Sandeep Chaudhary, Deputy Inspector General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has been awarded the prestigious ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for 2026 in the Investigation category. This recognition acknowledges his pivotal role in leading the NIA’s probe into the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one local resident. Chaudhary, a 2012-batch AGMUT cadre officer, is among 123 officers and personnel who have been honored for their exceptional contributions to investigative work.
The ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ is a significant accolade instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields of law enforcement and national security. This year, a total of 490 personnel from different States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Central Police Organizations (CPOs) have received the medal. The award aims to foster high professional standards, acknowledge excellent work, and boost the morale of officials engaged in critical duties. Of the total recipients, 358 were recognized in the Special Operation category, 123 in the Investigation category, and nine in the Forensic Science category. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that while the award announcement highlights Chaudhary’s contribution to the investigation, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official list does not specify the exact case for which he was selected, though his leadership in the Pahalgam attack probe is widely understood to be the primary reason.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously promoted Chaudhary to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) on a pro forma basis, effective from January 1, 2026. This promotion further underscores his growing stature within the investigative agencies. The Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the NIA’s extensive investigation, was a significant security incident that sent shockwaves across the region and the nation. The agency’s meticulous work in unraveling the conspiracy and bringing the perpetrators to justice has been a testament to its capabilities.
In addition to DIG Sandeep Chaudhary, Inspector Feroz Ahmad Itoo from Jammu and Kashmir has also been named as a recipient of the medal in the investigation category. This dual recognition highlights the dedication and effectiveness of police officers from the Union Territory in tackling complex security challenges. The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak, established through a notification on February 1, 2024, is designed to honor excellence across a spectrum of law enforcement activities, including operations, investigations, intelligence gathering, and forensic science. The award is presented annually on October 31, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India.
The NIA’s investigation into the Pahalgam attack led to the filing of two chargesheets before the Special NIA Court in Jammu. The initial chargesheet, submitted on December 15, 2025, was an extensive document spanning 1,597 pages and identified seven accused individuals. Among those named were Sajid Jatt, a Pakistani handler, and three Pakistani terrorists – Faisal Jatt alias Suleman Shah, Habeeb Tahir alias Jibran, and Hamza Afghani – who were neutralized during ‘Operation Mahadev’ in the Lidwas area of the Harwan-Dachigam forest belt on July 28, 2025. The chargesheet also implicated local facilitators, Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, who were apprehended for allegedly providing logistical support and shelter to the terrorists. These actions demonstrated a cross-border conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region.
A supplementary chargesheet was filed by the agency on July 6, 2026. This subsequent filing named Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed in his individual capacity and as the supreme commander of the outfit. The chargesheet also identified the organization’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), as being involved in the alleged conspiracy. Following this filing, an open-dated non-bailable warrant was issued against Hafiz Saeed, signaling the NIA’s intent to pursue justice against the masterminds of the attack. Both chargesheets invoked stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), underscoring the gravity of the charges related to a conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts and wage war against India.
The meticulous investigation led by officers like Sandeep Chaudhary is crucial in dismantling terror networks and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate violence. The ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ serves as a vital mechanism to acknowledge and reward the dedication of security personnel who work tirelessly to maintain peace and security across the country. The recognition of Inspector Feroz Ahmad Itoo alongside DIG Chaudhary further emphasizes the collaborative efforts and the high caliber of investigative talent present within the Jammu and Kashmir Police force and national security agencies. The ongoing legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack remain a priority for the NIA and the government, reflecting a firm stance against terrorism.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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