Ingush policeman becomes Hero of Russia

The title of the Hero of the Russian Federation was awarded to Ruslan Nalgiev, a former policeman from Ingushetia, for his actions during the terror act at the Nazran GOVD (City Interior Division) on August 17, 2009.

Let us remind you that the terror act at the Nazran GOVD was committed on August 17 at 9 in the morning. The terrorist broke through the gate of the GOVD in a Gazel van stuffed with explosive, drove into the yard where local militiamen were lining up, and triggered a huge bomb - with the power from a half to one ton in TNT (trotyl) equivalent. The explosion killed more than 20 persons, several dozens more were wounded.

On that day, Militia Captain Nalgiev rushed across the van stuffed with explosive and opened fire at it, thus, giving a chance to his comrades to hide and take better positions. Nalgiev received gravest injuries; however, by putting his life and health at risk, he helped his 94 colleagues, who were all wounded, but survived, says the release posted on the website of the Russia's MIA.

The former district militiaman Ruslan Nalgiev retired almost three years ago; in the terror act he lost his leg, but survived.

The news that he became Hero of Russia was a complete surprise for the retired captain, who said the award should be shared with many of his comrades, who tried to work honestly.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Nalgiev is not the only resident of Ingushetia decorated with the top Russian award - on June 4, the republic held a ceremony of opening a monument to Hero of Russia army pilot General Sulambek Oskanov, who sacrificed his life while preventing a crash of the aircraft into the township of Khvorostyanka, Dobrin District of the Lipetsk Region in February 1992.