How Were the Last Rites of MP's Hawk Force Inspector Conducted with Full State Honour?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inspector Ashish Sharma lost his life in an encounter with Maoists.
- His final rites were conducted with full state honors.
- A tribute march was organized, attended by numerous officials and villagers.
- Sharma was a highly decorated officer.
- He is survived by his wife and two children.
Balaghat, Nov 20 (NationPress) The last rites of Madhya Pradesh's Hawk Force Inspector Ashish Sharma, who tragically lost his life during a confrontation with Maoists in Balaghat the previous day, were held with full state honors in his hometown located in Narsinghpur district on Thursday.
A solemn tribute procession for the fallen hero, Sharma (31), took place in Balaghat, gathering Hawk Force personnel, including high-ranking officials involved in the anti-Maoist operations, who came together to pay their respects as his remains were transported back to his native village.
Noteworthy attendees at the last rites ceremony included Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, along with various local political figures from different parties.
Grief-stricken family members received the late officer's body, draped in the national flag, amid full state honors.
Numerous villagers assembled to bid a heartfelt farewell to Sharma.
A combined team of the Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force and Chhattisgarh Police was engaged in a search-and-destroy mission when they were suddenly attacked by Maoists around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Maoists unleashed a barrage of gunfire from elevated positions.
The security forces swiftly retaliated, resulting in a fierce gunfight that extended for several hours.
During this exchange, Inspector Ashish Sharma suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital in nearby Dongargarh (Chhattisgarh), where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The encounter unfolded in the dense forest area near Kauhapani within the jurisdiction of the Bortalab police station in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district.
Sharma was a decorated officer, recognized with two gallantry medals for his extraordinary valor in anti-Maoist missions.
He significantly contributed to the February 2025 operation in the Raunda forests of Balaghat, where three notorious female Maoists with bounties on their heads were neutralized.
His consistent promotions highlighted his exemplary service record.
In expressing condolences over the fallen officer’s sacrifice, Chief Minister Yadav stated that Inspector Sharma's bravery will always be remembered.
Inspector Sharma is survived by his wife and two young children.