Ashoka Chakra recommended for martyr cops

MUMBAI: Mumbai police has recommended the names of twelve policemen, who laid down their lives during the Mumbai terror strikes, for Ashoka Chakra, India's highest gallantry award for valour and sacrifice during peacetime.

The list has been forwarded to Union Home ministry, Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Gafoor said.

The list includes names of slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare, additional commissioner of police Ashok Kamte and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar among others, joint commissioner of police (administration) B More said.

The three officials were allegedly killed by Ismail Khan, accomplice of Mohammed Ajmal Amir, the lone terrorist caught alive, near Cama hospital after the duo caused mayhem at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in South Mumbai on November 26.

The three officials were rushed to nearby hospital but succumbed to bullet injuries.

The name of another officer Sadanand Date, additional aommissioner of police, who sustained injuries during the police operation, has been shortlisted for the President's Medal, the highest police award.