HM Amit Shah Pays Tribute to 36,852 Police Martyrs, Adds 154 New Names to Wall of Valour

October 21, 2026

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said the memorial honours 36,852 police martyrs, with 154 more names added to the list this year.

Addressing the National Police Commemoration Day event, Shah remembered the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the country. He said the memorial was built to keep their contribution alive and inspire future generations of police personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Police Memorial in 2018. Shah said the site has since become a place where people from across the country come to pay their respects.

“This site has become a place of pilgrimage for citizens from all over the country,” Shah said, adding that the names of the 154 personnel who died in the line of duty this year had been read out during the ceremony.

He paid his respects to the martyrs and said their sacrifice would continue to inspire those serving in the police force.

Shah Thanks CAPF Personnel for Their Service

The Home Minister also thanked personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for their work along the borders and in different parts of the country.

He said CAPF personnel play an important role in maintaining internal security, managing security during festivals and public demonstrations, and ensuring peaceful elections. Many remain away from their families while carrying out these duties, he added.

Shah said the smooth functioning of democratic processes would be difficult without their contribution.

Amit Shah Praises CAPF for Bengal Elections

Referring to the West Bengal Assembly elections, Shah praised CAPF personnel for conducting the polls without any loss of life.

He said election-related violence had been a long-standing concern in Bengal and credited the security personnel with helping ensure peaceful polling.

Shah said their work had set a new benchmark for election security. He also said India had made progress in reducing election-related violence.

The annual Police Commemoration Day honours police personnel who died while performing their duties and recognises the service of those working to protect the country.