Heroic Police Honored: Gallantry Medals Awarded on Independence Day

Police sub-inspector Dhanaji Honmane, martyred in a 2020 Naxalite encounter, and 16 other Maharashtra police personnel have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry. The central government announced a total of 1,037 service medals for police forces across India, with 59 going to Maharashtra police for gallantry, distinguished, and meritorious service.

In a poignant tribute to bravery, Police sub-inspector Dhanaji Honmane, martyred in a deadly encounter with Naxalites in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district in 2020, is among 17 Maharashtra police personnel chosen for the prestigious Medal for Gallantry on the eve of Independence Day.

The central government announced on Wednesday that 1,037 service medals will be awarded to police personnel from various central and state forces, with 59 of these accolades earmarked for the Maharashtra police. The distinctions include 17 Gallantry Medals, 3 for distinguished service, and 39 for meritorious service.

Among the honored is PSI Honmane, who led the Bhamragad Quick Response Team during the fatal 2020 encounter, alongside C 60 Commando Kishor Atram. The gallantry awards posthumously acknowledge their valor. Maharashtra officers such as ASP Kunal Tare, SDPO Kunal Sonvane, and constables involved in operations against Naxalites also received accolades.

(With inputs from agencies.)