New Delhi, May 18 -- Distinguished IPS officer and former Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) K. Vijay Kumar will be honoured with the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to public affairs, internal security, and counter-terrorism operations in India.

He will be conferred with the Padma Shri during the first Investiture Ceremony of the Padma Awards 2026 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the country's prestigious civilian honours.

Widely respected for leading key anti-Naxal, anti-terror, and national security missions, including the successful operation against Veerappan, he played a pivotal role in modernising police training, strengthening security forces, a...