# Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards, 13 posthumous

2026-08-15T00:23:16+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for defence and central armed police forces personnel ahead of Independence Day. The list includes nine Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, 36 Sena Medals, three Nao Sena Medals and five Vayu Sena Medals. Seven of the nine Kirti Chakras were awarded posthumously. Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Francis and Major Jitendra Rathee received the Kirti Chakra. The Times of India reports that 197 of 301 police gallantry medals went to personnel serving in Left-wing extremism-affected areas. The CRPF received 86 medals and the BSF 20, while the Jammu and Kashmir Police received 51. In Karnataka, 22 personnel from the police, fire services and Home Guards will receive service medals, New Indian Express reports. ACP HN Dharmendra was selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/president-murmu-approves-78-gallantry-awards-eds-updating/20260815.htm>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/anti-red-fighters-bag-bulk-of-police-gallantry-awards/articleshow/133253419.cms>
- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Aug/15/22-personnel-to-receive-service-medals-in-karnataka>

Tags: Bastar Fighters, CRPF, Droupadi Murmu, Indian Army, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra
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