Bohani (Narsinghpur), Nov 20 – In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left the village of Bohani in deep grief, Madhya Pradesh Police Hawk Force Inspector Ashish Kumar Sharma was cremated with full state honours on Thursday at Muktidham, just two months before his wedding.
The 32-year-old elite officer was martyred on November 19 during an anti-Maoist operation in Kauhapani forest along the Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh border in Rajnandgaon district. Hit by four bullets, he continued to fight bravely before succumbing to his injuries in hospital, earning the title of “Shaheed” (martyred).
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the funeral, paying his last respects by laying a wreath on the tricolour-draped body and sitting with the bereaved mother, who gently stroked her son’s face. In a poignant tweet, CM Yadav said, “The entire state of Madhya Pradesh stands with the family in this hour of grief. The glorious story of his bravery and supreme sacrifice will always inspire generations.”
To honour his memory, the state government announced plans to construct a park and a sports stadium in his native village, named after him, and to appoint the younger brother of one of the martyrs as a Sub-Inspector in the Madhya Pradesh Police.
Thousands lined the route from Jabalpur to Narsinghpur as his mortal remains were brought from Balaghat, showering flowers on the ambulance and chanting slogans of “Ashish Sharma amar rahe” and “Bharat Mata ki jai.”
Ashish Sharma, who joined the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2016 and volunteered for the Hawk Force in 2018, was renowned for his courage. He earned two gallantry medals and received an out-of-turn promotion to Inspector in 2023 after key operations, including eliminating senior Maoist commanders Sunita and Sarita, a combined bounty of Rs 28 lakh, and other high-risk missions. His tactics are now part of training modules for new officers.
Known for taking the most dangerous positions in operations and maintaining a fearless smile under fire, Inspector Sharma is survived by his parents and a younger brother. The village bid farewell to a true hero, with the last post and three-volley salute echoing his sacrifice.
