21 Navi Mumbai Police Officers Honoured With DGP Medal For Exemplary Service On Maharashtra Day
In recognition of outstanding service and commendable performance, 21 officers and personnel from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate have been awarded the prestigious Director General of Police (DGP) Medal. The medals were presented as part of the Maharashtra Day celebrations held on May 1 at the Police Headquarters in Kalamboli.
Among the decorated officers is Senior Police Inspector Hanif Dastagir Mulani of Crime Branch Unit 3, who has completed 30 years of distinguished service. A native of Jayram Swami, Wadgaon in Satara district, Mulani joined the police force after completing his college education in Karad. Throughout his career, he has served in various jurisdictions, including Mumbai, Thane, Thane Rural, and Navi Mumbai.
Mulani was lauded for solving several serious crimes, including a high-profile case where a Belgian national was assaulted and robbed near Karnala Ghat during his tenure in Panvel Taluka. Mulani ensured the victim received 15 days of medical treatment and was safely repatriated to Belgium — an effort that drew appreciation from the Belgian Embassy. He also cracked a major bank robbery case in Kharghar within 24 hours, earning a Rs 10,000 reward from the then Police Commissioner. His effective handling of law and order, especially during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections in Poinge, where no incidents occurred, was widely praised.
Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigade, head of the Navi Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell, was also honoured with the DGP Medal for his 20 years of service marked by excellence. Having served in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, with a decade in the Crime Branch, Nigade has received over 150 rewards and 15 commendation certificates. Under his leadership, the Anti-Narcotics Cell has cracked down on multiple drug smuggling operations and arrested several traffickers, including foreign nationals. His efforts to dismantle international narcotics networks were a major factor in earning this prestigious recognition.
Assistant Police Inspector Satish Ghughe was another officer awarded the DGP Medal for his notable contributions to the Navi Mumbai Police. His diligent service and impactful work in maintaining law and order and investigating criminal activities have earned him this significant honour.
The DGP Medal is part of the state's initiative to honour officers and personnel who have shown exceptional service and bravery in their duties. In total, 800 police officers and staff from across Maharashtra were selected for this honour in 2024, with 21 from Navi Mumbai Commissionerate.
Other recipients from Navi Mumbai include Inspectors Unmesh Thite, Umesh Gawli; Assistant Inspectors Gaurakh Ingole, Ananda Harugade, Vijay Chavan; Assistant Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Bhosale; Head Constables Rohidas Khopde, Vijay Ayre, Jitendra Kolhe, Bharat Shelke, Ramesh Shinde, Dinesh Salunkhe, Ramesh Tayade; Woman Head Constable Vinanti Mokal; Constables Dhiraj Thavai, Haresh Patil; Woman Constable Mahadevi Pawar; and Police Naik Ajinath Funde.
news