New Delhi: In a rare move against a senior officer, the Delhi Police Vigilance Department has filed an FIR against 2011 batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, Mr Shankar Choudhary, following allegations of kidnapping, illegal detention, and extortion. The complaint was lodged by Joint Commissioner Sanjay Jain (Southern Range) after an extensive investigation into Choudhary’s actions in 2023.
Senior police officials noted that FIRs against high-ranking IPS officers in Delhi on corruption or procedural lapses are uncommon, with investigations usually targeting junior constabulary.
Allegations and Sequence of Events
The case centers around events on November 26, 2023, when Choudhary allegedly conducted an unauthorized raid in Delhi without informing local authorities or obtaining a legal warrant. During this operation:
- A Nigerian national, Harrison, was reportedly apprehended at his residence.
- He was allegedly held in illegal custody for three days at Mizoram House, New Delhi, without official records.
- Harrison’s wife filed a police complaint on November 29, 2023, reporting that Mizoram Police personnel were demanding Rs 35 lakh ransom.
- Harrison was released shortly after the complaint, according to the FIR.
Investigations by the Vigilance Department revealed –
- Choudhary personally removed a locker and two bags from the victim’s home.
- These items were not recorded in any official recovery memos or government documents.
- Harrison’s detention was completely omitted from official logs, suggesting a potential effort to extort money rather than a legitimate law enforcement operation.
- Three Delhi Police constables were implicated for allegedly assisting in the unauthorized operation.
- The FIR cites procedural lapses indicating that the operation was coordinated to bypass legal requirements.
Career and Key Postings of Shankar Choudhary
Mr Choudhary is a 2011-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. His career includes notable postings and initiatives –
Key Assignments:
- DCP Dwarka (Delhi): Led high-profile operations including “Operation Varchasva”, targeting criminal activity and illegal residents.
- Law Enforcement Initiatives: Oversaw crackdowns on robberies, narcotics trafficking, and public safety enforcement in Dwarka.
- DCP Police Technology & Implementation: Assigned here following a controversial pub brawl incident in South Delhi in June 2022.
- Superintendent of Police (Mizoram): Joined Mizoram Police in July 2023, serving as SP Narcotics.
Legal and Disciplinary Challenges:
In June 2022, he was relieved from DCP Dwarka following a pub brawl in South Delhi where a woman was injured. While initially described as a “miscommunication,” he was later shifted to a technical unit.
The FIR in February 2026 includes charges under several IPC sections –
- Section 166 – public servant disobeying law
- Section 341 – wrongful restraint
- Section 342 – wrongful confinement
- Section 409 – criminal breach of trust
Professional Background:
- Selected through the Civil Services Examination 2010.
- Completed foundational training at LBSNAA and police training at SVPNPA.
- His postings span Delhi and Mizoram, reflecting a career in both metropolitan and northeastern policing.
Educational and Personal Background
- Mr Choudhary is formally listed as an “outsider” in the AGMUT cadre for Delhi/Mizoram assignments.
- Detailed personal information, including hometown, is not widely publicized for security reasons.
- Academic and professional training includes engineering-focused curriculum alongside policing and administrative training.
Significance of the Case
The FIR is notable for several reasons –
- High-ranking IPS officer implicated: FIRs typically target lower-level personnel, making this case exceptional.
- Cross-jurisdictional concerns: The unauthorized raid occurred across Delhi and Mizoram jurisdictions, highlighting procedural lapses.
- Potential impact on accountability in police operations: The case underscores the importance of documented, lawful procedures even for senior officers.
Senior police officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken following due process.
