Patna: A marital dispute involving Bihar-cadre 2021 batch IPS officer Bhanu Pratap Singh, currently serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Khagaria, has reached the Bihar State Women’s Commission. His wife, Pooja Singh, has filed a complaint against him, alleging harassment and raising concerns about her personal safety and marital rights.
Following the complaint, the Commission issued a summons directing Bhanu Pratap Singh to appear before it and present his side of the matter. Commission Chairperson Apsara and Deputy Secretary Vandana Kumari stated that the complainant had levelled several serious allegations against her husband. After hearing Pooja Singh’s account, the Commission decided to seek the officer’s response.
The Commission has also written to senior officials, requesting that necessary arrangements be made to ensure the complainant’s safety within three days. The matter is now before the Commission, and the allegations will need to be examined through the appropriate process.
Pooja Singh Seeks Intervention Over Marital Dispute
According to Pooja Singh’s complaint, the relationship between the couple deteriorated after Bhanu Pratap Singh joined the Indian Police Service. She has alleged that their marital relationship became strained and that she has faced difficulties in living with her husband and his family.
Pooja has said that she wants to continue living with her husband and his family. In an attempt to resolve the dispute, she travelled from Bihar to her in-laws’ residence in Geeta Colony, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. However, according to her account, she was not allowed to enter the house.
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She allegedly waited outside the residence for around an hour before going to the home of her sister-in-law in Vijay Nagar, where she said she was also denied shelter. After failing to obtain assistance at either place, she approached the Mathura Gate police station in Bharatpur.
Pooja has also reportedly approached the Bihar Director General of Police, seeking help in resolving the dispute and reuniting with her family. She has denied allegations that her husband is involved in an extramarital relationship with another woman.
The claims form part of the complainant’s account and have not been independently established. Bhanu Pratap Singh has been summoned to present his side before the Commission.
Love Marriage in 2016, Now a Dispute Over Divorce and Custody
The couple’s relationship reportedly began in 2015, when they met at a family function in Kolkata. Bhanu Pratap Singh was preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the time. He was reportedly introduced to Pooja through a family connection, as he was the son of a friend of her uncle.
Their initial acquaintance developed into friendship and eventually a romantic relationship. According to accounts of their relationship, their families opposed the match, but the couple decided to marry.
Pooja Singh reportedly married Bhanu Pratap Singh on January 16, 2016, despite opposition from her family. Singh’s family is based in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, although his family roots are associated with Uttar Pradesh. Pooja reportedly worked as a teacher at a private school for several years after their marriage.
She has said that she supported her husband during his preparation for the civil services examination. The couple later had a daughter, born in 2020, who is now around six years old.
The dispute has also brought the child’s custody into focus. According to Pooja’s allegations, the daughter is currently with her father, and she has been unable to meet her. She has raised concerns about being separated from the child as the marital dispute continues.
The couple’s relationship has reportedly reached a stage where divorce has been discussed, although the circumstances and status of any legal proceedings would need to be confirmed independently.
Who Is IPS Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh?
Bhanu Pratap Singh is a 2021-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Bihar cadre and is currently posted as Superintendent of Police in Khagaria district. Before assuming the SP role, he served as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Muzaffarpur and Danapur.
Singh is originally from Uttar Pradesh and holds a postgraduate degree in Hindi literature. He has previously spoken about his journey into the civil services during a Josh Talks programme, describing how his family background influenced his ambition to become an officer.
According to his account, his father served in the Indian Army. Seeing his father in uniform during childhood inspired him to pursue a career in public service and wear a uniform himself.
Five UPSC Attempts Before Joining the IPS
Singh’s journey to the civil services involved several attempts at the UPSC examination. He reportedly failed in his first two attempts before securing success in subsequent attempts. During two of his attempts, he was selected for other government services, including the Indian Railway Personnel Service and the Indian Audit and Accounts Service.
He eventually secured an All India Rank of 372 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 and was selected for the Indian Police Service. His journey reflects the persistence required to clear the highly competitive examination and enter the civil services.
After selection, he underwent training and began his policing career in Bihar, serving in field assignments before becoming SP of Khagaria.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The Bihar State Women’s Commission’s summons marks a further step in the dispute, with the officer being asked to appear and respond to the allegations made by his wife. The Commission has also sought arrangements to address the complainant’s safety concerns.
The dispute involves allegations of marital harassment, claims of being denied access to the matrimonial home and concerns over the couple’s daughter. These remain allegations at this stage and should not be treated as established findings against the officer.
The Commission’s proceedings and any subsequent action by the relevant authorities will determine how the complaint is addressed. Bhanu Pratap Singh’s response to the allegations will be important in establishing the facts and understanding both sides of the dispute.
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