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Rajya Sabha
In September 2004, Shri Chanchal Singh, Ex-Chief Ship Wright Artificer (SWA) wrote a letter stating that news reports published in some newspapers/magazines regarding sinking of INS Khukari were partially incorrect which needed to be corrected. The essence of his letter was that when INS Khukari sank due to a torpedo hit by an enemy submarine, INS, Kirpan (which was deployed with INS, Khukari at that time) left the scene, without caring for the survivors of INS, Khukari. Shri Chanchal Singh saved many of the drowning sailors of INS, Khukari, for which he should have been given a Gallantry award.
The Gallantry and other awards are given on merit and cannot be claimed as a matter of right. Regarding the incident of sinking of INS, Khukari, deeds of all the Naval personnel on board were duly evaluated by the Naval authorities. Shri Chanchal Singh’s dedication to duty & courage on board INS, Khukari was also considered and he was given a one time cash award of Rs. 50,000. He was, however, not found deserving for a Gallantry award.
Some Members of Parliament had also written to the Government in this regard and their letters have also been replied to.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Kripal Parmar in Rajya Sabha today.
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