaying courage, grit and determination he crawled forward and lobbed grenades at the terrorists thereby killing the other two terrorists. Throughout the fire fight, Naik Radhakrishnan despite being injured refused to withdraw or be evacuated for medical help. Naik Radhakrishnan was subsequently evacuated by air but succumbed to his injuries enroute and made supreme sacrifice for the motherland.

Naik Radhakrishnan C displayed conspicuous gallantry, unflinching grit and raw courage at the peril of his own life in fighting the terrorists.