Head Constable Junal Topno served in the Border Security Force and was posted with the 43rd Battalion, BSF. He belonged to Rantoleya village in Gumla district of Jharkhand. His service was centred on the demanding responsibilities of border guarding, surveillance and maintaining security along India's international frontier.
On 28 September 2019, Junal Topno was assigned observation duty at Border Out Post Farzipara on the India-Bangladesh border. During his shift, he noticed suspicious movement on the river involving people travelling in country boats. Recognising the possibility of an illegal crossing or smuggling activity, he challenged the individuals and attempted to stop them.
When they failed to comply, Topno entered the water to intercept them. During the attempt, he moved into deeper water and became entangled in the tall vegetation beneath the surface. His colleagues immediately began a search operation, supported by a BSF speed boat and local civilians. He was eventually located and recovered from the water.
Junal Topno was taken to Sadik Khan Civil Hospital in Jalangi for emergency medical treatment, but his condition remained critical and he succumbed at around 5:20 PM. He made the supreme sacrifice while carrying out his responsibility as a border guard. His final act reflected his determination to prevent suspected unlawful movement across the international border despite the personal danger involved.