Bhubaneswar: Seventeen police personnel from Odisha have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals announced by the Union Government for the occasion of Independence Day 2026.

According to the medal lists released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the awards recognise acts of gallantry as well as distinguished and meritorious service. Across the country, 1,057 personnel from the police, fire services, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and correctional services have been selected for the honours.

The Odisha section of the list includes five personnel for the Medal for Gallantry (GM). They are Sub-Inspector Manmath Kumar Mohapatra, Havildar Nirakar Bhue, and Commandos Santosh Gurung, Suman Pun and Suresh Chandra Puta.

Two Odisha Police officers have been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM). They are Additional Director General Sanjeeb Panda and Deputy Superintendent of Police Smitarani Mohanty.

Another 10 personnel from Odisha have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). They are:

• Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoranjan Paikray

• Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Kumar Bal

• Inspector Gitanjaleе Panda

• Deputy Commandant Bhabesh Kumar Nayak

• Assistant Commandant Paresh Kumar Minati Nandan Pati

• Constable Shyamali Biswas

• Sub-Inspector Barun Kumar Naik

• Havildar Subash Chandra Trinath Gouda

• Constable Mustaque Alli Khan

• Havildar Prasanta Kumar Biswal