IFS Officer Birendra Chaudhary: Veteran Administrator Now Facing CBI Charges of Bribery and Disproportionate Assets
In a development that underscores the government’s emphasis on integrity and accountability within public institutions, a special CBI court has formally framed charges against Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Birendra Chaudhary and his wife in a high-profile disproportionate-assets case. The proceedings, registered several years ago, have now advanced to a decisive stage, reflecting the judiciary’s determination to uphold transparency and ethical standards in administration.
CBI Court Advances with Evidence-Based Action
The case traces back to 2017, when Mr. Chaudhary was serving as Member-Secretary of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).
He was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting ₹1 lakh from a businessman.
The complainant had approached him after receiving a show-cause notice regarding the revocation of consent to operate his sawmill but claimed he was denied a fair hearing.
Officials reported that Mr. Chaudhary allegedly demanded a bribe in exchange for halting regulatory action.
Subsequent searches at his residence led to the recovery of cash and property-related documents, forming the foundation of a separate disproportionate-assets case.
Profile: Who is Birendra Chaudhary?
Mr. Chaudhary is a 2000-batch IFS officer, with a career spanning multiple administrative and environmental regulatory assignments. His tenure as Member-Secretary of CPCC placed him at the center of industrial regulation and environmental compliance in Chandigarh.
In July 2017, he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after allegations of accepting bribes from sawmill operators in exchange for halting regulatory action. Investigations uncovered additional cash and property documents, leading to charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
By September 2017, the CBI had filed a 1,500-page chargesheet naming over 25 witnesses, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle. The matter culminated in November 2025, when the CBI court formally framed charges against Mr. Chaudhary and his wife in the disproportionate-assets case.
A Step Toward Transparency and Institutional Integrity
The court’s decision to frame charges after years of investigation represents a critical milestone in enforcing accountability. The case highlights the government’s broader push to strengthen institutional credibility, citizen trust, and probity in public service.
With proceedings now advancing, the matter is expected to serve as a benchmark for anti-corruption vigilance within India’s administrative framework.
