Bhatkal: The Karnataka Police Department has announced the names of 200 officers and personnel selected for the prestigious DG-IGP Commendation Medal for 2025-26, awarded in recognition of exemplary service and professional excellence in policing.
The list, notified by Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) Dr M.A. Saleem, includes Head Constable Deepak Naik of Bhatkal Town Police Station and Police Sub-Inspector Nagappa B. of Sirsi among the awardees. This year's recipients also include 17 IPS officers, among them IGP N. Satish Kumar, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar, CID DIG Dr Bhimashankar Guled, and DIG Shantanu Sinha.
The commendation medal will be conferred on police personnel serving in various capacities across the state, including Superintendents of Police (SPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs), KSRP commandants, inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables and constables.
Deepak Naik has been recognised for his dedicated service and contributions to policing during his tenure with the Karnataka Police. Police sources said he played a significant role as an assistant investigating officer in the sensational 2023 quadruple murder case reported from Hadavalli in Bhatkal. His contribution to the investigation was instrumental in securing the conviction of the prime accused, Vinay Bhat, who was awarded the death penalty, and co-accused Shridhar Bhat, who received life imprisonment. Apart from his investigative work, Deepak Naik has earned appreciation for maintaining law and order, effectively addressing public grievances and fostering positive police-community relations.
Nagappa B., currently serving as a Police Sub-Inspector in Sirsi, has been selected for his record in crime detection, public grievance redressal and community-oriented policing. Widely regarded as a people-friendly police officer, he has successfully handled several important cases during his service. He was earlier honoured with the Chief Minister's Gold Medal for distinguished service and is known for his efforts in crime prevention, prompt resolution of public complaints and maintaining strong public engagement.
The DG-IGP Commendation Medal is among the Karnataka Police Department's most significant recognitions, conferred on personnel who demonstrate outstanding professional competence, integrity, dedication to duty and exemplary public service.