Mohan Chand Sharma


Mohan Chand Sharma, was a Special Cell inspector of the Delhi Police who was martyred during the 2008 Batla House encounter in New Delhi, India. A highly decorated police officer, Sharma was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra Award, India's highest peacetime military decoration, on 26 January 2009.

Career

Sharma is native to Chaukhutia Masi region of Almora in Uttarakhand, India. He joined the Delhi Police as a sub-inspector in 1989 and continued to serve for 19 years. He died on 19 September 2008 after sustaining injuries during an encounter with terrorists involved in the 13 September 2008 Delhi bombings.

Death

In the Batla House encounter at Jamia Nagar, New Delhi where terrorists linked with the 2008 Delhi blasts were suspected of hiding. Sharma received bullet injuries to his abdomen, thighs and right arm. According to the autopsy performed at the AIIMS, he died of excessive bleeding. Sharma was not wearing bulletproof armour.

Legacy

Sharma was instrumental in arrest of four Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in February 2007 after an encounter at DDU Marg, Delhi. He was also involved in an encounter of one of the most wanted terrorists, Abu Hamza, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 2006.

Tribute

said, "Sharma had shown exceptional courage and was an inspiration for the security forces." In a letter to Sharma's wife after his death, Singh wrote: "It is officers like your husband who make us all feel confident that our security is in safe hands. Your husband’s passing away is a great loss for our country and society."
President Pratibha Patil said, "his was a supreme act of sacrifice, courage and bravery and he would be always remembered by the nation."
Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a condolence message said that Sharma "battled with the terrorists valiantly and sacrificed his life in the service of the country. Our battle against terrorism will continue with full resolve," she said.
"We will do whatever we can to pay homage to him on behalf of the entire country," said Home Minister Shivraj Patil. "Mohan Chand has been one of our most brave officers. He won many gallantry awards," said Police Commissioner YS Dadhwal.