Former IPS Officer Amitabh Thakur Arrested in 1999 Plot Purchase Case, Picked Up from Moving Train in Shahjahanpur

Deoria.
Former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, known for his outspoken stance against government decisions, was dramatically arrested late Tuesday night from a moving train in Shahjahanpur. A Lucknow Police team intercepted him while he was en route to Delhi and brought him to Deoria for questioning. After nearly an hour of interrogation at Deoria Kotwali on Wednesday morning, he was taken to an undisclosed location. Senior district officials have refrained from commenting, adding to the growing mystery surrounding the case.

What Is the Case About?

According to the FIR, the matter dates back to 1999, when Amitabh Thakur was posted as the Superintendent of Police in Deoria. During that period, a plot in the Deoria Industrial Area was allegedly purchased in the name of his wife, Nutan Thakur.

The complaint alleges that at the time of purchase, her name was recorded as “Nutan Devi”, and the husband’s name was entered as “Abhijat Thakur / Abhitap Thakur”, with the address shown as Khaira, Sitamarhi district, Bihar.
However, while selling the property later, her actual name and correct address were reportedly used.

The FIR—filed by Sanjay Sharma of Lucknow’s Talkatora area—claims that the inconsistent details were allegedly used to mislead government departments, banks, and state authorities. Based on this complaint, a case was registered in September at the Talkatora Police Station in Lucknow.

Thakur Questioned in Deoria, Police Remain Tight-Lipped

On Wednesday morning, the police team brought Thakur to Deoria Sadar Kotwali, where he was questioned for nearly one hour. Around 11:30 am, he was moved to another location.
Officers refused to issue any official statement, and the silence over the nature and direction of the investigation has deepened the uncertainty around the case.

Arrest Executed in ‘Filmi Style’

The arrest unfolded in a dramatic manner. Thakur was reportedly traveling from Lucknow to Delhi. Around 1:15 am, while he was asleep in his coach, the police team entered the compartment, woke him up, and escorted him off the moving train at Shahjahanpur Railway Station.

He was immediately taken into custody and transported first to Lucknow and then to Deoria. News of his arrest has sparked intense discussions on social media and in political circles.

Amitabh Thakur: A Career Marked by Controversy

The former IPS officer has remained in headlines both during his service and after retirement. Known for challenging the government, raising issues of corruption, and questioning administrative decisions, Thakur has been at the center of several controversies. Cases related to forced retirement, political confrontations, and long legal battles have kept him in the public eye.

The latest allegations—pertaining to plot purchase, document manipulation, misuse of position, and misleading government institutions—indicate that the investigation may now move into a more serious phase.