New Delhi/Panchkula: Deepak Gahlawat, a 2012-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Haryana cadre, has landed at the centre of a major corruption investigation after being arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with an alleged ₹3 crore bribery case linked to a ₹5,000-crore fake medicine racket.
The senior IPS officer, who is currently on central deputation and serving as Joint Director/Regional Director at the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), is accused of demanding a hefty bribe from the prime accused in the fake drug manufacturing case in exchange for allegedly influencing the ongoing CBI investigation.
Known for his distinguished policing career, IIT Roorkee background and international sporting achievements, Gahlawat’s arrest marks a dramatic fall for an officer who had built a reputation as both an administrator and an accomplished powerlifter.
CBI Arrests Haryana IPS Officer in Alleged ₹3 Crore Bribery Case
According to the CBI, Deepak Gahlawat allegedly demanded ₹3 crore from N. Raja, the prime accused in a massive fake medicine manufacturing racket, promising relief during the CBI investigation.
Investigators claim that a deal for ₹3 crore was finalised and that an advance amount was paid as part of the alleged arrangement.
The CBI has alleged that Gahlawat assured the accused that he could influence the investigation and help secure a favourable outcome in the case.
Following the investigation, the agency arrested Gahlawat and produced him before a Delhi court, which remanded him to CBI custody for further questioning.
What Is the ₹5,000-Crore Fake Medicine Scam?
The bribery allegations are linked to one of India’s biggest counterfeit medicine investigations.
In 2025, law enforcement agencies, including the CBI and local police, busted an alleged network manufacturing spurious and adulterated medicines during raids conducted in Puducherry.
Authorities recovered huge quantities of fake medicines, packaging material and raw ingredients used in the manufacturing process.
The estimated market value of the seized counterfeit medicines was pegged at nearly ₹5,000 crore, making it one of the country’s largest fake pharmaceutical rackets.
The investigation led to the arrest of N. Raja, who is considered the principal accused. As the probe progressed, investigators reportedly found indications suggesting the possible involvement of several influential individuals, including public officials.
The case was subsequently handed over to the CBI, which registered a fresh FIR in March 2026 and expanded the investigation.
How Did Deepak Gahlawat’s Name Surface?
According to the CBI, the alleged conspiracy unfolded during a meeting held in Delhi on May 14.
The agency claims that Delhi Police Crime Branch Inspectors Pradeep Kumar Singh and Rajkumar acted as intermediaries between the prime accused and those allegedly offering to influence the investigation.
Investigators allege that the inspectors demanded ₹3 crore on behalf of the network, assuring the accused that they could manage the CBI investigation through their contacts.
The CBI says an advance payment of ₹1.5 crore was agreed upon.
During the course of the investigation, the agency alleged that ₹1 crore was transferred through a hawala operator to Inspector Pradeep Kumar Singh, who subsequently passed the money to Prabhat, an acquaintance of IPS officer Deepak Gahlawat.
The CBI alleges that the money trail forms a crucial part of the conspiracy being investigated.
Raids Lead to Cash Recoveries and Digital Evidence
As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the accused.
During the raids, investigators recovered approximately ₹25 lakh from the residences of Delhi Police Inspectors Pradeep Kumar Singh and Rajkumar.
Overall, the agency seized nearly ₹90 lakh in cash, along with hard disks, mobile phones, digital devices and financial documents that are now being examined.
Officials are also tracing financial transactions and attempting to identify everyone allegedly involved in the bribery network.
Who Is IPS Officer Deepak Gahlawat?
Deepak Gahlawat is a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre.
Born on 30 September 1988, he hails from Nijampur Majra village in Sonipat district, while his family currently resides in Rohtak, Haryana.
His father, Kulbir Singh, retired as an Inspector in the Haryana Police, while his mother served as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at PGIMS Rohtak.
Gahlawat completed his early education at DAV Public School, Rohtak, before studying at Sainik School, Kunjpurain Karnal for Class 10. He completed his Class 12 education in Rohtak and later earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from IIT Roorkee, one of India’s premier engineering institutions.
He joined the Indian Police Service on September 3, 2012, after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
His wife, Seema Dhankhar, is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
Career in Haryana Police and Central Deputation
Over nearly 14 years in service, Gahlawat held several important policing and administrative assignments.
He served as:
- Superintendent of Police (SP), Palwal (2018)
- Superintendent of Police (SP), Charkhi Dadri (2021)
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), Gurugram
- Senior administrative positions at Haryana Police Headquarters
In 2024, he proceeded on central deputation and was appointed Regional Director in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Later, in August 2024, he joined the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in Delhi as Joint Director/Regional Director, where he was serving at the time of his arrest.
International Recognition in Sports
Apart from his policing career, Deepak Gahlawat has also earned recognition in international sports.
A fitness enthusiast and competitive powerlifter, he represented India at the World Police and Fire Games held in the United States, where he won a bronze medal in powerlifting after lifting 240 kilograms.
His sporting achievements had earned him appreciation within police circles, and he was felicitated by Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh during the Republic Day celebrations in Charkhi Dadri in 2023.
Investigation Continues
The CBI investigation is currently focused on establishing the complete money trail and identifying all individuals allegedly involved in the bribery conspiracy.
Officials are examining seized digital evidence and financial records while questioning those arrested.
The agency has alleged that the accused attempted to manipulate the investigation into the counterfeit medicine racket by offering influence over the probe. The allegations are under investigation, and the case remains before the competent court.
