IPS officer Sandeep Chaudhary, a 2012-batch officer who headed the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, has been awarded the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for outstanding work in investigation.The medal is among the awards conferred on 490 personnel from various States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) for the year 2026, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Ministry said the medal recognises excellent work, promotes high professional standards and boosts the morale of police and other personnel.
“The award was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification dated February 1, 2024, and is conferred on personnel of police forces, security organisations, intelligence wings, CAPFs, CPOs, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science departments for excellence in operations, outstanding investigation, exceptional performance, intelligence services and meritorious work in forensic science,” the Ministry said.
The medal is announced every year on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.