Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14 (UDN): As many as 23 personnel from Odisha have been selected for the Police Service Medals 2026, recognising acts of gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious service across the police, fire, home guard and correctional services.
The honours announced on Friday include Medals for Gallantry (GM), President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM).
Of the 23 awardees from Odisha, 17 are from the Odisha Police, three from the Odisha Fire Service, one from Home Guard and Civil Defence, and two from the Correctional Service.
Five Odisha Police Personnel Get Gallantry Medals
Five Odisha Police personnel have been selected for the Medal for Gallantry. They are:
Manmath Kumar Mohapatra, Sub-Inspector
Nirakar Bhue, Havildar
Santosh Gurung, Commando
Suman Pun, Commando
Suresh Chandra Puta, Commando
Two Odisha Police officers have also been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service—Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General, and Smitarani Mohanty, Deputy Superintendent of Police.
10 Personnel Selected for Meritorious Service
The Medal for Meritorious Service will be awarded to 10 Odisha Police personnel:
Manoranjan Paikray, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Suresh Kumar Bal, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Gitanjalee Panda, Inspector
Bhabesh Kumar Nayak, Deputy Commandant
Paresh Kumar Minati Nandan Pati, Assistant Commandant
Shyamali Biswas, Constable
Barun Kumar Naik, Sub-Inspector
Subash Chandra Trinath Gouda, Havildar
Mustaque Alli Khan, Constable
Prasanta Kumar Biswal, Havildar
Fire Service, Home Guard and Correctional Services
The Odisha Fire Service has secured three medals. Malaya Kumar Mohanty, Assistant Station Officer, has been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, while Nuel Kerketta, Driver Havildar, and Amitav Raj, Assistant Station Officer, have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service.
From Home Guard and Civil Defence, Aviram Sethi, Home Guard, Odisha, has been chosen for the Medal for Meritorious Service.
In the Correctional Service, Pramod Kumar Swain, Chief Warder, and Biswanath Panda, Warder, have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service.
1,057 Medals Announced Nationwide
Across the three categories, a total of 1,057 Police Service Medals have been announced this year. These include 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The recognition is a significant honour for the Odisha personnel and acknowledges their courage, dedication and contribution to public service.
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