A poignant ceremony marked the 35th death anniversary of Ashok Chakra award winner Randhir Prasad Verma in Dhanbad on Saturday. The city came together at Randhir Verma Chowk to honour the memory of the police officer who made the supreme sacrifice while confronting Khalistani extremists in 1991.
A Gathering of Respect and Remembrance
The district administration, alongside public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens, assembled to commemorate the bravery and indomitable courage of the fallen hero. The event was organised in front of the life-size statue of the martyr. Key attendees included the martyr's wife and former minister Rita Prasad Verma, Dhanbad DC Aditya Ranjan, SSP Prabhat Kumar, Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato, Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha, Jharia MLA Ragini Singh, former Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur, and several other dignitaries.
The programme commenced with a formal Guard of Honour presented by the district administration. This was followed by floral tributes offered at the statue by Rita Prasad Verma, senior officials, and other guests.
A Soul-Stirring Tribute Through Music and Words
The ceremony was uniquely characterised by a blend of devotion, patriotism, and music. The highlight was a soulful performance by world-renowned Sufi singer Padma Shri Dr Bharti Bandhu, whose powerful and spiritual renditions deeply moved the audience.
Remembering her husband's sacrifice, Rita Verma described Randhir Prasad Verma as her ideal hero and an inspiration for future generations. She stated that his courage, sense of duty, and unwavering patriotism would continue to guide and motivate the country's youth. She also expressed gratitude to the district administration and people of Dhanbad for keeping his memory alive with respect and honour.
DC Aditya Ranjan and SSP Prabhat Kumar paid glowing tributes, recalling the extraordinary bravery displayed by Randhir Verma in the line of duty. They emphasised that his sacrifice stands as a permanent symbol of selfless service and commitment to national security.
The Supreme Sacrifice of 1991
The event recalled the fateful incident of 1991, when Randhir Prasad Verma laid down his life confronting Khalistani extremists who had attempted to loot the Bank of India’s Hirapur branch in Dhanbad. Displaying exemplary courage, he neutralised one terrorist on the spot and critically injured another, who later succumbed to his injuries. A third assailant fled but was subsequently arrested.
For this act of exceptional valour, he was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the nation's highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy continues to resonate, inspiring a sense of duty and patriotism 35 years after his martyrdom.
