Independence Day / 17 Odisha Cops Honoured: Five Gallantry, Two Distinguished, 10 Meritorious Service

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: As many as 17 Odisha Police personnel have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals announced by the Union Government on the eve of Independence Day 2026.

According to medal lists released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Services across the country have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals this year.

Of the 301 Medals for Gallantry (GM) announced, 272 have been awarded to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel. Among the gallantry awardees, 197 are from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 from Jammu and Kashmir, 12 from the Northeast and 41 from other regions.

Five Odisha Police Personnel Get Gallantry Medals
Five Odisha Police personnel have been selected for the Medal for Gallantry:

Sub-Inspector Manmath Kumar Mohapatra
Havildar Nirakar Bhue
Commando Santosh Gurung
Commando Suman Pun
Commando Suresh Chandra Puta

The Medal for Gallantry recognises conspicuous acts of courage, including saving lives and property, preventing crime and apprehending criminals, while taking into account the risks involved in the discharge of official duties.

Two Officers Selected for President's Medal
Two Odisha Police officers have been selected for the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM):

Additional Director General Sanjeeb Panda
Deputy Superintendent of Police Smitarani Mohanty

The President's Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded for a special and distinguished record of service.

Also Read: 1,057 Personnel Awarded Gallantry, Service Medals Ahead Of Independence Day

10 Personnel Selected for Meritorious Service Medal
Ten other Odisha Police personnel have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM):

Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoranjan Paikray
Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Kumar Bal
Inspector Gitanjaleе Panda
Deputy Commandant Bhabesh Kumar Nayak
Assistant Commandant Paresh Kumar Minati Nandan Pati
Constable Shyamali Biswas
Sub-Inspector Barun Kumar Naik
Havildar Subash Chandra Trinath Gouda
Constable Mustaque Alli Khan
Havildar Prasanta Kumar Biswal

The Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.