33 Delhi cops conferred gallantry, service medals

A total of 33 officers and personnel of the Delhi Police have been conferred with the prestigious police medals on the occasion of Republic Day for their exceptional bravery and distinguished service.

The honours include 14 medals for gallantry, two President’s medals for distinguished service and 17 medals for meritorious service.

Several of the gallantry awards recognised daring counter-terror and anti-gang operations carried out by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, in which officers risked their lives to neutralise heavily armed terrorists and sharpshooters.

Among such daring operations, one was an encounter with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist. On January 4, 2024, the Delhi Police received a reliable intelligence input regarding the movement of an A++ category terrorist of banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Javed Ahmed Mattu, alias Irshad Ahmed Malla, alias Ehsan, a resident of Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir. Wanted in 11 terror cases and carrying a reward of over Rs 10 lakh, the terrorist was reported to be collecting arms and ammunition near the DND Flyway in Delhi.

A trap was laid by a team, led by Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Singh Kushwah, along with SI Rajeev Kumar and SI Shibu RS. When the suspect attempted to flee, he opened indiscriminate firing at the police team. In the ensuing exchange, Addl CP Kushwah sustained a bullet impact on his bulletproof jacket. The officers overpowered the terrorist after a brief fight and seized a 9mm pistol, live cartridges, fired rounds and a stolen Santro car with fake registration plates. A case was registered at PS Special Cell.

In a similar way, another operation was against Canada-based terror network. On November 26, 2023, another intelligence-led operation foiled a major criminal conspiracy linked to Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla. Two sharpshooters were intercepted near Akshardham Temple, Mayur Vihar.

The police team, led by Inspector Amit Nara, came under heavy gunfire during the operation. Bullets struck the bulletproof jackets of Inspector Nara and ASI Udham Singh. Displaying exemplary courage, the cops returned fire, injured one accused and apprehended both suspects. Crucially, a live hand grenade was seized before it could be used, averting a major tragedy. A large cache of weapons, including pistols, revolvers, grenades, and ammunition, was seized.

In another high-risk operation on the night of October 11–12, 2023, a Counter Intelligence team intercepted two sharpshooters linked to the same terror network on Ring Road near Sarai Kale Khan. One accused fired at the police, narrowly missing SI Amit Bhati, while the other attempted to detonate a live high-explosive hand grenade.

Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, Inspector Nishant Dahiya, SI (now Inspector) Manjit, and SI Amit Bhati swiftly overpowered the suspects. A live hand grenade and a semi-automatic pistol with ammunition were seized, and both accused were arrested.

In another gallant act, Inspector Manoj, SI Anshu, and HC Aleem apprehended an armed criminal, Rizwan Ali, during an operation in August 2024. Despite the accused attempting to escape, the cops overpowered him in a brief scuffle and seized a loaded pistol and a stolen motorcycle. A case was registered at the Special Cell, Delhi police station.

Additionally, President’s medal for distinguished service was awarded to retired SI Gainender Singh Rana and SI Naval Kumari for their exemplary service spanning several decades. Gallantry medals were also conferred to Inspectors Nishant Dahiya and Inspector Manjit Jaglan, and SI Amit Bhati for a counter-intelligence operation in October 2023.

Inspectors Manoj Kumar and Krishan Kumar have also been awarded for apprehending wanted terrorists and gang members in multiple encounters in 2024.