The 36-year-old Indo-Tibetan Border Police officer has become the lone recipient of this military medal among all paramilitary forces this January 26. There have been very few instances of paramilitary soldiers accorded this honour.
Surprisingly, the information of commando-trained Singh being awarded with the third highest peacetime gallantry medal was not communicated to the border guarding force on the eve of Republic Day as per set norms and official message in this regard reached the force headquarters only today.
The officer, his citation said, displayed great valour and meticulous planning "steadfastness, dedication to duty and rare quality of leadership in the face of imminent danger" and intelligently led his troops in thwarting the terror bid on the Indian mission which would have claimed many lives had it been successful.
His four colleagues, Head Constable V P Malik and constables Praveen Kumar, Rakesh Kumar and Jadeja Rajender Singh have too been decorated with the highest police gallantry medal- Presidents Police Medal for Gallantry- few days ago.
Officials said the officer has an excellent track record in the force, both operationally and otherwise, as he has already won a DG commendation disc for his devotion to duty and rose up to the rank of Inspector in quick time after he joined the force in the lowest entry rank of a constable.