Srinagar, October 31, 2026: IPS officer Sandeep Chaudhary, who led the investigation into the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, has been awarded the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation for 2026. He is among 490 personnel from across the country selected for the prestigious Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak.
Chaudhary, a 2012-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, is currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He headed the investigation into the April 22, 2025, terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the list of awardees on Saturday, October 31, recognising personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations for their outstanding professional contributions.
The medal recognises excellence in investigation, special operations, intelligence services and forensic science. It aims to encourage high professional standards and recognise exceptional dedication among police and security personnel.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the NIA took over the investigation and conducted an extensive probe into the incident. The agency subsequently filed a chargesheet against several accused, including Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives Hafiz Saeed and Sajid Jatt.
Before joining the NIA, Chaudhary served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Shopian, Anantnag and Srinagar districts of Jammu and Kashmir. During his tenure, he was associated with several counter-terrorism operations.
His contribution to anti-terror operations has also earned him nine gallantry medals. He has received commendation discs from the Chief of Army Staff, Northern Command, Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Bureau of Police Research and Development and the NIA.
In 2021, an operation led by Chaudhary resulted in the arrest of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu, along with then Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh.
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification issued on February 1, 2024. It recognises outstanding contributions by personnel serving in police forces, security organisations, intelligence agencies, CAPFs, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science departments.
The annual announcement of the awards on October 31 coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Chaudhary’s selection places him among 490 personnel recognised nationally for their contributions to investigation and other specialised fields, highlighting the role of professional policing in addressing security challenges.
