Sandeep Unnikrishnan AC is an Indian commando who was serving in the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard on deputation. In 2008, he was killed in the Operation Black Tornado associated with the Mumbai attack and later awarded the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009. He is recognized for sacrificing his life in the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. Sandeep was part of the National Security Guard for neutralizing the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. In this blog, we will guide you through Sandeep Unnikrishnan age, height, early life, family, career, net worth, and much more.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Biography
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on 15 March 1977 in Kozhikode, Kerala. But his life was sacrificed on 28 November 2008 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He served the nation from 1999 to 2008 with the rank of Major in the Indian Army. Sandeep served the nation under the unit 51 SAG, NSG 7 Bihar, Bihar Regiment, and service number IC- 58660. His hometown is situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka. As Sandeep was born in India so his nationality is Indian.
| Real Name/ Full Name | Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan |
| Date of Birth | 15 March, 1977 |
| Died on | 28 November 2008 |
| Place of Birth | Kozhikode, Kerala |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Years of Service | 1999-2008 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service/ Branch | Indian Army |
| Unit | 51 SAG, NSG 7 Bihar, Bihar Regiment |
| Service Number | IC- 58660 |
| Hometown | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Indian Commando |
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Age
On November 28, 2008, Sandeep Unnikrishnan was martyred. At that time, he was just 31 Years old. As per his date of birth, his zodiac sign was Pisces.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Height and Appearance
Major Sandeep is tall in height, measuring 5ft 10in (in feet & inches), 178cm (in centimeters), and 1.78m (in meters). By appearance, Sandeep had a fit and athletic body, as well as black eyes and hair that made him a strong personality. He has no tattoos on his body as he served in the Indian army.
| Height | 5ft 10in (in feet & inches)178cm (in centimeters),1.78m (in meters) |
| Body Type | Fit and Athletic |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Skin Colour | Black |
| Tattoo | No |
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Education & Early Life
Sandeep comes from a Malayali Nair family living in Bangalore and spent his childhood in Kozhikode, Kerala. He attended the Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore and completed his schooling in the ISC Science Stream in 1995. Sandeep was the brightest student in academics as well as in sports. He developed an interest in basketball during his school days. Since his early days, he has been interested in joining the Indian army.
| Almameter | Year |
| The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore | Not Known |
| National Defence Academy | 1995 |
| Indian Military Academy | 1999 |
| High Altitude Warfare School | 2007 |
| Commando School Belgaum | 2005 |
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Family
If we talk about Sandeep’s parents, his father is a retired ISRO officer, K.Unnikrishna, and his mother’s name is Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. He was the only son of his parents. Apart from his parents, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan wife is Neha Unnikrishnan. He was born into a reputed family that has served India.
| Relation | Name | Profession |
| Father | K.Unnikrishnan | ISRO Officer |
| Mother | Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan | Not Known |
| Wife | Neha Unnikrishnan | Not Known |
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Wife
Neha Unnikrishnan is the wife of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. She was born in Kerala and later moved to Bangalore and attended Frank Anthony Public School, and met Sandeep. She completed her education from the science stream in Bangalore. Neha likes to remain low profile and away from the media.
Sandeep’s Personal Life
Sandeep and Neha attended the same school and met. Their friendship lasted for 14 years as both studied together. They both spent time together for years and developed a deep bond with each other. Sandeep and Neha got married in 2008, but he sacrificed his life during the 26/11 terror attack. In a short time, Neha became a widow, and after the death of Sandeep, she chose to stay away from the media and spotlight.
Career Journey
Major Sandeep had a mixed career in the Indian Army. In 1955, he joined the National Defence Academy in Pune and completed his graduation from the Indian Military Academy in 1999. Later, he was appointed as a Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment. In 2006, he joined the National Security Guard and became successful in the Indian Army, which recognized him for his bravery. Given below is the list of battles Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan has fought:
| Battles Fought | Year |
| Operation Vijay | 1999 |
| Operation Parakram | 2001-2002 |
| Operation Rakshak | 1990 |
| Operation Insurgency | 2001-2021 |
| Operation Black Tornado | 2008 |
Operation Black Tornado & Role in the 26/11 Attacks
The Operation Black Tornado is the codename of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. This operation was carried out by the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos. An operation aimed to neutralise the terrorist who held the people hostage in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, as well as the Oberoi Trident Hotel. The operation black Tornado duration was 60 hours. During the attack, Sandeep was shot various times, but his resilience to save the people was unmatched. His dead body was found the next day, full of bullet shots. The outcome of the operation was that 9 terrorists were killed and one was captured. Also, Operation Tornado suffered from the loss of people’s lives and the brave commander, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan Movie: Major
A biopic film was made, “Major” starring Adivi Sesh playing the character of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The film is produced by Mahesh Babu, Sony Pictures International Productions, and A+S Movies. The shooting of the movie began in February 2020 and was released on 3 June 2022.
Awards and Medals won by Sandeep Unnikrishnan
After the death of Major Sandeep, he won the most prestigious award, “Ashoka Chakra”, which is India’s biggest peacetime award. He got the award due to his sacrifice and bravery during the 26/11 terror attack. Additionally, he has won other prominent medals and awards, such as the Operation Parakram Medal, the Special Service Medal, the Saniya Seva Medal, the High Altitude Medal, and the 9 Years Long Service Medal. For his bravery and sacrifice, he has won various awards and medals. Here is the list given below:
- Ashoka Chakra
- Operation Parakram Medal
- Special Service Medal
- Saniya Seva Medal
- High Altitude Medal
- 9 Years Long Service Medal
Conclusion
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s life is full of courage, dedication, bravery, and sacrifice for the country. From a young boy who wants to serve his nation to a brave NSG commando who fights the terrorists in the 26/11 terror attack under the name of Operation black Tornado, but he lost his life during the battle. He will be remembered in the hearts of people.
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