Bhubaneswar: Seventeen police personnel from Odisha, including Additional DGP Sanjeeb Panda and DSP Smitarani Mohanty, were awarded for their services to the people of the state, officials said Friday.
ADGP Panda and DSP Mohanty have been named for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), which is awarded for an exceptionally illustrious service record, they said.
Five personnel were awarded the Medal for Gallantry (GM) and another 10 for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
Medal for Gallantry is awarded on the ground of conspicuous act of gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the risk incurred being estimated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned, the officials said.
Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to Sub-Inspector Manmath Kumar Mohapatra, Havildar Nirakar Bhue and Commandos Santosh Gurung, Suman Pun and Suresh Chandra Puta, according to the list of awardees announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations.
Odisha DGP Y B Khurania extended heartfelt congratulations to all the distinguished awardees.
“These prestigious honours are a recognition of exceptional courage, dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty. Congratulations to all the medal recipients and their proud families. Your exemplary service continues to inspire the entire Odisha Police fraternity. Salute to your courage. Salute to your service. Salute to your dedication,” the DGP wrote on X.
A total of 1,057 personnel of police, fire, home guard & civil defence (HG&CD) and correctional services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, 2026.
