Jaipur/New Delhi: One of the most closely watched disciplinary cases involving a probationary IPS officer in Rajasthan has reached a crucial stage, with the state government now examining a detailed vigilance report against Madhav Upadhyay (IPS: 2023: Rajasthan).
The young IPS officer, who was serving as probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bhilwara Sadar, has been accused of serious misconduct, including alleged involvement in a bribery and extortion network linked to illegal garnet mining operations in Bhilwara district. While Upadhyay has publicly denied the allegations, the findings of multiple inquiries have prompted the Rajasthan Police Headquarters to forward the matter to the state government for further action.
If the allegations are eventually established through departmental proceedings, the officer could face disciplinary measures, including suspension.
First Major Controversy Involving a Probationary IPS Officer
According to officials, this is among the rare instances in Rajasthan where a probationary IPS officer has faced multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct during training and early field postings.
Following complaints, Madhav Upadhyay was placed under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) status on April 8, 2026.
The investigation was initially conducted by the Government Railway Police (GRP), following which the Vigilance Department carried out an independent verification. The findings were subsequently submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP), who forwarded the file to the Rajasthan government for further examination.
Allegations Linked to Illegal Garnet Mining
The controversy stems from alleged illegal garnet mining activities in the Kotri area of Bhilwara district.
Upadhyay was posted as probationary ASP/CO, Bhilwara Sadar, on August 24, 2025. Investigators allege that during this period, he came into contact with several individuals, including Ajay Panchal, Nand Singh, Narayan Gurjar, Kalu Gurjar and Saurabh Kasht.
According to inquiry reports, Ajay Panchal allegedly acted as a collection agent from illegal mining operators. Investigators claim miners who refused to make payments were threatened with police action.
The inquiry alleges that once pressure tactics began, regular payments started flowing from those involved in illegal mining operations.
Alleged Monthly Collection of ₹50,000 Per Machine
Investigators claim that approximately ₹50,000 per month was allegedly collected from each illegal mining machine operating in the area.
According to the inquiry findings, portions of these collections were allegedly earmarked for Madhav Upadhyay.
The money was allegedly routed through intermediaries before reaching individuals linked to the network. Officials claim the inquiry traced several transactions connected to the alleged collection mechanism.
Cash Recovery and Multiple Detentions
The investigation reportedly began after complaints regarding extortion reached then Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Dharmendra.
A special investigation team was constituted, and Ajay Panchal—described as a personal assistant to MLA Gopichand Meena—was detained for questioning.
According to investigators, Panchal allegedly admitted to collecting money from illegal mining operators. Police reportedly recovered cash from him during the investigation.
Based on disclosures made during questioning, authorities subsequently detained Nand Singh, Narayan Gurjar and Kalu Gurjar. Their interrogation reportedly led investigators to Saurabh Kasht.
Mobile Chats Become Key Evidence
One of the most significant aspects of the investigation relates to mobile phone chats allegedly recovered during the inquiry.
According to investigators, Saurabh Kasht stated that he worked on behalf of Madhav Upadhyay.
During the inquiry conducted by GRP SP Narendra Singh, authorities allegedly recovered chats exchanged between Saurabh and Upadhyay. Officials claim these conversations contained references to money transfers, collections, delivery mechanisms and individuals involved in moving funds.
Investigators reportedly cross-verified the information contained in the chats and found several details consistent with other evidence gathered during the inquiry.
Call Detail Records (CDRs) were also examined as part of the investigation. Officials claim these records corroborated multiple aspects of the allegations.
Inquiry Report Mentions Transactions of Around ₹24 Lakh
According to officials familiar with the inquiry, two separate investigations reportedly confirmed financial transactions amounting to approximately ₹24 lakh.
The inquiries also examined the alleged sources of the funds and the reasons for which the money was purportedly collected.
These findings now form part of the material being reviewed by the state government.
Vigilance Probe Flags Separate ₹3 Lakh Allegation
The Vigilance Department’s inquiry also examined another allegation involving Kotri Circle Inspector Mahaveer Meena.
According to the report, Madhav Upadhyay allegedly accepted ₹3 lakh after informing the officer that multiple complaints had been received against him and that action could be initiated.
Investigators claim the payment was made to settle the matter.
The Vigilance report has reportedly recommended further examination of this aspect by district police authorities.
Beawar Detention Case Also Under Scanner
Apart from the mining-related allegations, investigators examined another controversial incident involving a resident of Beawar named Pawan.
According to the inquiry, Bhilwara police personnel allegedly brought Pawan from Beawar to Bhilwara without adequate grounds and questioned him.
The report further states that he was allegedly assaulted and later released following an alleged understanding between parties.
Vigilance officials examined several witnesses in connection with the matter and reportedly found certain aspects of Madhav Upadhyay’s role suspicious.
Officials also stated that additional complaints surfaced during the course of the investigation, although many of them are yet to be independently verified.
How the Disciplinary Process Works
Officials explained that if allegations are substantiated, departmental action can be initiated against the officer.
Under established procedures:
- The accused officer is given an opportunity to present his defence.
- The inquiry report is submitted to the Home Department.
- The Home Department prepares an action proposal.
- The proposal is sent to the Department of Personnel (DoP).
- The DoP may conduct further hearings if required.
- The matter is then examined by the Chief Secretary.
- The file is forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) for final directions.
The state government is currently examining the factual report submitted by police authorities.
Who is Madhav Upadhyay?
Madhav Upadhyay is a 2023-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre who secured All India Rank (AIR) 148 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
Early Life and Education
A native of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Upadhyay completed his early education at Smt Sridevi Vidya Peeth.
He later pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur.
UPSC Journey
His UPSC journey was marked by persistence.
He cleared the Civil Services Examination on his third attempt. In his second attempt, he had reached the interview stage but narrowly missed the final merit list.
Upadhyay opted for English medium and selected Geology as his optional subject, an interest he developed during an engineering project in college.
Entry into the IPS
He formally joined the Indian Police Service on November 13, 2023.
His first major field assignment came on August 24, 2025, when he was appointed probationary ASP and Circle Officer of Bhilwara Sadar.
Government Yet to Take Final Decision
The Rajasthan government is now studying the vigilance findings and related inquiry reports before deciding the next course of action.
Additional Director General (Vigilance) S. Sengathir confirmed that both the original inquiry and independent vigilance verification had been completed and submitted to the DGP, who subsequently forwarded the file to the government.
While the allegations remain under examination and no final determination has yet been made, the case has attracted significant attention within bureaucratic and policing circles due to the seriousness of the accusations and the fact that they involve a young probationary IPS officer at the very beginning of his career.
The final decision will depend on the outcome of the departmental process and the government’s assessment of the evidence placed before it.
