Seventeen personnel of the Odisha Police have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals announced by the Union Government on the occasion of Independence Day 2026.
According to the medal lists released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services across the country have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals this year.
Of the 301 Medal for Gallantry (GM) awards, 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 & Kashmir, 12 from the Northeast and 41 from other regions.
Five Odisha Police personnel receive Gallantry Medals
Odisha Police has secured five Gallantry Medals this year.
The five awardees are:
- Sub-Inspector Manmath Kumar Mohapatra
- Havildar Nirakar Bhue
- Commando Santosh Gurung
- Commando Suman Pun
- Commando Suresh Chandra Puta
The Medal for Gallantry is awarded for conspicuous acts of courage, including saving lives and property, preventing crime or apprehending criminals, while taking into account the risks involved in the discharge of official duties.
Two Odisha officers selected for President’s Medal
Two Odisha Police officers have been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM).
They are:
- Additional Director General Sanjeeb Panda
- Deputy Superintendent of Police Smitarani Mohanty
The PSM is awarded for a special and distinguished record of service.
10 personnel chosen for Meritorious Service Medal
Another 10 Odisha Police personnel have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The awardees are:
- 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 characterised by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
The recognition of the 17 Odisha Police personnel highlights their courage, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to policing and public service.
