On the 4th December, 1991, there was a major fire at the Gwalior Rayon Mills which was caused by the explosion of a chemical boiler and bursting gas cylinders. Due to the explosion and fire, the building had collapsed and a number of people were buried under the debris. The Indian Air Force located there was called upon to assist the rescue work. Within half an hour, three DFTs and ambulance and a SCFT were sent to the site of fire. The Air Force managed to contain the fire despite the fact that there was no direct access to the site. After fire was contained it was noticed that there were a couple of gas cylinders around which were leaking. JWO Raju at grave risk to his own life and unmindful of the danger involved in going near the cylinders, took a chance and approached the cylinders and made them safe. Subsequently, despite the debris and smouldering fire, in total disregard to the danger to his life, he began the operation of clearing the debris and rescuing the people under the collapsed building. JWO Raju displayed courage above and beyond the call of his duty in undertaking a task which was dangerous to his own life.

Junior Warrant Officer Venkata Phani Raju Kala, SC, thus, displayed gallantry of a high order and set an example to others.