AI Generated Summary
- Currently serving as Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in Counter Intelligence and the Anti-Narcotic Task Force, Jain has achieved a notable distinction as the only woman officer from Punjab Police to receive the honour since the award was instituted in 2024.
- Originally from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh, she pursued a Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery and practised medicine in Delhi for seven years before clearing the Union Public Service Commission examination in 2016.
- During her initial posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Barnala, she was associated with an investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.
2017-batch officer earns national recognition for her role in tackling drug trafficking, illegal arms networks and organised crime in Punjab
Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Pragya Jain has been selected for the prestigious Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak, recognising her significant contributions to combating narcotics trafficking, organised crime and illegal arms networks in Punjab.
Currently serving as Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in Counter Intelligence and the Anti-Narcotic Task Force, Jain has achieved a notable distinction as the only woman officer from Punjab Police to receive the honour since the award was instituted in 2024.
The 2017-batch IPS officer is among 490 personnel selected nationwide for the 2026 awards. Punjab accounts for 37 recipients, reflecting the contributions of its police personnel to law enforcement and internal security operations.
Jain’s policing career has been distinguished by several major operations targeting criminal syndicates, particularly those involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceutical drugs, weapons trafficking and cross-border narcotics smuggling.
During her initial posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Barnala, she was associated with an investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.88 crore habit-forming tablets and capsules, estimated to be worth Rs 15 crore. Her subsequent assignments also witnessed significant enforcement action, including the recovery of more than 60 lakh intoxicating tablets and capsules in Ludhiana and nearly 200 illegal weapons in Khanna.
Another major achievement came during her tenure as Senior Superintendent of Police in Faridkot, where police seized 12.1 kg of heroin in September 2025. The operation was reported as the district’s largest single-day heroin recovery.
Her professional experience spans several districts, including Barnala, Khanna, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Fazilka and Faridkot. Across these assignments, she has been involved in intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting organised criminal activities and strengthening action against drug trafficking.
Following the announcement of the national honour, Jain acknowledged the collective efforts behind these achievements. She expressed gratitude to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Additional DGP (Counter Intelligence) Amit Prasad, Inspector General (Counter Intelligence) Ashish Chaudhary and her colleagues for their guidance and support.
She also indicated that the recognition would encourage her team to intensify its efforts against narcotics trafficking and security threats, with the broader objective of making Punjab safer.
Jain’s journey into the police service is equally noteworthy. Originally from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh, she pursued a Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery and practised medicine in Delhi for seven years before clearing the Union Public Service Commission examination in 2016.
Her transition from healthcare to policing reflects an unconventional professional trajectory, culminating in national recognition for her contributions to public safety.
Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2024, the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak recognises exceptional performance in police operations, criminal investigations, intelligence gathering and forensic science. The recipients are announced annually on October 31, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Jain’s selection places her among the country’s recognised law enforcement professionals and highlights the role of intelligence-led policing in addressing Punjab’s continuing challenges involving narcotics, organised crime and cross-border criminal networks.
