In a daring display of courage and determination, Kundan Krishnan, the Superintendent of Police of Bihar’s Saran district in 2002, along with his bodyguard Jitendra Singh and the then SHO Arjun Lal, have been honored with the prestigious Gallantry Medal for their heroic actions during a prison siege back in 2002.
It was the morning following the Holi festival in 2002 when Kundan Krishnan and his team made a decision that would go down in the aals of law enforcement history. The inmates of a Bihar prison had barricaded themselves with explosive cylinders, posing a grave threat to anyone attempting a rescue from outside. With no other option, Krishnan, Singh, and Lal chose to scale the prison walls to neutralize the danger from within.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Krishnan, now the Director General (Operations) of Bihar Police, shared, “It was a do-or-die situation. We had to act swiftly to prevent a potential disaster.”
The prison unrest, triggered by the transfer of notorious criminals, kept 1,200 inmates in control of the complex for three days. Armed with makeshift weapons and explosives, the inmates turned the jail into a fortress, launching attacks on authorities and causing widespread damage.
The standoff reached a critical point as negotiations failed, and the Bihar government entrusted Krishnan with the task of reclaiming the jail. In a bold move, Krishnan, Lal, and Singh entered the facility amidst a riotous crowd of inmates, successfully removing the obstacles blocking the entrance and paving the way for reinforcements to secure the premises.
For their extraordinary valor and selfless dedication to duty, Kundan Krishnan, Jitendra Singh, and Arjun Lal have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry, commemorating their bravery in the face of grave danger. The operation, marked by intense combat and strategic maneuvers, resulted in the restoration of order and the prevention of a mass jailbreak.
As the nation commemorates their unwavering courage, the gallantry of these three individuals serves as a testament to the undying spirit of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to uphold justice and safeguard the community.