Srinagar, October 31: IPS officer Sandeep Chaudhary, who led the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, has been selected for the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for 2026 in recognition of his work in the investigation.
Chaudhary, a 2012-batch IPS officer, is among 490 personnel from across the country honoured under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ annual awards programme.
The award recognises merit in investigation, intelligence gathering, special operations and forensic science. It is intended to encourage professional excellence among police personnel and other security agencies.
The Ministry of Home Affairs instituted the medal in February 2024. It is awarded to personnel serving in State and Union Territory police forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Central Police Organisations, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science departments.
The list of awardees is announced annually on October 31, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. —(KNB)