New Delhi: A CRPF Commandant has approached President Droupadi Murmu alleging that his fundamental rights are being violated through an attachment to an Inquiry Officer’s office in Dibrugarh, Assam, nearly 3,000 km from his place of posting.
Commandant Pankaj Peter Shah has alleged that the attachment order issued in connection with disciplinary proceedings has restricted his movement and amounted to what he described as an “open arrest”. He has also accused the CRPF DIG (Vigilance) of misusing official powers.
The allegations were made in a complaint submitted to the President, with copies reportedly sent to the Union Home Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, CRPF Director General and the Special DG, North Eastern Zone.
According to the complaint, Shah was directed to remain physically present at the office of the Inquiry Officer in Dibrugarh and have his activities subject to the officer’s instructions.
What the Commandant Has Alleged
Shah has challenged the manner in which disciplinary proceedings against him are being conducted.
His complaint states that a memorandum of charges was issued on March 10, 2025, containing allegations supported by a list of prosecution documents and witnesses.
He has alleged that several documents and witness statements cited in the proceedings are either unavailable or do not exist, and has questioned the basis of the disciplinary action.
Key allegations in the complaint include:
- The attachment to Dibrugarh is nearly 3,000 km from his place of duty.
- He has described the arrangement as an “open arrest” and alleged that it restricts his personal liberty.
- He has questioned the authority under which the attachment was ordered.
- He has alleged violations of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
- He has sought intervention to protect his fundamental rights.
Disciplinary Case and Earlier Court Proceedings
The complaint relates to disciplinary proceedings initiated against Shah under Rule 14 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
The matter has also previously reached the Delhi High Court. In its December 9, 2025 judgment, the court declined to interfere with the disciplinary proceedings at that stage. However, it directed the authorities to provide Shah with another set of documents listed in Annexure III of the charge sheet. The court observed that a charged officer is entitled to documents relied upon to substantiate the charges.
The court also noted that disciplinary proceedings ordinarily should not be interrupted midway unless the charge-sheet has been issued without jurisdiction. It found no such jurisdictional defect in the case and dismissed the writ petition.
Dispute Over SRE Fund-Related Proceedings
According to the complaint, the disciplinary action is linked to an SRE fund-related matter involving procurement or supply of items.
Shah has alleged that the relevant expenditure had been audited and payments had already been made before questions were subsequently raised about the supplied material. He has further claimed that several officials were involved in the process but that disciplinary action has disproportionately focused on him.
These allegations have been made by Shah in his complaint and have not been independently established in the material reviewed.
Shah Cites Health Concerns
The Commandant has also referred to his health in his representation, stating that he recently underwent major heart surgery and is experiencing significant physical and mental stress.
He has asked the President to intervene, alleging that the present arrangement is affecting his ability to defend himself in the disciplinary proceedings.
The complaint also raises broader concerns about working conditions and the mental well-being of personnel within the force.
Complaint Sent to Senior Authorities
Shah has reportedly forwarded copies of his representation to senior government and CRPF authorities, including:
- Union Home Secretary
- NHRC Chairperson
- CRPF Director General
- Special DG, North Eastern Zone, CRPF
The allegations against the CRPF vigilance authorities remain part of Shah’s representation and should not be treated as established findings unless confirmed through an official inquiry or judicial determination.
Separately, publicly available court records identify Shah as a CRPF Commandant (Law) associated with the North Eastern Zone.
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