- Chandrakant Meena is a 2018-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Alwar, Rajasthan, known for his engineering background and early career achievements.
- He served as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bareilly, tackling land mafias, and later held key roles in Varanasi, including DCP Varuna Zone.
- Meena was removed from his Varanasi post in April 2025 following criticism over the handling of a high-profile gangrape case, prompting national attention.
- Despite the controversy, he received the DG Silver Medal in 2023 for his contributions to policing, reflecting his earlier successes.
- The Varanasi incident highlights the complexities of police administration, and Meena’s future career moves are likely to be closely watched.
Early Life and Education
Chandrakant Meena, hailing from Alwar, Rajasthan, pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, showcasing his analytical prowess before entering public service. His academic background likely equipped him with problem-solving skills, which he later applied in his policing career. While specific details about his early life are limited, his roots in Rajasthan, a state known for its vibrant culture and resilient communities, likely instilled a strong sense of duty and determination.
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Career in the Indian Police Service
Meena cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination to join the IPS in 2018, a testament to his dedication and intellectual rigor. His initial posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, marked the beginning of a promising career. In Bareilly, he gained recognition for his bold actions against land mafias, notably leading operations under the Gangster Act that resulted in the seizure of property worth ₹35.11 crore from Alliance Builders’ directors.
In 2022, Meena was transferred to Varanasi, where he served as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) for the Kashi Zone, followed by roles as DCP Crime and DCP Varuna Zone in 2023. His rapid progression reflected his capability in managing law and order in a city of immense cultural and political significance.
The Varanasi Gangrape Case
In April 2025, Meena’s career faced a significant challenge with the Varanasi gangrape case, where a 19-year-old girl alleged she was kidnapped and assaulted by 23 men over seven days. The case, which unfolded between March 29 and April 4, 2025, drew national outrage due to its brutality. Meena, as DCP Varuna Zone, was criticized for not taking swift action and failing to report negligent subordinates, leading to his removal from the post on April 14, 2025, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention during a visit to Varanasi.
Current Status
As of April 16, 2025, Meena has been attached to the Director General of Police (DGP) office in Lucknow, marking a pause in his field duties. While the incident has cast a shadow over his career, his earlier achievements, including the DG Silver Medal in 2023, suggest he has the potential to rebound and contribute meaningfully to public service.
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Chandrakant Meena: A Career Marked by Valor and Challenges
Chandrakant Meena, a 2018-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, embodies the complexities of public service, where moments of triumph coexist with significant challenges. Hailing from Alwar, Rajasthan, Meena’s journey from an engineering graduate to a key figure in Uttar Pradesh’s police force is a story of ambition, achievement, and resilience. However, his recent removal from a high-profile post in Varanasi following a controversial gangrape case has brought his career into sharp focus. As of April 16, 2025, Meena’s trajectory remains a subject of interest, reflecting both his past successes and the lessons learned from recent setbacks.
Early Life and Education
Born in Alwar, Rajasthan, Chandrakant Meena grew up in a region known for its rich history and vibrant community spirit. While specific details about his family and childhood are not widely documented, it is likely that his upbringing in a culturally significant area instilled values of discipline and service. Meena pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, a rigorous academic path that honed his analytical and problem-solving skills. This technical background set him apart as he prepared for a career in public administration, equipping him with a unique perspective on tackling complex challenges.
His decision to pursue the Indian Police Service suggests a deep-seated commitment to public safety and justice. Clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, one of India’s most competitive tests, Meena joined the IPS in 2018, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to law enforcement.
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Entry into the Indian Police Service
Meena’s entry into the IPS was a significant milestone, reflecting his intellectual rigor and determination. The 2018 batch of IPS officers underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, where Meena likely developed skills in leadership, crisis management, and law enforcement. His technical education in mechanical engineering complemented this training, enabling him to approach policing with a methodical and strategic mindset.
His first major posting was as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a district known for its diverse population and occasional law-and-order challenges. In Bareilly, Meena quickly made a name for himself by taking on organized crime, particularly land mafias. One of his most notable operations involved action under the Gangster Act against the directors of Alliance Builders, resulting in the seizure of property worth ₹35.11 crore. This high-profile case demonstrated his resolve to combat corruption and earned him recognition as a proactive officer.
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Rise Through the Ranks in Varanasi
In 2022, Meena was transferred to Varanasi, a city of immense cultural, religious, and political significance. His initial role as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) for the Kashi Zone placed him at the heart of maintaining law and order in one of India’s most prominent cities. Varanasi, often visited by dignitaries and pilgrims, demands a delicate balance of security and sensitivity, and Meena’s performance in this role led to his rapid promotion.
In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Crime, a position that required overseeing investigations into serious offenses. Later that year, an administrative reshuffle saw him take charge as DCP for the Varuna Zone, further solidifying his role in Varanasi’s police administration. His swift rise through these key positions reflected the confidence that senior officials placed in his abilities.
In 2023, Meena was honored with the DG Silver Medal, an accolade recognizing his contributions to policing. This award highlighted his effectiveness in managing law enforcement challenges and underscored his standing within the Uttar Pradesh Police.
The Varanasi Gangrape Case: A Turning Point
Meena’s career faced a significant challenge in April 2025 with the Varanasi gangrape case, a horrific incident that captured national attention. A 19-year-old girl, preparing for admission into a sports course, alleged that she was kidnapped and gang-raped by 23 men over seven days, from March 29 to April 4, 2025. The assaults reportedly took place at multiple locations, including a hookah bar, a hotel, a lodge, and a guest house, underscoring the complexity and brutality of the crime.
The victim’s family filed a missing person report on April 4, and she was located the same day. However, it was not until April 6 that a formal complaint was lodged at the Lalpur Pandeypur police station, leading to the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police arrested six suspects initially, with the number of arrests reaching 13 as investigations progressed. The case’s scale and the public outcry it generated placed immense pressure on the Varanasi police.
On April 11, 2025, during his 50th visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the case by Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal and other senior officials, including the District Magistrate and Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma. Expressing strong displeasure over the handling of the investigation, the Prime Minister instructed authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meena, as DCP Varuna Zone, was at the center of the controversy. Sources indicated that he failed to take swift action on the day the victim was found and did not file a report against the negligent Station House Officer and Sub-Inspector involved in the initial response. This perceived inaction led to dissatisfaction among senior officials, culminating in his removal from the post.
Removal from Post and Current Status
On April 14, 2025, Meena was removed from his position as DCP Varuna Zone and attached to the Director General of Police (DGP) office in Lucknow. This transfer, ordered by the Inspector General (Personnel) at Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters, marked a significant setback in his career. The action was the first major step taken by the administration in response to the gangrape case, reflecting the state government’s commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring accountability.
As of April 16, 2025, Meena remains attached to the DGP office, with his future assignments uncertain. The incident has cast a shadow over his otherwise promising career, but his earlier achievements suggest he has the potential to recover and contribute meaningfully to public service.
Personal Attributes and Legacy
While little is known about Meena’s personal life, his professional journey reveals a man of determination and capability. His engineering background likely influenced his methodical approach to policing, while his actions in Bareilly demonstrated a commitment to justice. The Varanasi incident, however, highlights the challenges of managing high-profile cases under intense public and political scrutiny.
Meena’s legacy is a mixed one. His early successes, including the DG Silver Medal and his crackdown on land mafias, showcase his potential as a leader in law enforcement. Yet, the Varanasi gangrape case serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures inherent in police administration. As he navigates this challenging phase, Meena’s ability to learn from this experience and adapt will likely shape his future contributions to the IPS.
Comparative Insights
To contextualize Meena’s career, it’s worth noting the broader trends within the IPS. The service demands officers who can balance operational efficiency with public accountability, particularly in high-visibility areas like Varanasi. The rapid response to the gangrape case, including Meena’s removal, reflects the increasing scrutiny on police performance in India, especially in cases involving gender-based violence. Other IPS officers, such as those promoted in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, have also faced similar pressures, underscoring the demanding nature of the role.
Tables for Clarity
Below is a table summarizing Meena’s career stages:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, likely from a reputed institution. |
| IPS Selection | Cleared UPSC exam, joined IPS in 2018. |
| Initial Posting | ASP in Bareilly, led actions against land mafias, seized ₹35.11 crore in assets. |
| Varanasi Postings | ADCP Kashi Zone (2022), DCP Crime (2023), DCP Varuna Zone (2023). |
| Awards | Received DG Silver Medal in 2023 for contributions to policing. |
| Removal | Removed as DCP Varuna Zone on April 14, 2025, attached to DGP office, Lucknow. |
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Another table highlights key skills and attributes developed by Meena:
| Skill/Attribute | Relevance to Career |
|---|---|
| Analytical Skills | Essential for investigations and strategic law enforcement planning. |
| Crisis Management | Crucial for handling law-and-order situations in Varanasi. |
| Leadership | Vital for leading teams and operations against organized crime. |
| Public Accountability | Important for maintaining trust, challenged in the Varanasi case. |
Conclusion
Chandrakant Meena’s journey as an IPS officer is a compelling narrative of ambition, achievement, and adversity. From his early successes in Bareilly to his rapid rise in Varanasi, Meena demonstrated the qualities of a capable and dedicated officer. However, the Varanasi gangrape case of 2025 exposed the challenges of managing high-stakes investigations under intense scrutiny, leading to his removal from a key post. As he continues his career from the DGP office in Lucknow, Meena’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of public service and the resilience required to navigate its highs and lows. His future contributions to the IPS will likely be shaped by the lessons learned from this pivotal moment.