ITBP officer alleges conspiracy by senior with estranged wife; HC seeks centre’s reply
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Sept 13,
Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday heard an extraordinary and disturbing appeal filed by a junior officer of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), challenging his removal from service. The officer alleged that his dismissal was the outcome of a conspiracy orchestrated by his superior, who, according to him, trapped him in a scandal involving his estranged wife.
The appeal, taken up by a Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, revealed allegations of sexual exploitation, misconduct, and fabrication of evidence within the disciplined ranks of the paramilitary force.
According to the court record, a chargesheet was issued against the appellant in December 2009, accusing him of illicit relations with the wife of his superior officer and of participating in the making of a pornographic video. The video, allegedly filmed by the superior himself, was said to be intended to strengthen his divorce case against his wife.
The appellant, however, maintained that he was falsely implicated and targeted by his senior, who was equally involved but managed to escape with only a minor penalty — forfeiture of two years of past service for pensionary benefits. The junior officer, on the other hand, faced the harsh punishment of outright removal from service.
The Bench noted that the matter was deeply troubling and required a closer re-examination. “As per the charge itself, both the persons were equally responsible and should have been tried together, but the senior officer has been let off lightly while punishing the junior with extreme punishment,” the order recorded.
The court further observed that the appellant’s statement was taken only days before his removal, and that contradictions in the versions given by the estranged wife pointed to a possible misuse of authority within the ranks.
Issuing notice to the Union of India and other respondents, the High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 9, 2025.
The case, rare in its nature, has pulled back the curtain on events inside the barracks of India’s paramilitary forces — matters usually kept far from public scrutiny due to strict hierarchy and discipline.
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