13 years on, Pillukhera family still awaits recognition for son’s sacrifice

For 13 years, 60-year-old trader Chander Bhan of Pillukhera, Jind, has been fighting for recognition of his son Saurabh Garg’s bravery. At 19, Saurabh saved 11 lives during an LPG blast in December 2012, only to die in the rescue attempt.

Despite repeated recommendations, the teenager never received a bravery medal. “Probably because he didn’t come from a family of politicians or bureaucrats, nor is his father a wealthy businessman,” Bhan says bitterly.

In 2023, he approached the Haryana Human Rights Commission, which has now directed the Chief Secretary to fix accountability for the delay, take up the matter afresh with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and even consider a state-level gallantry award. The Commission noted, “The denial of recognition to the late Saurabh Garg is not due to any lack of merit in his act of bravery but solely on account of the dereliction and administrative apathy of the public authorities concerned.”

The incident

On the morning of December 8, 2012, a leaking LPG cylinder caught fire in the home of a Jain family, neighbours of the Garg household. Eleven people were trapped inside.

“Hearing the cries, my son woke up and came out. He took a ladder and evacuated each member one by one. As soon as all 11 were rescued, a loud blast took place. With the impact, my son fell from a height. He died of head injuries on the spot,” Bhan recalled.

Recognition denied

The then Jind DC, Yudhbir Singh Khyalia, recommended Saurabh’s name for a national bravery award in December 2012. In 2013, then minister Randeep Surjewala informed the Vidhan Sabha that Rs 2 lakh had been given to the family from the CM’s Relief Fund and that his case would be considered for a Prime Minister’s bravery award.

Over the years, the family also received support from politicians, including Rs 2 lakh from BJP minister Kavita Jain and Rs 5 lakh from the state government for a memorial. But the award never came, as the Home Department later cited a two-year limit for recommendations.

A father’s plea

“I lost my son. He did a noble act of saving lives. Had he been alive, he would have been 32 today. I don’t want money from the government. I wish for a bravery award for my son and maintenance of his memorial,” Bhan said, his voice choking. “We will not stay forever; that is why I want the monument to be maintained.”

Talking to ‘The Tribune’, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, “People like Saurabh are shining examples of bravery, compassion, humanity and standing for each other. Such real heroes should be projected and emulated. It is the duty of the government to recognise him, and if it doesn’t, it will be a crime.”