Mohan Chand Sharma

Mohan Chand Sharma (23 September 1965 − 19 September 2008) was an Indian Police Inspector who served in the Delhi Police, Special Cell and was killed during the Batla House encounter in Delhi with suspected terrorists. Sharma was a much-decorated police officer and had won seven gallantry medals including the President of India's Medal in 2008. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009.

Sharma is native to Chaukhutia Masi region of Almora in Uttar Pradesh now Uttarakhand. Sharma served the Delhi police for 19 years. He joined the Delhi Police as a sub-inspector in 1989 and was instrumental in the killing of 35 alleged Khalistani terrorists and the arrest of another 80 alleged militants, according to an authorised Delhi police statement. The police statement also claimed that he had killed 40 alleged gangsters from outside Delhi and arrested another 129. He died on 19 September 2008 after sustaining injuries during an encounter with terrorists involved in the 13 September 2008 Delhi bombings.

He was honored with seven gallantry medals, including the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2003 and 2007 and Police Medals for Gallantry in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005. He also received 150 rewards for exemplary performance.

Sharma, who led 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.

He is noted for his involvement in high-profile cases that include the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2000 terrorist attack on Red Fort and 29 October 2005 Delhi bombings. Sharma was instrumental in arrest of four Jaish-e-Mohammad alleged militants in February 2007 after an encounter at DDU Marg, Delhi. He was also involved in an encounter which saw the death of one of the most wanted terrorists, Abu Hamza, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 2006.

The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh said "Sharma had shown exceptional courage and was an inspiration for the security forces. He has shown exceptional courage and is an inspiration for our security forces," he stated. In a letter to Sharma's wife on 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.

Ashoka Chakra (military decoration) Award Citation for Shri Mohan Chand Sharma (Inspector, Delhi Police) is as following :-

Mohan Chand Sharma (Inspector, Delhi Police - posthumous): On 19th September 2008, Shri Mohan Chand Sharma, Inspector, Delhi Police received specific information that a suspected person wanted in connection with the serial bomb blasts in Delhi was hiding in a flat in Batla House area of Jamia Nagar, New Delhi.

Shri Sharma leading a seven-member team quickly reached the identified flat. As soon as he entered the flat he received the first burst of fire from the terrorists holed up inside the flat. Undaunted, he returned the fire. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed and one captured.

Shri Mohan Chand Sharma showed exemplary courage and devotion to duty in fighting the terrorists and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.