In an embarrassment for the administration, encounter specialist sub-inspector Shiv Krishan Sharma, who has been arrested on terror charges this month, figured in the list of 104 policemen selected for the Sher-e-Kashmir police medal for gallantry.
CM Omar Abdullah presented the awards in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Sharma is currently in police custody on charges of plotting an unsuccessful grenade attack at Thathri police station on April 27.
Sources said the awards were announced before Sharma's arrest, but his name was not removed from the list. AIG (personnel) Ghulam Hassan Bhat, however, denied having included Sharma's name in the list. "His name did not figure in the list prepared for the function,'' he said.
Official sources said Sharma will be stripped of the medals awarded to him earlier for his role in eliminating militancy in Chenab Valley region, comprising Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts. "We have to complete certain formalities for the purpose,'' they said, adding that his gallantry medal has been withheld.
Sharma will be the first decorated policeman in the state whose medals will be withdrawn. Sharma has received awards like the President's Police Medal for gallantry and Director General of Police Medal.
