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Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 5, 2026 • 3 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth15 March 1977

Age31 Years (at time of death)

BirthplaceKozhikode, Kerala

ProfessionArmy Personnel

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseNeha Unnikrishnan

FamilyFather - K. Unnikrishnan; Mother - Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Biography

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was an Indian Army officer and NSG commando who was killed in action during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He led a rescue operation,

Early life and background

Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on 15 March 1977 in Kozhikode, Kerala, into a Malayali family that later moved to Bangalore. He attended The Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore and went on to join the National Defence Academy in 1995. From an early age he showed a clear determination to pursue a career in the armed forces.

Military beginnings and Kargil

After graduating from the NDA, Sandeep was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment on 12 June 1999. He saw frontline service during the Kargil conflict in 1999, where he and his unit operated from forward posts under heavy enemy fire. Later that year he was involved in establishing an advanced post close to opposing positions.

Advancement and NSG service

Sandeep rose through the ranks, becoming a captain on 12 June 2003 and a major on 12 June 2005. In 2006 he volunteered for the National Security Guards (NSG) and, after completing rigorous training, joined the Special Action Group. During his training he topped the demanding Ghatak Course and earned an instructor grading and commendation.

26/11 Mumbai attacks and sacrifice

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was called to duty in Mumbai on 27 November 2008 as part of the NSG response to the coordinated terrorist attacks that began on 26 November. He led a commando team tasked with rescuing hostages and clearing the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. During the operation he arranged for the evacuation of a wounded comrade and then pursued the attackers alone. He was shot and fatally wounded while confronting the terrorists; his body was recovered the following day. He was 31 years old at the time of his death.

Honours and legacy

In recognition of his actions during the operation at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously on 26 January 2009. The official citation notes his leadership in rescuing hostages and his courage in continuing to fight despite being wounded.

Several public memorials and tributes followed his death. A road in Bangalore was renamed Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road, and busts commemorating him were installed in Bengaluru and at the entrance of the Indian Education Society in Mumbai. One of the sculptures in Bengaluru was later damaged in an accident.

Public profile

Sandeep was married to Neha Unnikrishnan. His parents are K. Unnikrishnan, a retired ISRO officer, and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. His service number was IC-58660 and his listed height is approximately 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) with black hair and black eyes.

Family events and cultural impact

The 26/11 attacks and Sandeep’s role in them prompted significant public attention and inspired films and series about the events, including cinematic and streaming portrayals of the attacks. In 2020, a biopic project titled Major, produced by Mahesh Babu and starring Adivi Sesh as Sandeep, was registered with producers’ associations and set for release in 2021; the film’s makers sought the consent of Sandeep’s parents before moving forward.

Latest updates

Sandeep’s mother, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, received the Ashoka Chakra on his behalf from the President of India on 26 January 2009. His uncle, K Mohanan, remained publicly affected by Sandeep’s death and died in 2011 in an act of protest related to perceived neglect of victims of the attacks.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is remembered for his leadership, bravery and the sacrifice he made while attempting to protect and rescue civilians during one of India’s most traumatic terror incidents.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded
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Recent Work

NSG operation at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Led the team that rescued hostages and engaged terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks; rescued 14 hostages according to the official citation.

2008
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Career Highlights

  1. Commissioned into 7th Battalion, Bihar Regiment on 12 June 1999
  2. Served in Kargil conflict in 1999
  3. Promoted to Captain on 12 June 2003 and to Major on 12 June 2005
  4. Joined NSG Special Action Group in 2006 after topping the Ghatak Course
  5. Posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan born?

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born on 15 March 1977.

What is Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan known for?

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is known for army Personnel.

What is Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s marital status?

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan married to?

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is publicly listed as married to Neha Unnikrishnan.