Andhra Pradesh Greyhounds inspector KLVSSNV Prasad Babu was named for the highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, posthumously on 15 August 2013.

It is the first time in Andhra Pradesh police and Greyhounds history that an officer was chosen for this award. Greyhounds is an elite commando force of Andhra Pradesh created to combat left-wing extremists.

Prasad Babu, 33, who was a native of Marturu village in Visakhapatnam district, was killed by Maoists in the forests of Chhattisgarh in April, 2013. Prasad had joined the police department as a sub-inspector in 2004 and was subsequently promoted as an inspector. His father Karanam Venkataramaiah is a retired constable.

Prasad Babu had played a crucial role in gunning down 10 Maoists in the encounter in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh in April 2013.

About Ashok Chakra

The Ashok Chakra is awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy.

Gallantary Awards

The Ashoka Chakra series of gallantry awards are amongst the highest gallantry awards of the country. These awards are given in three categories viz. Ashoka Chakra (awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or preeminent valour of self service), Kirti Chakra (awarded for conspicuous gallantry) and Shaurya Chakra (awarded for gallantry).

The awards are announced by the Government of India on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day every year.

Besides the Defence personnel, civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life, and members of Police Forces, Central Para military Forces and Railway Protection Force are also eligible for these awards.

source: http://www.jagranjosh.com / Jagran Josh / Home> English> News> Current Affiairs / August 15th, 2013