# Inspector Sunil Kumar Becomes First UP Police Officer Awarded Kirti Chakra Posthumously, Earns Gallantry Medal Too > Late Inspector Sunil Kumar of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra and a Gallantry Medal on Independence Day 2026, becoming the first personnel from UP Police to receive the Kirti Chakra. **Type:** article · **Category:** Uttar Pradesh · **Published:** 2026-08-15 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/maranoparanta-kirti-chakra-hasila-karane-vale-up-police-ke-prathama-karmi-bane-inspector-sunil-kumar-mila-virata-padaka-bhi-17072 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Sunil Kumar, Kirti Chakra, UP Police, UP STF, Gallantry Medal, Independence Day 2026, Anil Dujana, Shamli Encounter On the historic occasion of Independence Day 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Police achieved a major milestone as late Inspector Sunil Kumar of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) was posthumously awarded the prestigious Kirti Chakra by the Government of India. In addition to India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, Inspector Kumar was also honored with the Gallantry Medal for his extraordinary bravery in a separate high-stakes operation against dangerous criminals. This marks the first time in history that a member of the UP Civil Police has received the Kirti Chakra. The double recognition serves as a solemn tribute to his extraordinary courage, unwavering dedication to duty, and ultimate sacrifice in the line of service. ## The Shamli Encounter and Supreme Sacrifice The posthumous conferment of the Kirti Chakra stems from a fierce armed conflict that took place on January 20, 2025, in Shamli district. Acting on actionable intelligence regarding the presence of notorious criminals in the area, Inspector Sunil Kumar led a specialized UP STF team to corner the gang. Upon realizing they were surrounded, the heavily armed criminals opened fire indiscriminately on the police officers. Refusing to back down, Inspector Kumar led the retaliatory charge with immense courage. During the intense firefight, he sustained critical gunshot injuries. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency medical care, where he heroically fought for his life before succumbing to his injuries on January 22, 2025. His selfless act of bravery on the battlefield earned him the nation's profound gratitude and the Kirti Chakra. > ## Neutralization of Notorious Gangster Anil Dujana Beside the Kirti Chakra, Inspector Sunil Kumar was awarded the Gallantry Medal for another daring operation conducted on May 4, 2023. On that day, an STF team intercepted the dangerous gangster Anil Dujana in the Thana Jani police station area of Meerut district. Dujana was a terror in western Uttar Pradesh, wanted in connection with 66 grave criminal cases including murder, extortion, and robbery. Inspector Kumar displayed exceptional tactical acumen and bravery during the heavy exchange of fire. Dujana sustained fatal injuries during the gunbattle and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. Inspector Kumar's outstanding role in eliminating one of the state's most wanted criminals was officially recognized with the Gallantry Medal on Independence Day 2026. ## National Gallantry Honors and UP Police Tribute The awards were part of a broader national ceremony announced on the eve of Independence Day 2026, where the Government of India approved a total of 78 gallantry awards for defense and security personnel. Among these, 13 awards were conferred posthumously to heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Paying rich tribute to Inspector Sunil Kumar, the UP Police expressed deep gratitude for his martyrdom, stating that his sacrifice at the altar of duty represents a moment of historic pride for the entire state police department. His legacy of valor continues to stand as an inspiring beacon for law enforcement personnel across India. ## What this means for you **What this news means for you:** - **Across India:** National recognition for supreme sacrifice reinforces public trust in the security forces and highlights the bravery of officers defending law and order. - **In Uttar Pradesh:** This historic honor for the UP Police and STF strengthens the state's resolve against organized crime, enhancing public confidence in local law enforcement. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Who was Inspector Sunil Kumar? Inspector Sunil Kumar was an officer of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his supreme sacrifice during an encounter in Shamli in January 2025. ### 2. Why is the Kirti Chakra award historic for UP Police? Inspector Sunil Kumar is the first member of the UP Civil Police to be honored with the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. ### 3. Why was Inspector Sunil Kumar awarded the Gallantry Medal? He received the Gallantry Medal for exceptional bravery in a May 4, 2023 operation in Meerut, where notorious gangster Anil Dujana, wanted in 66 cases, was neutralized in an encounter. ### 4. When did the Shamli encounter take place? The Shamli encounter took place on January 20, 2025, where Inspector Sunil Kumar was critically injured before passing away on January 22, 2025. ### 5. How many total gallantry awards were announced on Independence Day 2026 eve? A total of 78 gallantry awards were approved by the Government of India, including 13 posthumous awards. ## Inspiration & Lessons **Inspiration & Lessons:** - **Unwavering Commitment to Duty:** Inspector Sunil Kumar's story teaches the value of remaining dedicated to one's responsibilities even in the face of grave danger. - **Courage in Leadership:** True leaders step forward and lead from the front during times of crisis. - **Honoring Selfless Sacrifice:** Selfless dedication toward public safety and national security leaves an enduring legacy that inspires future generations. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._