Delhi Police Officers Honored with Gallantry Medals on Republic Day
33 Delhi Police officers to receive awards, Special Cell secures most gallantry medals.
Photo by Navy Medicine
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, 33 Delhi Police officers will be conferred medals, with 14 officers receiving gallantry medals and two getting the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has secured 13 out of the 14 gallantry medals for their role in high-risk counter-terror and anti-extremism operations in Delhi. Additional CP Pramod Singh Kushwah, SI Rajeev Kumar, and SI Shibu RS are among the gallantry awardees for intercepting a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, Javed Ahmed Mattu, near the DND Toll Plaza.
Mattu, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh and wanted in 11 terror cases, opened fire at the police team. Inspector Manoj Kumar, along with SI Anshu Chaudhary and HC Aleem Ahmad, engaged ISIS-linked terrorist Rizwan Ali near Tughlakabad village. Rizwan, wanted by the NIA and carrying a reward of Rs 3 lakh, fired at the police team.
Inspector Amit Nara, SI Brajpal Singh, SI Satish Kumar, and SI Udham Singh also received gallantry awards for intercepting two armed operatives linked to Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh.
Key Facts
33 Delhi Police officers to get awards
14 officers: Gallantry medals
2 officers: President's Medal
Special Cell: 13 gallantry medals
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper III: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the role of police in counter-terrorism.
Visual Insights
Delhi Police Operations Against Terrorists
Map showing the locations where Delhi Police Special Cell intercepted terrorists, leading to gallantry awards.
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More Information
Background
The tradition of awarding gallantry medals in India traces back to the British colonial era, with the establishment of awards like the Victoria Cross. Post-independence, India instituted its own set of gallantry awards, with the Param Vir Chakra being the highest military decoration, followed by the Ashok Chakra for peacetime bravery. The structure of these awards reflects the nation's commitment to recognizing acts of courage and sacrifice.
Over time, the criteria and categories of gallantry awards have been refined to encompass a wider range of acts of bravery, including those performed by police officers in counter-terrorism and anti-extremism operations. The evolution of these awards mirrors the changing security landscape of India and the increasing role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining internal security.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on recognizing the contributions of police officers in combating terrorism and extremism. This is reflected in the growing number of gallantry medals awarded to police personnel. The emphasis on counter-terrorism operations has also led to specialized training and equipment for police forces, particularly in states and union territories facing significant security challenges.
Furthermore, there's a growing debate on the need for greater transparency and accountability in the selection process for gallantry awards, ensuring that deserving officers are duly recognized. The future may see the introduction of new categories of awards to acknowledge specific types of bravery or innovation in law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about the Delhi Police officers being honored on Republic Day that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For UPSC Prelims, remember that 33 Delhi Police officers are being awarded. Out of these, 14 are receiving gallantry medals, and 2 are receiving the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is securing 13 out of the 14 gallantry medals.
Exam Tip
Focus on the numbers and the different types of awards given.
2. What is the significance of gallantry awards in the context of internal security, and how does this event highlight it?
Gallantry awards recognize the bravery and dedication of police officers in combating threats to internal security, such as terrorism and extremism. This event highlights the crucial role the Delhi Police, particularly the Special Cell, plays in neutralizing these threats, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and rewarding such efforts to boost morale and encourage continued vigilance.
Exam Tip
Relate gallantry awards to the broader context of internal security challenges in India.
3. Why is the Delhi Police Special Cell securing the majority of gallantry medals this year?
The Special Cell is securing the majority of gallantry medals due to their involvement in high-risk counter-terror and anti-extremism operations in Delhi. They were involved in intercepting a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist and engaging an ISIS-linked terrorist, showcasing their active role in combating serious threats.
Exam Tip
Note the specific operations mentioned to illustrate the Special Cell's role.
4. What are the important personalities associated with this news, and what roles did they play?
Key personalities include Additional CP Pramod Singh Kushwah, SI Rajeev Kumar, and SI Shibu RS, who are gallantry awardees for intercepting Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Javed Ahmed Mattu. Inspector Manoj Kumar, along with SI Anshu Chaudhary and HC Aleem Ahmad, engaged ISIS-linked terrorist Rizwan Ali.
Exam Tip
Remember the names and their association with specific counter-terrorism operations.
5. In the context of the Republic Day awards, what is the difference between a gallantry medal and the President's Medal for Distinguished Service?
Gallantry medals are awarded for acts of bravery in the face of danger, typically during active operations against threats like terrorism. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service recognizes a long and meritorious record of service, demonstrating exceptional devotion to duty.
Exam Tip
Understand the distinction between bravery in action versus long-term service.
6. How does the recognition of Delhi Police officers with gallantry medals impact the morale and effectiveness of the police force, and what message does it send to the common citizens?
Recognizing Delhi Police officers with gallantry medals boosts the morale of the force, encouraging them to continue performing their duties with dedication and courage. It sends a message to common citizens that the police are committed to protecting them from threats like terrorism and extremism, fostering trust and cooperation between the police and the public.
Exam Tip
Consider the psychological impact of such awards on both the police force and the general public.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding gallantry awards in India: 1. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, in the face of the enemy. 2. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour, courage or self-sacrifice, but other than in the face of the enemy. 3. Gallantry awards are announced only twice a year - on Republic Day and Independence Day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Param Vir Chakra is indeed awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, in the face of the enemy. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour, courage or self-sacrifice, but other than in the face of the enemy. It is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Gallantry awards are announced twice a year, specifically on Republic Day and Independence Day.
2. In the context of internal security, consider the following statements regarding the Special Cell of Delhi Police: 1. The Special Cell is primarily responsible for intelligence gathering related to terrorism and organized crime in Delhi. 2. The Special Cell operates independently of other Delhi Police units and reports directly to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. 3. The recent gallantry awards to Delhi Police officers were primarily earned by personnel from the Special Cell for counter-terrorism operations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Special Cell is indeed responsible for intelligence gathering related to terrorism and organized crime in Delhi. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Special Cell does not operate independently. It functions within the Delhi Police structure and reports through the Commissioner of Police. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The recent gallantry awards were primarily earned by personnel from the Special Cell for their role in counter-terrorism operations.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the President's Medal for Distinguished Service? A) It is awarded for long and meritorious service characterized by devotion to duty. B) It is awarded only to officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS). C) It is a prestigious award recognizing exemplary service in law enforcement. D) It is awarded on Republic Day and Independence Day.
- A.It is awarded for long and meritorious service characterized by devotion to duty.
- B.It is awarded only to officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS).
- C.It is a prestigious award recognizing exemplary service in law enforcement.
- D.It is awarded on Republic Day and Independence Day.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is NOT correct. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service is not exclusively awarded to IPS officers. It can be awarded to personnel from various law enforcement agencies for their distinguished service. The other options are correct descriptions of the award.