Senior IAS officer Ms. Chaitra V has come into the spotlight after filing an FIR against Lucknow-based hotelier Mr. Naren Raj, accusing him of mental harassment. Currently posted as the Director General, Youth Welfare and Provincial Guard Department (PRD) in Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Chaitra V has alleged threats and undue pressure from Mr. Raj, which has drawn public attention and prompted an official investigation.
The Allegations: Mental Harassment and Threats
According to Ms. Chaitra V, Mr. Naren Raj was a long-time business associate of her husband, Mr. Harish Kumar, and the two were involved in hotel operations. However, following a recent fallout, Mr. Raj allegedly began pressuring Ms. Chaitra to introduce him to high-profile hoteliers to expand his business. Upon her refusal, she claims that Mr. Raj began harassing her mentally, making baseless allegations and issuing threats, including threats to her life.
The complaint was registered at Alambagh Police Station in Lucknow. Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Ashish Srivastava confirmed that an investigation is underway, and officials are reviewing call records and other related evidence.
Who Is IAS Officer Chaitra V?
Ms. Chaitra V, a senior IAS officer of the 2007 batch, has had an extensive administrative career across Uttar Pradesh. She was born on June 26, 1981, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her educational background is diverse and rooted in public administration and finance.
Ms. Chaitra completed her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and later pursued a Master of Arts (MA) in Public Policy. Additionally, she completed the intermediate level of the ICWAI (Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India), equipping her with expertise in finance and accounting. Her academic path helped lay a strong foundation for her career in public administration.
Civil Services and Career Highlights
Ms. Chaitra cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Administrative Service on August 18, 2007. Her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie lasted from August 2007 to May 2008.
Her administrative journey includes a wide range of roles:
- Assistant Magistrate and Assistant Collector (July 2008 – August 2009)
- Joint Magistrate, Pratapgarh (August 2009 – February 2011)
- Chief Development Officer, Hardoi (February – June 2011)
- Special Secretary, Rural Development Department, Lucknow (June – September 2011)
- District Magistrate (DM)/Collector in multiple districts:
- Siddharth Nagar
- Hapur
- Hathras
- Kasganj
- Lakhimpur
She also held roles as:
- Special Secretary, Middle Education Department, Lucknow
- State Project Director, UP Secondary Education Abhiyan
- Managing Director, Western Electric Supply Corporation, Meerut
- Divisional Commissioner, Aligarh (February 2024 – January 2025)
Since February 4, 2025, she has been serving as Director General, Youth Welfare and PRD, Uttar Pradesh.
A Resilient Administrator
Known for her firm decision-making and administrative acumen, Ms. Chaitra V has held key positions across districts and departments. Her latest posting underscores the trust the state government places in her leadership.
The ongoing investigation into the harassment allegations is being closely monitored. Police authorities have assured a fair and transparent inquiry.
