Tribute paid to Ashok Chakra winner martyr Randhir Prasad Verma on 35th death anniversary in Dhanbad

Dhanbad: A solemn yet soul-stirring musical tribute was paid to Ashok Chakra award winner, Ranchi Prasad Verma, who fell prey to the bullets of Khalistani extremists in 1991, on his 35th death anniversary on Saturday at the Randhir Verma Chowk here.

The district administration, along with public representatives, senior officials and citizens, gathered in large numbers to remember the bravery, sacrifice and indomitable courage of the fallen hero.

The programme was organised in front of the life-size statue of martyr Randhir Verma. His 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 senior officers, political leaders and eminent citizens were present on the occasion.

The programme began with the district administration presenting a formal Guard of Honour to the martyr at the Randhir Verma Chowk. It was followed by floral tributes paid to the statue by Rita Prasad Verma, senior officials and other dignitaries.

A unique blend of devotion, patriotism and music marked the tribute ceremony. The highlight of the event was the soulful performance by world-renowned Sufi singer Padma Shri Dr Bharti Bandhu, whose powerful and spiritual renditions captivated the audience.

Remembering her husband’s sacrifice, Rita Verma described Randhir Prasad Verma as her ideal hero and an inspiration for generations to come. She said his courage, sense of duty and unwavering patriotism would continue to guide and motivate the youth of the country. She also expressed gratitude to the district administration and the people of Dhanbad for keeping his memory alive with respect and honour.

DC Aditya Ranjan and SSP Prabhat Kumar also paid glowing tributes, recalling the extraordinary bravery shown by Randhir Verma in the line of duty. They said his sacrifice stands as a symbol of selfless service and commitment to national security.

In the 1991 incident, Randhir Prasad Verma laid down his life while 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, while the third fled but was subsequently arrested. His supreme sacrifice earned him the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.