Armed only with a wireless set, she rushed in to face terrorists

CRPF Constable Kamlesh Kumari, the only woman Ashok Chakra awardee, laid down her life defending the Parliament House on December 13, 2001

She wasn't armed to fight anyone, least of all terrorists on a suicide mission. But that didn't deter Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Constable Kamlesh Kumari from doing her duty.

The only woman Ashok Chakra awardee (posthumously) of the country, Constable Kamlesh Kumari from 88 (Mahila) Battalion of the CRPF was posted at Iron Gate No 1, just next to Building Gate No 11, which is the main entrance for VVIPs coming to Parliament, on December 13, 2001. Her job was to assist the Parliament House Watch & Ward staff in frisking and checking visitors. "At Parliament, Mahila constables don't carry arms and ammunition," said a senior CRPF official, requesting anonymity.u00a0

On December 13, at around 11.40 am, Kamlesh heard gunshots and grenade blasts. She was carrying only her wireless set and along with every one present at the spot, she ducked for safety. But even though bullets were being fired from every direction, her mind was more than alert. "She was the first to notice the suicide bomber. In fact every one got so busy after the first bullet was fired that no body noticed that a human bomb was moving under the cover of fire towards the Building Gate No 11," said the senior officer.