We hand ourselves to God in times of distress. But in India even gods need to be taken care of and preserved under immense security, as is the case with Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

As the assistant commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force unit, manning the innermost ring of security, at one of the most communally sensitive sites in the country, Vizeto Tinyi had a great responsibility on his shoulders.

With just four years of experience in the force, Tinyi who had joined CRPF in 2001, the fidayeen attack on the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid on July 5, 2005 was both a test of character and his unshakable belief in the strength of his jawans.

The heavy security for the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid has been divided into various zones around the complex, denoted by different colours. Tinyi's unit was entrusted with red zone the inner most ring in which the temple complex is situated. The penultimate yellow zone was being manned by the Uttar Pradesh police force.
Tinyi was in his office on the fateful day when he heard gunshots and grenade blasts. Before he could come out to marshal his troops, five militants along with a human bomb were in the yellow zone. They came in a car, which was blasted at the periphery of red zone.

Smiling assassin: Vizeto Tinyi receiving Shaurya Chakra from the then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story Beer mugs and retro rock› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT