By IANS,
New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have paid rich tributes to Delhi Police Special Cell Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma who was killed in a shootout with suspected terrorists here Friday.
The president condoled the death of Sharma, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Expressing shock over Sharma’s death, the prime minister in his condolence message said: “Sharma was an exceptionally brave officer. He had shown exceptional courage throughout his career and had been decorated with gallantry awards many times. He was an inspiration for our security forces in his life and will continue to inspire them after this demise too.”
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi said: “I was deeply distressed to learn that Inspector M.C. Sharma succumbed to the injuries sustained during the operation against the terrorists this morning.
“He battled the terrorists valiantly and sacrificed his life in the service of the country. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. Our battle against terrorism will continue with full resolve.”
As Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani went to the Holy Family hospital to see Sharma, he did not know that the officer had died. A visibly moved Advani told newspersons: “I did not know that I’ll have to pay homage to the martyr when I came here.”
Sharma was hit thrice in the shoot out with the suspected terrorists in the Jamia Nagar area, with one bullet piercing his stomach.