Uttar Pradesh Police Earns National Acclaim with 90 Republic Day Medals
In a moment of immense pride for the state, the Uttar Pradesh Police has brought national recognition by securing a total of 90 police medals, as announced on the eve of Republic Day 2026. This prestigious haul includes 18 President's Medals for Gallantry, 4 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 68 Medals for Meritorious Service, underscoring the force's dedication and bravery.
Reflecting a Sustained Crackdown on Crime
Senior police officials have emphasized that these honors are a direct reflection of the force's sustained and rigorous crackdown on organized crime, successful high-risk encounters, and exemplary policing efforts across Uttar Pradesh. The awards celebrate the relentless pursuit of justice and the protection of citizens in challenging circumstances.
Notable Gallantry Operations Highlighted
The gallantry medals were awarded for several daring operations that neutralized dangerous criminals. According to official citations, these encounters demonstrate the courage and strategic prowess of the police teams.
- August 7, 2024, Mathura: An STF team led by Rakesh, additional superintendent of police (ASP), STF Field Unit Agra; Dharmesh Kumar Shahi, deputy superintendent of police, STF Lucknow; inspector Satya Prakash Singh; and sub-inspector Yashwant Singh engaged in a fierce encounter in the Farah police station area. During this operation, Pankaj Yadav, a wanted criminal with a reward of ₹1 lakh and 39 criminal cases across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, was injured and later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
- March 21, 2022, Varanasi: An STF team from Gorakhpur and Varanasi field units confronted Manoj Singh alias Sonu Singh, a criminal carrying a reward of ₹2 lakh, in the Lohata police station area. Manoj Singh was injured in the encounter and later declared dead. He had 36 serious criminal cases registered against him in various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Key officers included ASP Vinod Kumar Singh, inspector Amit Srivastava, and head constables Baijnath and Manoj Singh.
- September 23, 2024, Unnao: An STF team neutralized Anuj Pratap Singh, a criminal with a reward of ₹1 lakh, during an encounter in the Achalganj police station area. Anuj Pratap Singh later died during treatment and was wanted in 4 serious criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh and Surat, Gujarat. Officers involved were inspector Santosh Kumar Singh, SI Saurabh Mishra, and head constable Kavindra Sahni from the Lucknow unit.
- June 27, 2023, Kaushambi: In the Manjhanpur police station area, an STF team led by SIs Atul Chaturvedi, Pradeep Kumar Singh, and head constable Sushil Kumar Singh gunned down Gufran, a criminal carrying a reward of ₹1.25 lakh with 15 serious cases across UP.
- March 16, 2020, Saharanpur: Four police personnel were honored for eliminating Abad, a dreaded criminal with a ₹50,000 reward, despite intense firing that injured officers and damaged bulletproof jackets. Abad was named in over 20 cases. The gallantry medals went to then deputy SP Rajanish Kumar Upadhyay, SIs Jarrar Hussain, Sunil Singh, and constable Kunal Malik.
Distinguished and Meritorious Service Recognized
Beyond gallantry, the awards also celebrated distinguished and meritorious service. Four officers received the President's Medal for Distinguished Service, while 68 personnel were honored with the Medal for Meritorious Service. This recognition highlights their senior rank, leadership roles, and significant contributions to maintaining law and order in Uttar Pradesh.
For meritorious services, notable recipients include inspector generals Akash Kulhary and Amit Pathak, commandants Niharika Sharma, and Sarvesh Kumar Mishra, along with 64 others. Their dedication and exemplary service have been officially acknowledged, reinforcing the state's commitment to effective policing.
This achievement not only boosts the morale of the Uttar Pradesh Police but also sets a benchmark for law enforcement agencies across the country, showcasing the impact of determined efforts in combating crime and ensuring public safety.
