Dinesh Khatak, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer hailing from Jind district, Haryana, has been awarded the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal for his exemplary service. Khatak is the Second-in-Command (2-IC) of the 196 Battalion of the CRPF.

The "Kendriya Grah Mantri Dakshata Padak" (Union Home Minister's Efficiency Medal) is a prestigious award given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It recognizes personnel who have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, discipline, and a remarkable contribution to national security.

Dinesh Khatak's journey with the CRPF began in 2005 when he joined as a Gazetted Officer after passing the UPSC examination. He is a native of Intel Kalan village in Jind district. He completed his schooling at SD High School and his graduation from Government PG College, Jind. His classmate, Vikram Dhanda, a professor in Jind college, remembers him as a sharp and hardworking student.

Khatak has served in Jammu and Kashmir during two significant periods, from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2021. During these deployments, he was involved in several critical operations, including managing the Amarnath Yatra and maintaining law and order. He also served during the abrogation of Article 370 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Known as an excellent instructor, Khatak has significantly contributed to advancing commando training at CIAT Shivpuri. Currently, he is posted in the Naxal-affected Bijapur district, where he has been leading major security and relief initiatives, including establishing new forward camps and participating in KGH Special Operations.

Colleagues describe Dinesh Khatak as a disciplined and committed leader who always leads from the front. His recognition has brought immense pride to his family and the entire Jind district. Expressing his gratitude, Khatak stated that the honor was made possible by the support of his colleagues and seniors.

The Union Home Minister’s Medal is not a new initiative. In previous years, it has been awarded to numerous police officers and personnel from various organizations for excellence in investigation and special operations. In 2023, 140 police officers were selected for the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also awarded the "Union Home Minister's Special Operation Medal” to personnel from various police forces for special operations in areas such as counter-terrorism, border action, arms control, prevention of narcotics smuggling, and rescue operations.