Rifleman Radha Krishnan

Rifleman Radha Krishnan hailed from Kalliyoor village in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu—a region known for its enduring traditions of courage, resilience, and service to the nation. Inspired by a deep sense of duty, he joined the Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, renowned for its crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the North-East. Serving with the 7 Assam Rifles Battalion, he was deployed in Manipur, an area grappling with insurgency and complex security challenges. Through rigorous training and hands-on operational experience, he grew into a disciplined, dependable, and courageous soldier. Despite the constant risks and hardships, Rifleman Radha Krishnan carried out his duties with unwavering dedication, actively contributing to counter-insurgency operations aimed at safeguarding civilians and restoring peace in the region.

Manipur Operation: 20 February 2002

In 2002, Rifleman Radha Krishnan was serving with the 7 Assam Rifles Battalion in Manipur—a region deeply affected by militancy and insurgent violence at the time. Deployed in the sensitive and volatile area of Thoubal, he operated under constant threat, where uncertainty and danger were part of daily life. Security forces were engaged in sustained counter-insurgency operations to neutralize militant activity and restore peace for the local population. A dedicated and disciplined soldier, Rifleman Radha Krishnan was an integral part of a highly trained and courageous team that regularly undertook high-risk missions in hostile terrain. Known for his reliability and quiet determination, he carried out his responsibilities with unwavering commitment and a strong sense of duty.

On 20 February 2002, after a carefully planned and successfully executed search operation led by Captain Sameer Bhan, Rifleman Radha Krishnan and his team began their return through the Top Chungtha area. Despite the success of the mission, the situation remained tense and unpredictable. As the convoy moved along the route, terrorists detonated a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED), strategically planted to target the returning troops. The blast was devastating, causing severe casualties and plunging the area into chaos. In the immediate aftermath, amid thick smoke, debris, and confusion, Rifleman Radha Krishnan displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind. Even in the face of grave danger and after sustaining critical injuries, he did not falter. Instead, he continued to assist his comrades—helping the wounded and contributing to rescue and evacuation efforts. Placing the safety of others above his own, he remained steadfast in those critical moments, exemplifying the finest traditions of the force. Tragically, the injuries he sustained proved fatal, and Rifleman Radha Krishnan made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In this operation, three other bravehearts of the 7 Assam Rifles—Captain Sameer Bhan, Rifleman Vishnu Prasad, and Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana—also laid down their lives on 20 February 2002.

Rifleman Radha Krishnan is survived by his mother, Smt Ammal and brother Shri Sukumar.