69 BSF personnel have been awarded medals on the occasion of 79th Independence Day, out of which 02 Vir Chakra, 16 Medal for Gallantry, 05 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 46 Medal for Meritorious service. 02 Vir Chakra and 16 Medal for Gallantry were awarded to BSF personnel for their gallant action. In recognition to the excellent track record, unblemished and dedicated service to the nation 05 Officers have been awarded President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 24 Officers, 16 Subordinate Officers & 06 Other Ranks have been awarded Medal for Meritorious service.
(I) VIR CHAKRA – 02
Sub Inspector (Late) Mohd Imteyaj
SI Mohd Imteyaj, was the post commander of highly sensitive BOP Kharkola, on international border in Jammu area. His post came under intense shelling/firing from across the border on 9th May 2025. Troops under his command bravely retaliated the counterpart fire and inflicted maximum damages to their post and gun positions across the border.
Further, during the wee hours on 10th May 2025 SI Mohd Imteyaj and his troops observed rogue drones intruding over BOP Kharkola with an intention to drop explosive payloads or guide mortar fire. Sensing imminent danger to his troops from this aerial threat, he tactically moved out from the bunker and reorganized his troops to respond swiftly and they successfully neutralized a Pakistani drone.
Soon a mortar shell, perhaps dropped by the drone exploded inside the BOP, caused grievous splinter injuries to him and some of his troops. Despite the serious nature of injuries, he bravely continued the retaliation and motivated his troops. He was evacuated to Army Hospital, Jammu where he succumbed to his injuries.
In recognition of his exceptional courage and self-less leadership in the face of adverse situation, he was awarded with “VIR CHAKRA” posthumously.
Constable (Late) Deepak Chingakham
Constable Deepak Chingakham was deployed at the highly sensitive BOP Kharkola, Jammu which is barely 200 meter away from International border and was the buddy of his post commander SI Mohd Imteyaj.
During the intervening night of 9th/10th May 2025, BOP Kharkola came under intense shelling and drone attacks from counterpart. BSF troops under the command of SI Mohd Imteyaj mounted a precise and resolute retaliation resulting heavy damages to counterpart post and their gun positions.
In the wee hours on 10th May, rogue drones approached the post, likely to drop explosives or guide mortar fire. Constable Deepak Chingakham moved along his post commander SI Mohd Imteyaj who was reorganizing troops for neutralizing the drone threat. Shortly after, a mortar shell exploded inside the BOP, inflicting grievous injuries to SI Mohd Imteyaj, Constable Deepak Chingakham, and two others. Despite his critical condition, Constable Deepak Chingakham refused evacuation, choosing to remain beside his post commander and continued to fight. He crawled unaided to the morcha and held his position. He was evacuated to Military Hospital, Jammu where he succumbed to his injuries.
In recognition of his unparalleled resolve to protect his post and unwavering devotion to duty in adverse situation, Constable Deepak Chingakham was posthumously awarded the “VIR CHAKRA”.
(II) MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY – 16
Sub Inspector
Vyas Dev
Constable
Suddi Rabha
During operation Sindoor SI Vyas Dev and Constable Suddi Rabha were deployed in the forward posts of 7th Bn BSF on International border in Jammu area and they were detailed for replenishment of ammunition to forward troops. As they were performing this risk prone mission, enemy 82 Mortar shell suddenly exploded near them causing grievous multiple splinter injuries to both. SI Vyas Dev had suffered life threating injuries, despite of devastating nature of his injuries he remained conscious, stabilized himself and bravely engaged in his given task, motivated his follow soldiers and exhibited tremendous courage. He later underwent traumatic amputation of his left leg at military Hospital, Jammu. Constable Suddi Rabha equally resolute and courageous stood shoulder to shoulder with his commander SI Vyas Dev during the critical ammunition replenishment operation. He sustained severe blast trauma-deep lacerations in the perineal region, injuries to thighs, the left leg, and right ankle. Despite the immense pain and life threatening wounds, Constable Suddi Rabha refused to yield,
In recognition of their gallant action, both seema praharis were awarded with “Medal for Gallantry”
Shri Abhishek Srivastav, Asstt. Commandant
Constable
Bhupendra Bajpai
Constable
Rajan Kumar
Constable
Basavaraja Shivappa
Sunkada
Head Constable
Brij Mohan Singh
Constable
Depeswar Barman
During operation Sindoor, Shri Abhishek Srivastav, AC alongwith Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh, Constables Bhpendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar, Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada and Constable Depeswar Barman were deployed at the highly sensitive BOP of Kharkola in Jammu area. After Indian Army launched operation on Western border during intervening night on 7/8th May 2025. Pakistani troops deployed opposite AOR of Jammu border launched heavy shelling towards BSF posts using flat and high trajectory weapons followed by drone attack. BOP Kharkola which is barely situated 200 meter away from IB came under the intense firing from Pak side. However, these troops retaliated effectively. In the wee hours on 10th May 2025, multiple Pakistani drones appeared in the area. Upon hearing the humming sound of Pakistani drones above troops took position and successfully neutralized one Pakistani drone under the able command of SI Mohd Imteyaj however, within no time an enemy mortar shell perhaps dropped by the drone exploded just outside of Morcha causing grievous injuries to HC Brij Mohan Singh, Constables Depeswar Barman, Bhupendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar and Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada Despite of injuries they fought bravely. Shri Abhishek Srivastav, AC (Direct Entry – under training) was posted in BOP Kharkola as part of his probation training. He was present in the command bunker when enemy shell exploded inside the BOP. Without caring for his own safety he rushed towards the badly injured post commander and jawans and managed their evacuation under the critical circumstances.
In recognition of their gallant action, all six seema praharis were awarded with “Medal for Gallantry
Shri Ravindra Rathore, Dy. Commandant
Inspector
Devi Lal
Head Constable Sahib Singh
Constable
Kanwaraj Singh
For exhibiting exceptional courage and operational brilliance under intense pressure during Operation Sindoor, Sh Ravindra Rathore, Deputy Commandant and his team have successfully implemented an operation on International Border for the safety of a BSF Jawan whose life was in peril.
The conspicuous valour, presences of mind and selfless commitment of the entire team has earned the ‘Medal for Gallantry’ on 79th Independence Day.
Asstt. Sub Inspector
Udai Vir Singh
In response to Pakistan’s retaliation following “Operation Sindoor,” ASI(GD) Udai Vir Singh of 120 Bn BSF displayed exemplary courage during a heavy assault on BOP Jabowal, Jammu Sector, on 10 May 2025. Amid intense enemy fire, he successfully destroyed a Pakistani surveillance camera, denying real-time monitoring of BOP’s and troops movement. Despite sustaining a life-threatening shrapnel wound to his upper lip from HMG fire, he refused evacuation and continued engaging the enemy, neutralizing their HMG nest. His actions ensured uninterrupted domination from India side and inspired fellow troops. He was later treated at Military Hospital, Jammu, and expressed unwavering commitment to return to duty.
In recognition of his gallant action, he was awarded with “Medal for Gallantry”
Shri Alok Negi, Asstt. Commandant
In response to Pakistan’s retaliation following “Operation Sindoor,” Shri Alok Negi, Assistant Commandant, 53 Bn BSF, along with Constables (GD) Kandarpa Chowdhury and Waghmare Bhawan Deoram, displayed exceptional courage during intense enemy fire at FDL Mukhyari from 7 to 10 May 2025. Amid sustained enemy shelling and MMG fire, Sh. Alok Negi, AC led defensive actions under fire, repositioned personnel and mortar assets, and coordinated precise retaliatory strikes on key enemy posts. Constables Chowdhury and Waghmare, commanding Mortar Detachments 1 and 2 respectively, executed relentless and accurate fire for over 48 hours, significantly blunting enemy positions. Their fearless conduct ensured zero casualties and maintained operational dominance.
In recognition of his gallant action, officer was awarded with “Medal for Gallantry”.
ASI Rajappa
B T
Constable
Manohar Xalxo
Following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor (7–8 May 2025), Pakistan retaliated with heavy firing, shelling, and drone attacks on BSF posts along the IB in Jammu. On the night of 09–10 May 2025, Pakistani troops launched a coordinated assault on BOPs Karotana Khurd, Karotana Forward, and Suchetgarh of 165 Bn BSF. These posts came under intense 82 mm mortar and machine gun fire from Pakistani positions- Jamshed Malane and Kasira. BSF troops retaliated with precision fire. On 10 May at 0740 hrs, BOP Karotana Khurd reported critical shortage of AGS ammunition. ASI(GD) Rajappa B T and CT(GD) Manohar Xalxo were tasked to resupply of Amn. While executing the replenishment mission, a mortar shell exploded near the magazine. ASI Rajappa sustained fatal splinter injuries, CT Xalxo was also wounded in the right hand. Despite injuries, both engaged successfully in their highly risk mission.
In recognition of their gallant action, they were awarded with “Medal for Gallantry”.
(III) PRESIDENT’S MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE (PSM) – 05
1. Shri Ashok Yadav, IPS, IG
2. Shri Dinesh Kumar Boora, IG
3. Shri Harbax Singh Dhillon, IG
4. Shri Avtar Singh Shahi, DIG (Now IG)
5. Shri Satish Kumar Sastri, Commandant
Shri Ashok Yadav, IPS, IG
Shri Dinesh Kumar Boora, IG
Shri Harbax Singh Dhillon, IG
Shri Avtar Singh Shahi, DIG (Now IG)
Shri Satish Kumar Sastri, Commandant
(V) MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE (MSM) – 46
1. Dr. Rajeev Kumar Kotnala, IG (Med)
2. Shri Dinesh Murmu, DIG
3. Shri Jaswinder Kumar Birdi, DIG
4. Dr (Mrs) Anjel Bennet, DIG (Med)
5. Dr. Ambesh Ch Shahi, CMO (SG)
6. Shri Devinder Singh, Commandant
7. Shri Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Commandant
8. Shri Ashok Kumar Yadav, Commandant
9. Shri Pramod Prasad Nautiyal, Commandant
10. Shri Mohinder Lal, Commandant
11. Shri Deepak Tewari, Commandant
12. Shri Rajeev Kumar, Commandant (Law)
13. Shri Raman Kumar Srivastava, Commandant
14. Shri Manoj Kumar, Second-in-Command
15. Shri Sunil Kumar, Commandant
16. Shri Jitendra Kumar Singh, Second-in-Command
17. Shri Vipin Shekhawat, Deputy Commandant
18. Shri Anand Singh Bisht, Deputy Commandant
19. Shri Digendra Singh Panwar, Deputy Commandant
20. Shri Rajbir Singh, Deputy Commandant
21. Shri Surendra Singh Sajwan, Asstt. Commandant
22. Shri Girjesh Kumar Singh, Asstt. Commandant
23. Shri Dinesh Singh, Asstt. Commandant
24. Shri Rajeevan Kavinissery, Asstt. Commandant (Min)
25. Subedar Major Bajrang Singh Rathore
26. SI K Muthuraj
27. SI Uttam Singh
28. SI Dharampal
29. SI Housila Prasad Tiwari
30. SI Hans Raj
31. SI Birendra Thakur
32. ASI Atul Kumar Mishra
33. ASI Pramod Kumar Sharma
34. ASI Nand Kishor
35. ASI Suresh Kumar Sharma
36. ASI Birbal Ram
37. ASI Prasad Das
38. ASI Paramjit Singh
39. ASI Virendra Singh Panwar
40. ASI Venu Kumar V
41. HC Gaikwad Ananta Shri Ram
42. HC Rajesh Kumar
43. Constable Dulal Chandra Roy
44. Constable Sukhdev Raj
45. Constable Dharam Pal
46. Constable Sachindra Kumar Tripura
