“Don’t come up, I’ll handle them,” were the final words of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a warrior who faced terror head-on. During the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his motherland. Today (March 15) marks his 48th birth anniversary, and though he is no longer with us in physical form, his fearless spirit and indomitable legacy continue to inspire the nation.
Born on March 15, 1977, in Kozhikode, Kerala, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was a brave soldier who devoted his life to serving the country. He was from a Nair family that eventually settled in Bangalore, Karnataka. His father, K. Unnikrishnan, was an officer at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and his mother, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, was a housewife. He was the only child and was brought up with good values and a sense of responsibility.
At a young age, he had wanted to serve in the armed forces. He graduated from the Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore, where he excelled academically as well as in co-curricular activities. Being disciplined, with leadership skills and sports talent, he was also an active school choir member and loved watching films.
Military Journey and Achievements
In 1995, Sandeep Unnikrishnan joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune and was part of the 94th course. His peers remember him as a selfless, calm, and resolute person. He underwent training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, in the 104th course and was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment (Infantry) on July 12, 1999.
He was a young officer who took part in Operation Vijay during the Kargil War. He was posted at forward posts under constant enemy fire and showed great courage in action. On December 31, 1999, he led a team of six soldiers to secure a post just 200 meters away from the enemy, showing his leadership and strategic abilities.
Sandeep was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003 and then to Major in 2005. His Commando Wing (Infantry School) training in Belgaum made him one of the best soldiers of the Indian Army. He topped the prestigious Ghatak Course, earning an instructor grading and commendation. His training also involved specialized courses at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, where he became a master of counterinsurgency techniques and survival skills.
Major Unnikrishnan was chosen for the National Security Guard (NSG) in January 2007 and became a member of the 51 Special Action Group (SAG), a special counter-terrorist unit. His leadership and experience made him participate in a number of high-risk operations, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Operation Black Tornado: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Mumbai came under attack on November 26, 2008, suffering one of the deadliest terror attacks in its history. Ten terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan entered the city, wreaking havoc in several places, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
During Operation Black Tornado, Major Sandeep commanded the NSG commandos to free the hostages at the Taj Hotel. His team entered the hotel and moved towards the upper floors, where the terrorists had taken position. While clearing the rooms, they were subjected to intense firing. Commando Sunil Yadav, one of his team members, was grievously injured. Demonstrating extreme courage, Major Sandeep escorted Yadav out safely.
Though he was injured in the right arm, he pushed ahead, determined to neutralize the threat. He engaged the terrorists fiercely in a firefight and pinned them down. During this fight, however, he got shot in the back and succumbed to his injuries. His final words to his fellow soldiers were, “Do not come up; I will handle them.” His sacrifice and determination motivated his comrades to finish the mission and kill the terrorists.
Also Read: Major is a noble, if not a perfect tribute, to the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Honoring the Martyrs of 26/11
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan received the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry medal, posthumously for his unmatched bravery and ultimate sacrifice. Several heroes, along with him, lost their lives saving the nation.
Tukaram Omble (Mumbai Police)
An Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Mumbai Police, Omble was the key figure who arrested terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive at Girgaum Chowpatty. Equipped with a mere baton, Omble stood like a rock in front of Kasab’s gun, taking many bullets but assuring that Kasab got arrested. He was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra.
Hemant Karkare (Maharashtra ATS Chief)
The chief of Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Karkare, was martyred near Cama Hospital when he, along with officers Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar, was ambushed by terrorists. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra for his courage.
Ashok Kamte (Mumbai Additional Commissioner of Police)
A bold officer who was renowned for his prompt action, Kamte fought valiantly before being killed by terrorist bullets. He was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra.
Vijay Salaskar (Encounter Specialist, Mumbai Police)
A decorated officer who was responsible for eliminating many criminals, Salaskar was martyred in the same attack that killed Karkare and Kamte. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra for his service.
Havildar Gajendra Singh Bisht (NSG Commando)
Part of the 51 SAG unit, Havildar Bisht played a crucial role in the NSG operation at Nariman House, where he fought till his last breath. He was posthumously honored with the Ashok Chakra.
Remembering the Fallen Heroes
The 26/11 attacks resulted in 166 deaths and over 300 injured. The courage of India’s security forces saw to it that the terrorists were neutralized. Nine of the terrorists were eliminated during the operations, while Ajmal Kasab was arrested, tried, and executed in 2012.
The martyrdom of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and his colleagues inspires the generations. They remind us through their courage, sacrifice, and complete devotion to the cause of freedom and the obligation to protect it. He has left behind a legacy that shall be etched in the hearts of the country forever.
