States » NorthPosted at: Nov 1 2026 5:14PM


10 Haryana STF Personnel Named for Central Medals for terror, gangster crackdown

Panchkula, Nov 1(UNI) Ten Haryana Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been selected for the 2026 Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for their roles in a crackdown on an alleged Pakistan-linked terror network, and the extradition of a gangster wanted in 34 criminal cases from Georgia, police said on Sunday.
The awards, announced by the union Home Ministry on October 31, recognise excellence in special operations and intelligence gathering.
According to Haryana Police, six STF personnel have been selected in the special operations category for their role in dismantling a network allegedly operated by Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti.
Police said the operation led to the arrest of 24 suspected terrorists and associates linked to modules operating across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The STF carried out the operation using intelligence inputs, technical surveillance, digital evidence and coordination with police agencies in different states, the statement said.
The six personnel named in the Home Ministry's official awardees' list are DSP Aman Kumar, sub-inspectors Gaurav Singh, Randeep Singh, Kapil and Sandeep, and constable Sajan Singh Rawat.
The ministry's list identifies March 13, 2026, as the date of the special operation for which the six personnel were recognised.
Four other STF personnel have been named by Haryana Police for recognition in the intelligence category for their role in securing the extradition of fugitive gangster Venkat Garg from Georgia.
They are Waseem Akram, DSP Pradeep, sub-inspector Varun, and constable Varun Jangra.
Garg, a resident of Ambala district, was brought back to India on June 11, 2026, in an operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), union Home Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs, Haryana Police and Georgian authorities.
According to police, Garg was wanted in 34 criminal cases involving allegations of murder, attempted murder, extortion, organised crime and illegal weapons.
Police said 23 cases had been registered against him before he fled India, while another 11 were registered during his stay abroad.
Investigators alleged that Garg obtained a passport using fraudulent documents and continued directing his criminal network from overseas.
An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him at the request of Haryana Police. Following his arrest by Georgian authorities and completion of extradition proceedings, a Haryana Police team escorted him back to India.
Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal congratulated the selected personnel, describing the recognition as an acknowledgement of the force's professional capabilities and operational effectiveness.
"This honour is not merely an individual achievement of the selected personnel but a reflection of the collective dedication, teamwork and commitment to duty of the entire Haryana Police force," Singhal said.
The DGP said the achievements would encourage other police personnel to discharge their responsibilities with greater dedication and professionalism.
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was instituted on February 1, 2024, to recognise excellence in police operations, investigation, intelligence and forensic science.
The union Home Ministry announced the medals for 490 personnel from states, union Territories and central police and security organisations for 2026.
UNI KK RSA
Tags: #10 Haryana STF Personnel Named for Central Medals for terror# gangster crackdown
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