Who is IPS Pankaj Choudhary? Rajasthan’s Bold Officer Back in Headlines for Court Petition Against Chief Secretary

Jaipur, Rajasthan: IPS officer Pankaj Choudhary, 2009 batch of the Rajasthan cadre, is once again making headlines. Currently serving as Superintendent of Police and Nodal Officer for Community Policing, Choudhary is known for raising direct and tough questions to senior officials and political leaders. Recently, he filed a petition in court against the State Chief Secretary, sparking a new controversy.

Past Controversies and Political Clashes

Choudhary’s confrontations with the system are not new. During his tenure as SP in Jaisalmer, his name surfaced in the Pakistani espionage case of Shakoor Khan, who had previously worked with Congress leader and former minister Saleh Mohammad in 2008. Suspecting a Pakistani connection, Choudhary initiated action, but political interference prevented a full investigation. Later, he reopened the criminal history of Saleh Mohammad’s father, Ghazi Fakir, which led to his removal from the SP post in Jaisalmer. Choudhary has publicly recounted this episode multiple times.

Challenges Within the Bureaucracy

Choudhary has faced challenges under multiple state governments, including Bhajanlal and Ashok Gehlot administrations. He has been charged multiple times, and even faced an order of dismissal, which he successfully challenged in court. The latest controversy arose on 12 February 2025, when the Personnel Department issued a demotion order against him, reportedly linked to disputes in his personal life.

Political Foray and Connections

In 2019, Choudhary attempted a political career, filing nomination for the Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha seat, which was later canceled. His wife, Mukul Choudhary, contested from Jodhpur and is actively involved with the BJP. Both have maintained close ties with RSS functionaries, a factor believed to have strengthened Choudhary’s position despite repeated political and bureaucratic pressures.

The Officer Known for Bold Stances

Throughout his career, IPS Pankaj Choudhary has been recognized as a fearless and outspoken officer, unafraid to challenge political and administrative authorities. Whether it’s confronting powerful politicians or questioning administrative decisions, he remains a prominent figure in Rajasthan’s policing landscape, often making headlines for his daring and uncompromising approach.