Lucknow/Deoria: Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Amitabh Thakur was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an alleged fraud and forgery case concerning the allotment of an industrial plot in Deoria district dating back to 1999. Following his arrest, Thakur was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody by a court in Deoria, officials confirmed.

Thakur’s arrest occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at the Maholi border in Sitapur district, after police from Shahjahanpur intercepted him while he was travelling by train from Lucknow to Delhi. The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that Thakur, during his tenure as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Deoria, misused his official position to facilitate the allotment of an industrial plot in the name of his wife, Nutan Thakur, through forged documents, false identities, and fraudulent addresses. The plot was reportedly later sold for financial gain.

Background of the Allegations

According to police sources, the complaint that led to the case was filed by Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Rajajipuram in Lucknow, under the Tal Katora police station. The complainant alleged that forged application forms, affidavits, treasury challans, and transfer deeds were used to secure the allotment of the industrial plot. As the then SP of Deoria, Amitabh Thakur allegedly provided protection and assistance to facilitate the allotment, thereby misusing his official authority.

An FIR was registered on September 12, 2025, under sections 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 467 (forgery of valuable security or will), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Following the registration of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Investigation Process

The SIT undertook a detailed probe into the allegations, gathering documentary evidence from Deoria district related to the allotment process. Verification of the alleged false identities and addresses associated with the plot was carried out, extending to Bihar, given that some addresses were reportedly linked to locations outside the state. The SIT also recorded statements of multiple witnesses to substantiate the allegations.

Police officials said that Thakur had previously been detained in the intervening night between Tuesday and Wednesday by Shahjahanpur police after the Lucknow police alerted them that he was travelling on the Lucknow-Delhi AC Superfast Express. Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed that the train was intercepted around 2 a.m., and Thakur was handed over to the Lucknow Police, as he was required to be produced before the Deoria court.

Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody

Later on Wednesday, Thakur was produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate Manju Kumari in Deoria. During the hearing, elaborate security arrangements were implemented at the court campus, including barricading at the main gate, due to the high-profile nature of the case and potential security concerns.

During his court appearance, Thakur addressed the media and expressed concern for his personal safety, stating that he feared for his life and would seek protection from the court. He argued his case himself, without engaging a lawyer, and requested several security-related directions, including access to personal items such as spectacles, pen, and paper in jail, and assurance of personal security while in custody.

After hearing the matter, the Chief Judicial Magistrate remanded Thakur to 14 days’ judicial custody. District Government Counsel Rajesh Mishra noted that a separate case had also been registered in Deoria Sadar Kotwali under similar sections, highlighting the complexity and scope of the investigation.

Public Interest and Previous Correspondence

Officials confirmed that the complainant, Sanjay Sharma, had previously approached higher authorities, including the President of India, seeking action in the matter, which underscores the long-standing public interest in the case. The delay in resolution and the historical nature of the alleged fraud dating back to 1999 have contributed to heightened attention and scrutiny of the proceedings.

The case has garnered considerable public and media attention, partly due to Thakur’s previous high-profile role as an IPS officer and his continued involvement in public discourse, including activism and social campaigns following his retirement from police service. The circumstances of his arrest, coupled with the allegations of forgery and misuse of office, have made it a significant legal and political matter in Uttar Pradesh.

Alleged Modus Operandi

Police allege that Thakur facilitated the allotment of the industrial plot using a combination of forged documents and false identities. The investigation indicates that multiple documents, including affidavits and treasury challans, were manipulated to meet the procedural requirements for allotment. Thakur’s position as SP of Deoria allegedly enabled him to provide protection to the individuals involved and ensure that the allotment went through without scrutiny. Once allotted, the plot was reportedly sold, resulting in alleged monetary gain.

Police sources further emphasized that the case involves a detailed review of official records, cross-verification of property documents, and witness testimonies to establish the chain of events and Thakur’s role in facilitating the alleged irregularities.

Security Measures and Court Management

Given the high-profile nature of the case and the potential for public attention, authorities implemented stringent security measures at the Deoria court campus. Barricades were set up, and police personnel were deployed to manage the entry and exit points during Thakur’s production. These measures were taken to prevent any untoward incident and ensure that the judicial process proceeded smoothly.

Thakur’s personal requests for security and basic amenities in jail, as highlighted during the court hearing, indicate his concern for safety and the seriousness with which he is approaching the matter. His decision to argue the case himself also reflects his determination to engage directly with the legal proceedings.

Next Steps in the Case

With Thakur in 14-day judicial custody, the investigation is expected to continue, with police focusing on gathering additional evidence, examining the chain of property transactions, and questioning other individuals potentially involved in the alleged fraud. The dual registration of cases in Tal Katora and Deoria Sadar Kotwali suggests that authorities are leaving no avenue unexplored in probing the allegations comprehensively.

Legal experts note that cases involving alleged fraud and misuse of office by former government officials often involve detailed scrutiny of historical records, verification of procedural compliance, and forensic examination of documents. The outcome of this case will depend heavily on the investigation’s ability to establish the authenticity of documents, identify irregularities, and link actions to the accused conclusively.

Conclusion

The arrest and judicial custody of ex-IPS officer Amitabh Thakur in the Deoria industrial plot fraud case represents a significant development in a long-standing allegation of forgery and misuse of official position. With the investigation ongoing and court proceedings underway, the case is likely to attract continued public and media attention in the coming weeks.

Thakur’s insistence on personal security and his decision to engage directly in legal arguments reflect both the contentious nature of the case and the high stakes involved. As authorities proceed with further investigation, including verification of historical documents and witness testimonies, the legal process will determine accountability and the extent of any alleged wrongdoing. The case underscores the complexities involved in addressing historical allegations of fraud, particularly when they involve high-profile public figures and intricate administrative processes.

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