Bhubaneswar, January 26, 2026: On the occasion of Republic Day, Odisha Governor Haribabu Kumbhampati awarded the prestigious Governor’s Medal to 20 distinguished police officers for their exceptional service during the year 2025. The ceremony, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and DGP Y.B. Khurania, recognised these officers for their dedication and commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
Among those honoured was Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General (IG) of Police for the Central Range in Cuttack, who was lauded for his outstanding leadership and contributions to law enforcement in the eastern and central regions. Niti Shekhar, IG of Police for the Southern Range in Berhampur, was also honoured for her distinguished service in the same category. Both officers received recognition in Category I (Additional D.G.P./I.G.P./D.I.G.P.).
In Category-II (S.P./A.I.G.P./Commandant/Addl.SP/Deputy Commandant), Prateek Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Puri, was recognised for his exemplary work, alongside Anupama Mahapatra, OPS-I, Additional Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Directorate, Cuttack.
Category-III (D.S.P./Asst. Commandant) saw Sachidananda Rath, OPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, STF, CID CB, Cuttack, and Prasanna Kumar Rout, OPS, Assistant Commandant, Security Wing, Bhubaneswar, honoured for their remarkable contributions.
In Category-IV (Inspector/Reserve Inspector/Subedar Major/Subedar), three police officers—Karunakar Rout, Inspector of Police, Baripada; Anusuya Senapati, DSP (Deployed), Vigilance, Cuttack Division; and Rakesh Prasad Jena, Inspector (Armed), SIW, Bhubaneswar—received the Governor’s Medal.
Category-V (S.I./Sergeant/Drill Sub-Inspector/Dy. Subedar) honoured three officers: D. Gajapati Dora, SI, Gajapati; Pratap Kalo, SI, Sundargarh; and Shankar Prasad Behera, SI (Armed), OSAP 3rd Bn., Boudh, for their exceptional service.
In Category-VI (A.S.I./Havildar/Havildar Major), the following officers were honoured: Arun Kumar Samanta, ASI, PTI, Byree; Sadhu Singh Samad, ASI, Vigilance Bhubaneswar Division; and Porturaj Kurumi, Havildar (APR), Malkangiri.
Finally, in Category-VII (Constable/Sepoy/Asst. Driver), five police personnel were awarded for their dedication and exceptional contributions to law enforcement: Akshaya Kumar Samanta, Constable, Vigilance Sambalpur Division; Firoj Kumar Rout, Constable, UPD, Cuttack; Manoj Kumar Bisi, Constable, Special Branch, Bhubaneswar; Phula Patel, Constable (OR), Jharsuguda; and Pabitra Kumar Sahoo, Sepoy, OSAP 6th Bn., Cuttack.
Governor Kumbhampati applauded all the recipients for their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Odisha.
