Prabhakar Chaudhary, a 2010-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is a name synonymous with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to law and order. Known for his no-nonsense approach to policing and his frequent transfers—over 20 in just 13 years of service—Chaudhary has carved a unique reputation in the Uttar Pradesh Police force. His journey from a modest village in Ambedkar Nagar to becoming a celebrated IPS officer is an inspiring tale of hard work, determination, and resilience. This detailed biography explores his early life, education, career, notable achievements, controversies, and personal life, shedding light on why Prabhakar Chaudhary remains a prominent figure in Indian policing.
Early Life and Family Background
Prabhakar Chaudhary was born on January 1, 1984, in a small village in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Hailing from a humble farming family, his upbringing was rooted in simplicity and traditional values. His father, Parasnath Chaudhary, is a farmer and a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who has served as a booth in-charge for the party. Prabhakar grew up in a joint family alongside his parents, five sisters, and uncle (tāū). Four of his sisters are married, while one continues her education, reflecting the family’s emphasis on learning despite their modest means.
Growing up in rural Uttar Pradesh, Prabhakar faced the challenges typical of a farmer’s son—limited resources and societal expectations. However, his passion for reading and education set him apart from an early age. He often spent five to six hours a day studying, a habit that would later pave the way for his remarkable academic and professional success.
Education: The Foundation of Success
Prabhakar Chaudhary’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and intellectual curiosity. He completed his schooling in Uttar Pradesh, scoring an impressive 76% in both his 10th and 12th-grade examinations. His academic excellence earned him a spot at Allahabad University, one of India’s prestigious institutions, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. He graduated with 61% marks, showcasing his aptitude for the sciences.
Not content with a single degree, Prabhakar went on to study law, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the same university. This blend of science and legal education equipped him with a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of justice—qualities that would later define his career as an IPS officer. His dream, however, was initially to become a lecturer, a career path he considered before destiny steered him toward the civil services.
UPSC Journey: Cracking the Exam on the First Attempt
Prabhakar Chaudhary’s entry into the Indian Police Service was marked by an extraordinary feat—he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination on his very first attempt. This achievement is no small task, given the exam’s reputation as one of the toughest in India. After passing the UPSC, he underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, Telangana. On August 30, 2010, he officially joined the IPS, beginning a career that would soon make headlines.
Career in the Uttar Pradesh Police: A Trail of Transfers
Prabhakar Chaudhary’s career in the Uttar Pradesh Police is a rollercoaster of challenges, achievements, and frequent relocations. Starting as an under-training Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Noida, he quickly gained a reputation for his simplicity and discipline. Over the years, he served in various capacities across more than 15 districts, including Noida, Lalitpur, Deoria, Kanpur Dehat, Mathura, Sitapur, Bulandshahr, Jhansi, Sonbhadra, Varanasi, Moradabad, Meerut, Agra, and Bareilly. His most recent posting, as of September 2024, is as the Inspector General (IG) of Aligarh Range.
Early Postings and Rise Through the Ranks
- Noida (2010): As an under-training ASP, Chaudhary began his career in one of Uttar Pradesh’s most urbanized districts.
- Lalitpur (2015): His first stint as a district police chief (SP) showcased his ability to handle law enforcement in a rural setting.
- Deoria and Kanpur Dehat (2016): Serving as SP, he gained attention for arriving at his Kanpur Dehat office via public transport—a state roadways bus—carrying a simple pithu bag, breaking away from the VIP culture often associated with senior officers.
- Mathura (2018): As SP, he led operations targeting mafias and underground criminals, earning accolades for his strategic planning.
- Sonbhadra (2019): Posted as SP during a tense period following a land dispute clash that claimed ten lives, he restored order in a volatile situation.
- Bareilly (2023): As Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), he ordered a lathi-charge on Kanwariyas attempting an unauthorized procession, a decision that led to his transfer within hours.
Notable Roles Beyond Districts
Chaudhary’s versatility extends beyond district policing. He served as a commando with the National Security Guards (NSG), training recruits in tactics and weapons handling. He also headed the Uttar Pradesh Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) from April to September 2017, showcasing his expertise in counter-terrorism.
Frequent Transfers: A Badge of Honor or Controversy?
Prabhakar Chaudhary has been transferred over 20 times in 13 years, with 18 transfers occurring in just eight years between 2015 and 2023. While some view this as a sign of political pressure or punishment for his strict adherence to the rulebook, others see it as a testament to his integrity and refusal to bow to external influences. His transfer from Bareilly in July 2023, after the Kanwariya lathi-charge incident, sparked widespread debate, with his father alleging it was retaliation for preventing a riot-like situation.
Achievements and Awards
Despite the turbulence of frequent transfers, Prabhakar Chaudhary’s career is studded with recognition:
- Silver Commendation Disk (2017): Awarded by the Director General of UP Police on Republic Day for exemplary service.
- Golden Commendation Disc (2018): Received on Independence Day for his outstanding commitment.
- Platinum Commendation Disc (2019): Honored again on Independence Day, reflecting his consistent excellence.
- Chief Minister’s Police Medal (2022): Conferred by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath for selfless public service.
These accolades highlight his dedication to maintaining law and order, often in challenging circumstances.
Controversies: The Bareilly Lathi-Charge Incident
One of the most publicized moments in Prabhakar Chaudhary’s career came in July 2023, when, as SSP of Bareilly, he ordered a lathi-charge on Kanwariyas who insisted on taking an unauthorized procession route through a Muslim-majority area. The incident escalated tensions, with reports of gunfire from the crowd adding to the chaos. Chaudhary defended his actions, stating that the procession lacked permission and was a “clash of egos” fueled by mischievous elements. However, within four hours, he was transferred to the 32nd Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Lucknow.
The transfer ignited speculation about political motives, though the UP government termed it “routine.” Chaudhary’s father, Parasnath, a BJP leader, publicly criticized the move, vowing to oppose the party in his district. This incident underscored the fine line IPS officers like Chaudhary walk between duty and political pressures.
Personal Life: Simplicity Amidst Power
Despite his high-profile career, Prabhakar Chaudhary remains grounded. He is married to a homemaker, and the couple has two young children. His family continues to live simply, with Chaudhary maintaining ties to his village, where he supports agricultural activities. He owns a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and land worth over ₹72 lakh in Lucknow, reflecting a modest yet stable lifestyle.
Chaudhary’s love for reading persists, and he once shared that he disguised himself as a civilian to test police efficiency by filing an FIR for a stolen bicycle—an anecdote that highlights his hands-on approach.
Leadership Style and Legacy
Prabhakar Chaudhary is renowned for his old-school policing methods, emphasizing discipline and adherence to the law over the encounter culture prevalent in Uttar Pradesh. His rejection of VIP privileges—such as using public transport for personal travel—has earned him admiration among peers and the public. Colleagues describe him as a “commando at heart,” a nod to his NSG tenure and fearless demeanor.
As of February 27, 2025, with his recent appointment as IG Aligarh Range, speculation about a potential central deputation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to swirl. Whether he remains in Uttar Pradesh or moves to a national role, Chaudhary’s legacy as a principled officer is already cemented.
Conclusion
Prabhakar Chaudhary’s journey—from a farmer’s son in Ambedkar Nagar to a decorated IPS officer—is a story of grit, honesty, and service. His frequent transfers, far from tarnishing his image, have only amplified his reputation as an officer who prioritizes duty over convenience. For aspirants and admirers alike, Prabhakar Chaudhary IPS stands as a beacon of what it means to uphold justice in the face of adversity.
Comments
Post a Comment