New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday announced that IPS officer Sandeep Chaudhary, who led the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) probe into the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, had been awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak in the investigation category.

Chaudhary was among 490 personnel from various states, Union Territories (UTs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) honoured for 2026. The award, announced every year on 31 October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recognises excellent work, promotes high professional standards and boosts the morale of the officials and officers concerned.

While the award announcement recognise...