Brave Soldiers
Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Major · 1977 – 2008
He led NSG commandos into the Taj Mahal Palace hotel during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was serving with the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard when terrorists attacked Mumbai in November 2008. He led his team in the operation to rescue hostages at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and was killed on 28 November 2008. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Early life and background
Born in Kozhikode and raised in Bengaluru, Sandeep Unnikrishnan studied at the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment in 1999. He served in Jammu and Kashmir and during the Kargil conflict.
Historical context
On 26 November 2008 terrorists carried out coordinated attacks across Mumbai, including at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The National Security Guard was deployed to end the sieges.
Key achievements
Major Unnikrishnan led a team of NSG commandos inside the Taj Mahal Palace, rescuing hostages and engaging the attackers in difficult conditions.
Important events and milestones
- 1999 Commissioned into 7 Bihar.
- 2007 Joins the National Security Guard on deputation.
- 26–28 November 2008 Operation at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
- 28 November 2008 Killed in action.
- 26 January 2009 Ashoka Chakra awarded posthumously.
Awards and honours
Ashoka Chakra (posthumous), 2009.
His sacrifice
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was killed on 28 November 2008 during the operation. He was thirty-one.
Enduring legacy
He is remembered for his leadership and for the lives his team saved; his family has continued to honour his memory through public service.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Sandeep Unnikrishnan (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Memorial bust, Bengaluru (photograph) · Mrinalmohanan · CC0 · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.