DCP Rushikesh Reddy recognised for cracking a Nanded blind murder case within 20 days, exposing alleged links to Pakistan-based Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International
Nagpur: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Nagpur Zone-I, Rushikesh Reddy has been awarded the prestigious Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak (Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal) 2026 for his outstanding contribution to a high-profile murder investigation that exposed an alleged international terror network.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the awards on October 31, recognising 490 personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations across the country.
Reddy was recognised for his role in solving a blind murder case in Nanded within just 20 days while serving as Superintendent of Police with the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Sambhajinagar.
Investigation Exposed International Terror Links
The case dates back to February 10, 2025, when a shooting incident in Nanded claimed the life of a young man. What initially appeared to be a blind murder investigation eventually uncovered an alleged conspiracy linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and his associate Happy Passia, both associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
The investigation identified 14 accused, of whom 10 were arrested. Lookout Circulars were issued against the remaining four, who were believed to be outside India.
The breakthrough came through coordinated efforts involving Maharashtra ATS, Punjab Police, intelligence agencies, NATGRID and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Three Other Nagpur Officials Also Recognised
Alongside DCP Rushikesh Reddy, three other officials associated with Nagpur have also been selected for the national recognition.
They include Vijay Thackeray, Director of Maharashtra’s State Forensic Science Laboratories; Inspector Prabhavati Ekurke, formerly posted at Dhantoli Police Station; and Inspector Ritesh Aher of Beltarodi Police Station.
Inspector Ekurke was recognised for investigating the January 2023 threat calls made to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s Nagpur public relations office. The caller had allegedly demanded ₹100 crore and threatened to kill the minister.
The investigation traced the calls to notorious criminal Jayesh Kantha alias Jayesh Pujari, who allegedly made them using an illegally operated mobile phone from Belagavi jail in Karnataka. The probe also uncovered links with Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Afser Pasha. Inspector Ritesh Aher assisted in the investigation.
490 Personnel Receive National Recognition
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak recognises exceptional contributions in police operations, investigations, intelligence services and forensic science.
Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2024, the medal is announced annually on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
DCP Rushikesh Reddy’s recognition highlights the contribution of Nagpur’s police leadership to investigations involving organised crime and national security, while the selection of three other officials further underlines the city’s contribution to policing and forensic excellence.
