The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been recognized for its exceptional bravery and dedication to duty, receiving the highest number of police gallantry medals – 52 – on the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day.
The Union Home Ministry announced the recipients of these prestigious awards on Wednesday.
Out of the total medals, 25 were bestowed upon CRPF personnel for their courageous actions during operations in Jammu and Kashmir, while 27 medals recognized their valor in anti-Maoist operations across various Left Wing Extremism affected states.
Among the awardees, Sub-Inspector Raushan Kumar was posthumously honored for his extraordinary bravery in combating Maoists in Bihar in February 2019. Assistant Commandant Teja Ram Choudhary received two gallantry medals for his exceptional courage in separate operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the CRPF, the Jammu and Kashmir Police received 31 bravery medals, while police officials from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra each received 17 medals.
With approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, the CRPF stands as the country's largest paramilitary force. Its primary responsibilities include operations in Jammu and Kashmir, northeastern states, and Naxal violence-affected regions, in addition to providing security for high-risk VIPs.
