Thirteen special cell officers awarded Police Medal
Thirteen officers of the Delhi Police Special Cell have been awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, 2026. The medals are awarded for their role in four high-risk counter-terror and anti-crime operations that neutralised major threats to the national capital. The award recognises acts of exceptional bravery displayed during armed encounters with terrorists and organised crime operatives linked to Pakistan and other foreign countries-based handlers.
In the first operation, three officers led by Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Singh Kushwah intercepted an A++ category terrorist of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen near the DND Toll Plaza in Mayur Vihar. The terrorist, Javed Ahmed Mattu alias Irshad Ahmed Malla alias Ehsan, was carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh and was wanted in 11 terror cases in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was a key figure in multiple deadly attacks, including the killing of five security personnel and an RPG and grenade attack on the residence of the Sopore SP. During the interception, Mattu opened indiscriminate fire. One bullet struck the team leader but was stopped by his bulletproof vest. Despite the intense exchange of fire, the officers overpowered and arrested the terrorist, preventing a major threat in Delhi.
The second operation involved a gunfight with ISIS-linked terrorist Rizwan Ali near Tughlaqabad village.
A team led by Inspector Manoj intercepted Rizwan, who was wanted by the NIA and carried a reward of `3 lakh. Investigations revealed that he had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was acting on the directions of a Pakistan-based handler.
His module had assembled and tested IEDs, collected sophisticated weapons and conducted reconnaissance of sensitive targets across multiple states. During the encounter, Rizwan fired at the police team, with two officers sustaining bullet hits on their bulletproof vests. The terrorist was neutralised and arrested, averting a potential large-scale attack.
In the third operation, a four-member team led by Inspector Amit Nara intercepted two criminals acting under the command of Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, a key figure of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. The interception took place near Mayur Vihar and led to a fierce exchange of fire. Two officers were hit by bullets but were saved by their protective gear.
The accused had entered Delhi to further violent activities already carried out by their handler in Punjab, including targeted killings, grenade attacks on security installations and large-scale narcotics trafficking aimed at reviving Khalistani separatism. The fourth operation, also linked to Arsh Dalla’s network, was carried out near Sarai Kale Khan ISBT on Ring Road. A team led by Inspector Nishant intercepted two armed criminals. During the confrontation, one of the accused took out a high-explosive grenade and was overpowered just seconds before he could remove the safety pin. The swift action of the officers prevented a possible catastrophe in a crowded public area.
