IPS Officer Randhir Verma Commemorated on Martyrdom Anniversary for His Gallant Sacrifice

Dhanbad, Jan 3 (NationPress) The date January 3, 1991, is permanently engraved in the collective memory of Dhanbad as the day when a remarkable act of courage and sacrifice occurred in the heart of the city. On this fateful day, IPS officer Randhir Verma, who was serving as the SP of Dhanbad district, gave his life to prevent the malicious plans of Khalistani terrorists, ultimately ensuring the protection of many lives.

On Friday, a memorial tribute was organized at the site dedicated to this valiant officer. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, along with several notable figures, including the late Randhir Verma's wife and former MP Rita Verma, participated in a large gathering to honor his memory. The crowd offered floral tributes as they reflected on his unparalleled commitment to his duty.

During the ceremony, Governor Gangwar remarked, "Randhir Verma established the highest standards of duty and patriotism by thwarting the bank robbery. His sacrifice serves as an inspiration for generations, reminding us of the critical importance of duty and love for our nation."

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Khalistani terrorists aimed to extend their influence beyond Punjab by targeting economically significant areas. At that time, Dhanbad, known for its coal wealth, became a prime target.

On January 3, 1991, SP Randhir Verma received intelligence about armed robbers attacking the Bank of India in Hirapur Binod Market. These were not mere robbers but Khalistani terrorists intending to execute a heist to fund their operations.

Without a moment's hesitation, Verma, armed only with a pistol, raced to the scene accompanied by a bodyguard. The bank, situated on the first floor, was encircled by terrorists armed with AK-47s. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Verma ascended the stairs and confronted the assailants. In the ensuing gunfire, he was hit by a bullet. Even as he collapsed, Verma heroically managed to shoot and eliminate one of the terrorists.

During the encounter, another courageous individual, Shyamal Chakraborty, an employee of the Indian School of Mines, tragically lost his life, and Verma's bodyguard was injured. Reinforcements from the Dhanbad police soon arrived, killing another terrorist and forcing the remaining attackers to flee.

On the same day, another group of Khalistani terrorists launched an assault in Balrampur, Purulia district, West Bengal. In a fierce police retaliation, all terrorists were neutralized. Documents recovered at the scene confirmed their connections to the Khalistan Commando Force.

For his unmatched bravery, Randhir Verma was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, becoming the first civilian officer to receive this distinction. In 2004, the Government of India further honored his sacrifice by issuing a postage stamp in his memory.

The Bihar government also renamed the Dhanbad Golf Ground in his honor. A life-size statue of Verma stands proudly at a major intersection in the city, serving as a constant reminder of his heroism. Each year, on his martyrdom anniversary, a special program is conducted at the memorial to celebrate his enduring legacy.

The story of Randhir Verma is one of unparalleled bravery, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to duty, inspiring future generations to uphold the values he embodied and sacrificed for.