Srinagar, Oct 31: IPS officer Sandeep Chaudhary, who led the investigation into the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, has been awarded the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for his outstanding contribution to the investigation.
Chaudhary, a 2012-batch IPS officer, is among 490 personnel from various States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) selected for the prestigious medal for the year 2026, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Ministry said the award recognises excellence in professional work, promotes high standards in investigation and other specialised fields, and boosts the morale of police and security personnel.
Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification issued on February 1, 2024, the medal is conferred on personnel from police forces, security organisations, intelligence wings, CAPFs, CPOs, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science departments.
The award recognises excellence in operations, outstanding investigative work, exceptional performance, intelligence services and meritorious contributions in forensic science.
The medal is announced annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday. Press Information Bureau +2
