On the occasion of Independence Day, 17 police personnel from Uttar Pradesh have been honored with the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG), a recognition for extraordinary bravery and service. This announcement highlights the state’s commitment to acknowledging acts of valor in law enforcement.
The medals were awarded to six members of the Special Task Force (STF) who played a crucial role in a high-profile operation involving the elimination of Asad Ahmad, son of notorious mafioso Atiq Ahmad, and his aide Mohd Ghulam. The encounter, which took place on April 13, 2023, in Jhansi, was a significant event in the state’s ongoing battle against organized crime.
Among the awardees, ten officers were recognized for their critical roles in encounters involving notorious gangsters linked to high-profile criminal cases.
These awards include:
- DSPs Vimal Kumar Singh and Navendu Kumar
- Inspectors Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Anil Kumar Singh, Jitendra Kumar Singh, Rakesh Kumar Singh Chauhan
- Head Constables Sushil Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Anil Kumar, Hari Om
These officers were instrumental in the operations that led to the deaths of Asad Ahmed, Ghulam, and Meherbaan. Asad and Ghulam were involved in the murder of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, while Meherbaan, a notorious gangster with a long criminal record, was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) in July 2019.
DSP Vimal Kumar Singh was also recognized for his role in the 2008 encounter with the feared dacoit Ambika Patel, alias Thokia. Similarly, Inspector Rajiv Chaudhary, Sub-Inspector Jaiveer Singh, and head constables Raees Ahmad, Arun Kumar, and Ajay Kumar received medals for their courage in encounters with other dangerous criminals, including gangster Aditya Rana and Praveen Dubey, a relative of slain gangster Vikas Dubey.
In addition to the gallantry awards, seven police officers were honored for distinguished services, and 84 others received medals for meritorious services, reflecting the wide scope of exemplary performance within the UP Police force.
The awards were presented as part of the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, acknowledging the bravery and commitment of these officers in the face of serious threats and criminal activities.
