Jaipur: A drone carrying a consignment of weapons from across the Pakistan border, a smuggling network allegedly operated from inside a prison and an investigation that initially had almost no conventional evidence. These were among the challenges faced by IPS officer Anushtha Kalia while investigating a cross-border arms-smuggling case in Rajasthan.
Kalia, a 2022-batch IPS officer, led the investigation into the recovery of five China-made pistols and 325 cartridges from a farmer’s field in the Khajuwala sector of Bikaner district. The probe reportedly uncovered a network involving Pakistani handlers and an alleged mastermind who was already lodged in a Punjab prison.
Her work has earned her selection for the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026, along with six other Rajasthan police officers recognised for their investigative contributions.
The seven awardees include six IPS officers and one Rajasthan Police Service (RPS) officer. Their cases involved cross-border arms smuggling, cyber fraud, murder investigations, forensic evidence and organised cybercrime.
How IPS Anushtha Kalia Cracked the Pakistan Drone Arms-Smuggling Case
The case began in February 2026, when a drone carrying weapons reportedly entered Indian territory from Pakistan and dropped its consignment in a farmer’s field at Chak 24 KND, under Khajuwala police station limits in Bikaner district.
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An explosion-like sound was reportedly heard after a heavy object fell in the field. A joint team of the Border Security Force (BSF) and local police reached the location and recovered eight packets containing:
- Five China-made 9mm pistols.
- Approximately 325 live cartridges.
- A drone believed to have been used to transport the consignment.
According to reports, this was the first such recovery of a large drone-dropped weapons consignment in the Khajuwala sector.
The investigation was particularly challenging because investigators initially had no clear eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage or identifiable footprints leading to the people who were supposed to collect the weapons.
The case was assigned to Anushtha Kalia, who was then serving as Circle Officer in Bikaner.
Who Is IPS Anushtha Kalia?
Anushtha Kalia is a 2022-batch IPS officer who initially belonged to the AGMUT cadre before being transferred to the Rajasthan cadre on the grounds of marriage.
She secured All India Rank 143 in the Civil Services Examination 2021 in her first attempt. She holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Information Technology.
Before joining the civil services, she worked as a data scientist, with exposure to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
She underwent training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
She is married to Vishal Jangid, a 2022-batch Rajasthan-cadre IPS officer.
Kalia’s selection for the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026 recognises her contribution to the investigation of a cross-border arms-smuggling case involving drone-based delivery and an alleged criminal network operating across state and international boundaries.
Three Investigative Approaches Helped Trace the Network
Kalia and the investigating team reportedly pursued three broad lines of inquiry:
Drone and technical examination
Investigators examined the recovered drone and its technical capabilities, including GPS-related information. The analysis reportedly helped establish the likely range of the drone and the significance of the predetermined drop location.
The investigation indicated that the people assigned to collect the weapons had received GPS coordinates in advance, allowing them to reach the designated location.
Examination of the consignment’s packaging
Police examined the packets and their packaging for similarities with consignments recovered in earlier drone-based smuggling incidents.
The packaging reportedly provided investigators with another lead to examine possible links with cross-border smuggling operations.
Technical surveillance and intelligence inputs
The investigation also relied on intelligence inputs and technical evidence to identify the people coordinating the delivery and collection of the weapons.
These efforts reportedly led investigators to Sukhwinder Singh alias Sonu, who was already lodged in Faridkot jail in Punjab.
How Was the Smuggling Network Allegedly Operated From Prison?
Investigators identified Sukhwinder Singh alias Sonu as the alleged mastermind behind the arms consignment.
According to reports, he allegedly maintained access to a mobile phone inside the prison and used it to communicate with handlers across the border.
The alleged network operated through a division of responsibilities:
- Pakistani handlers: Arranged the drone-based delivery of weapons across the international border.
- Sukhwinder Singh alias Sonu: Allegedly coordinated the operation and communicated the drop-location details.
- Local associates: Were assigned to reach the designated coordinates and collect the consignment.
Police reportedly arrested Sonu on a production warrant and subsequently questioned him. Further investigation led to the identification and arrest of other alleged members of the network.
By July 2026, four accused had reportedly been arrested in connection with the case, including the alleged mastermind.
The investigation brought attention to the use of drones for cross-border weapons smuggling and the challenges faced by security agencies in identifying the people collecting consignments after aerial drops.
Six Other Rajasthan Police Officers Recognised for Difficult Investigations
Apart from Anushtha Kalia, five other IPS officers and one RPS officer from Rajasthan have been selected for the investigation category of the 2026 medal.
Their reported achievements include:
Ajey Singh Rathore, IPS: Seven-Day-Old Body Murder Case
Rathore (IPS: 2022: RJ), was recognised for solving a murder case in Kishangarh involving the body of a young man that had reportedly remained undiscovered for around seven days.
The body was severely decomposed, making conventional identification and evidence collection difficult.
During the investigation, Rathore reportedly retrieved an older video from the victim’s mobile phone that showed an alleged assault. Investigators also used layered voice analysis as part of the evidence-gathering process.
The police subsequently arrested a couple accused of the murder within 24 hours of the investigation reaching a crucial stage.
Kambale Sharan Gopinath, IPS: Cyber Fraud Network Involving ₹100 Crore
Gopinath (IPS: 2021: RJ), was recognised for investigating a large cyber-fraud network linked to more than 4,000 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The alleged fraud involved approximately ₹100 crore.
The investigation reportedly resulted in:
- Arrest of 17 accused.
- Identification of a network of mule bank accounts used to route fraudulent transactions.
- Action against five bank officials allegedly involved in facilitating the accounts.
The case highlighted the role of coordinated financial investigation in tracing large cybercrime networks.
Manish Kumar, IPS: Murder Case Reopened
Manish Kumar (IPS: 2021: RJ), was recognised for reopening and solving a murder case involving an elderly woman.
According to reports, the accused allegedly planned the murder after watching the film Drishyam. After killing the woman, the accused reportedly poured petrol on her body and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The investigation was revisited, leading police to identify and arrest the alleged perpetrator.
Jatin Jain, IPS: Chargesheet Filed Within Seven Days in Gang-Rape Case
Jain (IPS: 2023: RJ), was recognised for completing the investigation and filing a chargesheet within seven days in a gang-rape case while posted in Nagaur.
The investigation involved prompt recording of statements, collection of medical evidence and coordination of the necessary investigative procedures.
The speedy completion of the investigation enabled the police to submit the chargesheet within a week.
Roshan Meena, IPS: Murder of a 70-Year-Old Woman in Tonk
Meena (IPS: 2021: RJ), was recognised for solving the murder of a 70-year-old woman in Tonk district.
The victim was allegedly murdered, and her silver anklets were stolen. Her body was subsequently dumped in a garbage area.
The investigation involved coordinated work by multiple teams, including forensic experts and police officers.
Around 10 teams were reportedly deployed to examine evidence, identify suspects and trace the accused.
Prem Kumar, RPS: Operation Shutdown Against Cybercrime
Rajasthan Police Service officer Prem Kumar was recognised for his role in Operation Shutdown, a coordinated operation against cybercrime networks.
The operation involved raids at approximately 30 locations across four states and resulted in the arrest of 51 accused.
The investigation reportedly uncovered the involvement of individuals operating cybercrime networks, including alleged state-level operators and employees associated with government offices.
Prem Kumar led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that coordinated the operation.
What Is the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak?
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak, also known as the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal, was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 1, 2024.
It recognises outstanding professional contributions by personnel from police forces, security organisations, intelligence units and forensic science institutions across the country.
The medal is intended to recognise specialised skills, exceptional performance and high professional standards in policing and related fields.
It has four categories:
- Special Operations: Recognises excellence in significant operations, including those having an important bearing on national or state security, as well as major rescue operations.
- Investigation: Recognises outstanding work in criminal investigations, including evidence collection, analysis and the application of investigative techniques.
- Intelligence: Recognises exceptional contributions by personnel serving in intelligence wings, special branches and related organisations.
- Forensic Science: Recognises meritorious contributions by government scientists in forensic science, including laboratory work, research and related professional activities.
Who Is Eligible for the Medal?
The award is open to eligible personnel serving in:
- State and Union Territory police forces.
- Central Police Organisations.
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
- National Security Guard (NSG).
- Assam Rifles.
- Intelligence wings and special branches.
- Government forensic science institutions and laboratories.
Nominations are considered under the prescribed guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs, with recommendations assessed through the designated selection mechanism.
The medal is announced every year on October 31, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
490 Personnel Selected for the 2026 Medal
For 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the selection of 490 personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations.
The announcement was made on October 31.
The awardees were selected across the four recognised areas of operations, investigation, intelligence and forensic science.
Rajasthan’s seven awardees have been recognised in the investigation category, with their work covering cross-border arms smuggling, cyber fraud, murder investigations and organised crime.
