Nagpur District Personnel Honored with Prestigious President's Police Medals
In a significant recognition of exemplary service, seven personnel from Nagpur district have been awarded the President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The Union Home Ministry announced these prestigious awards on the eve of Republic Day, highlighting the dedication and contributions of these individuals across various security and law enforcement roles.
Distinguished Awardees and Their Contributions
The recipients include a diverse group of professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their duties. CRPF Deputy Inspector General Prashant Jambholkar stands out for his extensive service in sensitive regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Northeast India, and Chhattisgarh. His career spans elite units like the National Security Guard (Black Cat Commandos), Rapid Action Force, Cobra Battalion, and a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Previously honored with multiple medals including the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and UN Peacekeeping Service Medal, Jambholkar is recognized as a Special Officer in CRPF for his modern strategic leadership on the frontlines.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Vijay Mahulkar, who joined the police force as a sub-inspector in 1993, has made notable strides in combating crime. During his tenure with rural police, he successfully busted inter-state gangs and seized ganja worth crores, earning him accolades such as the state government's Best Detection Recovery award, two UN medals, and a Director General of Police commendation.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Katol, Parag Pote, began his career as a sub-inspector in 1995 and has performed remarkable work in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli. Awarded the Special Police Service Medal for his efforts, Pote also excelled in detecting serious crimes while serving in the local crime branches of Yavatmal and Wardha, and contributed significantly to the economic offences wing at Nagpur Commissionerate.
Police Inspector, Communication and Information Technology Division, Rural Police, Kailash Barabhai, joined as an assistant sub-inspector or radio mechanic in 1998. His 13-year service in Gadchiroli's challenging environment earned him the Director General of Police's commendation last year, along with the Special Seva Medal in 2012 and Internal Security Medal in 2015 for outstanding technical and operational support.
Recognition for Home Guards and Prison Staff
The awards also extend to home guards and prison personnel, underscoring the broad spectrum of service recognized. Platoon Naik, Home Guard NM Poddali and Section Leader Squad Gangadhar Urkude have been honored for their meritorious roles in community safety and support operations.
Prison Havaldar Raju Hate received the President's Correctional Service Medal for distinguished service, adding to his previous accolade of the President's Police Medal in 2018, highlighting his consistent dedication to correctional duties.
Impact and Significance of the Awards
These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the collective efforts of Nagpur district's security forces in maintaining law and order. The Republic Day announcement serves as a timely reminder of the sacrifices and professionalism exhibited by these personnel in diverse and often hazardous environments. Their stories of service, from combating insurgency to enhancing technological capabilities, set a benchmark for excellence in public service.
The recognition of such a varied group—from high-ranking CRPF officials to grassroots home guards—emphasizes the importance of every role in the security apparatus. It inspires continued commitment and morale among forces nationwide, reinforcing the values of duty and integrity that are central to India's law enforcement community.
