Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda awarded President's medal for distinguished service

Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, Director General of Police, UT Chandigarh, has been conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service — one of the country’s highest honours — for exemplary service in policing.

The award, announced on the eve of Independence Day 2025, was formally presented by Union Minister of Home and Cooperation Amit Shah at an investiture ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday on the occasion of Delhi Police Raising Day.

A 1997-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Dr Hooda has rendered over 28 years of unblemished service across Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Chandigarh and in the Government of India. He has handled several sensitive assignments marked by professional competence, integrity and leadership.

As Superintendent of Police in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, he dismantled an insurgent-backed extortion network, reinforcing the rule of law in the region. During his tenure in Delhi as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, he conceptualised and implemented 'PARIVARTAN', an initiative aimed at improving the safety of women and children. The programme earned international recognition, including the Webber Seavey Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Washington DC.

In subsequent roles as Deputy Commissioner, Joint Commissioner and Special Commissioner of Police in Delhi, he supervised high-profile investigations, managed complex law-and-order situations and oversaw security for major events, including the G20 Summit 2023. He also strengthened intelligence coordination and modernised emergency response systems.

As Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) in Arunachal Pradesh, he led policing during sensitive agitations and ensured peaceful elections under challenging circumstances.

The President’s Medal recognises Dr Hooda’s distinguished career marked by courage, administrative acumen and unwavering commitment to public service.