Delhi Police Registers FIR Against Serving IPS Officer in Major Vigilance Case
In a significant development, Delhi Police has officially filed a First Information Report (FIR) against IPS officer Shanker Choudhary after a comprehensive vigilance inquiry into serious allegations of kidnapping, illegal detention, and extortion. The FIR was registered based on a formal complaint submitted by Joint Commissioner (Southern Range) Sanjay Jain, marking a rare instance where a senior police officer faces such corruption charges within the force.
Background of the Accused Officer and Previous Controversies
Shanker Choudhary, who previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Dwarka in Delhi before being transferred to Mizoram, has been embroiled in controversy before. He was notably involved in an earlier incident where a woman alleged she sustained injuries during a pub altercation that involved the officer. This latest case, however, represents a more severe escalation of legal scrutiny.
Details of the Alleged Unauthorized Operation
The current FIR stems from events that unfolded on November 26, 2023. According to the investigation, Officer Choudhary allegedly conducted an unauthorized raid in Delhi without notifying local authorities or obtaining the necessary warrants. During this operation, he reportedly apprehended a Nigerian national identified as Harrison at his residence and held him in illegal custody at Mizoram House in New Delhi for a period of three days.
How the Case Came to Light and the Extortion Allegations
The matter was brought to the attention of Delhi Police on November 29, 2023, when Harrison's wife filed a complaint stating that her husband had been abducted by individuals claiming to be Mizoram Police personnel. She further alleged that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of Rs 35 lakh for his release. In a suspicious development, Harrison was freed shortly after the police complaint was officially registered, as noted in the FIR.
Vigilance Department Investigation and Key Findings
The vigilance department launched a thorough investigation into the incident. A detailed review of CCTV footage revealed that IPS officer Shanker Choudhary was personally involved in removing a locker and two bags from the victim's residence. Crucially, these items were never documented in any official recovery memos or government records. Additionally, Harrison's three-day detention at Mizoram House was completely omitted from all official logs, raising serious questions about procedural integrity.
Implications and Broader Impact on Police Accountability
The investigation also implicated three Delhi Police constables who allegedly assisted the IPS officer in carrying out the unauthorized operation. The FIR explicitly highlighted that no proper documentation was maintained to justify the detention, and the numerous procedural lapses strongly suggest a coordinated effort to extort money rather than conduct legitimate law enforcement activities. This case underscores ongoing challenges in police accountability and the need for stringent oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.
