SRINAGAR: Two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers associated with Jammu and Kashmir have been awarded the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation for their work in separate criminal cases.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Sandeep Chaudhary, a 2012-batch IPS officer, has received the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for his investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack.
2018-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Divya D has also been recognised for her investigation into a case involving sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and child labour during her probationary posting in Puducherry.
Sandeep Chaudhary Recognised for Pahalgam Terror Attack Investigation
DIG Sandeep Chaudhary was honoured for his role in investigating the Pahalgam terror attack. A 2012-batch IPS officer, he is among the police personnel recognised for excellence in criminal investigation.
The medal acknowledges his investigative work in the case and contribution to police investigation.
Read also: Who Is IPS Sandeep Chaudhary? Officer Who Led Pahalgam Attack Probe Wins Home Minister’s Medal
Who Is IPS Sandeep Chaudhary?
Sandeep Chaudhary, whose surname is also spelt Choudhary in some sources, is a 2012-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre. He has served in several challenging policing assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, including as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Anantnag and Srinagar.
His professional journey has drawn attention not only for his work in policing and investigations but also for his personal story. Coming from a financially constrained family, Chaudhary reportedly cleared 12 government examinations through self-study, without formal coaching, before entering the civil services.
His career has included grassroots government service, banking and competitive examinations before he secured a place in the Indian Police Service. Over the years, he has also become known for initiatives aimed at helping young people prepare for government jobs.
Divya D Honoured for POCSO and Child Labour Case
IPS officer Divya D received the medal for her investigation into a case involving sexual offences against children under the POCSO Act and child labour in Puducherry.
The investigation led to the conviction of 11 accused persons, who were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The case also resulted in compensation of ₹51 lakh being awarded to children in conflict with law (CCL). This was described as a first-of-its-kind development in Puducherry.
Who is IPS Officer Divya D?
Divya D is a 2018-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre. Originally from Tamil Nadu, she is an engineering graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree and cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018.
Before her recent transfer to Puducherry in 2026, she held several important positions in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. She served as Additional DCP-II, West District, Delhi, from 2022 to 2024. Subsequently, she was posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sopore from 2024 to 2025 and also served as SP of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in Kashmir.
During her tenure in North Kashmir, Divya D was associated with sensitive security operations, community-police engagement and investigations into long-pending cases, including the high-profile Sarla Bhatt case.
In addition to the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak announced on October 31, 2026, for her investigation in Puducherry, she has also been recognised with a Gallantry Medal for her service in Jammu and Kashmir.
Divya D’s Previous Postings in Jammu and Kashmir
Divya D has previously served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and as SP Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. She was subsequently transferred to Puducherry.
Her recognition highlights the outcome of the investigation conducted during her probationary posting in the Union Territory.
About the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation
The Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, also known as the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak, recognises police personnel for outstanding investigative work. The award acknowledges their contribution to strengthening the criminal justice system through professional and effective investigations.
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