Delhi Police Special Cell Honored with 13 Gallantry Medals on 77th Republic Day
In a significant recognition of bravery and dedication, 33 officers from the Delhi Police have been selected to receive prestigious awards on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. Among these honors, 14 gallantry medals stand out, with the Special Cell of the Delhi Police claiming an impressive 13 of them. This achievement underscores the unit's critical role in safeguarding the national capital from terrorist threats and extremist activities.
High-Risk Operations Recognized
The gallantry medals awarded to the Special Cell are for their involvement in four distinct high-risk counter-terrorism and anti-extremism operations conducted in Delhi over recent years. These operations were marked by intense confrontations and significant risks to the officers' lives, highlighting their unwavering commitment to public safety.
Notable Awardees and Their Heroic Acts
Additional CP Pramod Singh Kushwah, SI Rajeev Kumar, and SI Shibu R S are among the recipients for their role in intercepting Javed Ahmed Mattu, an A++ category Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, near the DND Toll Plaza in Mayur Vihar. Mattu, who carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh and was wanted in 11 terror cases in Jammu and Kashmir, opened fire at the police team. One officer was struck by a bullet but was saved by his bulletproof vest. The team successfully overpowered the terrorist, preventing a major terror strike.
Inspector Manoj Kumar, SI Anshu Chaudhary, and HC Aleem Ahmad received awards for engaging ISIS-linked terrorist Rizwan Ali during an interception near Tughlakabad village. Rizwan, wanted by the NIA with a reward of Rs 3 lakh, fired at the police, with two officers sustaining bullet impacts on their protective gear. This operation led to the neutralization of a module involved in assembling IEDs and reconnoitering sensitive targets across multiple states.
Inspector Amit Nara, SI Brajpal Singh, SI Satish Kumar, and SI Udham Singh were honored for intercepting two armed operatives linked to Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force. The encounter near Mayur Vihar involved an exchange of fire, where two officers were struck by bullets but saved by bulletproof vests, foiling plans to extend Khalistani-linked violence into Delhi.
Inspector Nishant Dahiya, Inspector Manjit Jaglan, and SI Amit Bhati also earned gallantry medals for confronting armed criminals from the Khalistani terror network near Sarai Kale Khan ISBT on Ring Road. During the encounter, one criminal attempted to deploy a high-explosive grenade but was overpowered before succeeding, averting a potentially catastrophic blast.
Other Awards and Recognitions
In addition to the gallantry medals, two officers will receive the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service: retired SI Gainendra Singh Rana and SI Naval Kumari. Furthermore, 17 officers have been awarded Meritorious Service Medals, recognizing their consistent and commendable service to the force.
This Republic Day, the Delhi Police's achievements reflect not only individual bravery but also the collective effort to maintain security in one of India's most critical regions. The awards serve as a testament to the risks undertaken by law enforcement personnel in their daily duties to protect citizens from emerging threats.
