IPS Officer Smiti Chaudhary Dies at 48. Photo Credit: HT
Smiti Chaudhary, a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, passed away at the age of 48 in Nashik, Maharashtra, where she had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness. At the time of her death, she was serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP), Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Ambala, a post she had held since September 2023.
Chaudhary died in the early hours of June 27 at a hospital in Nashik, where she was visiting her husband, IPS officer Rajesh Kumar, who is currently posted as Director of the Maharashtra Police Academy. According to official sources, she had been unwell for some time and was admitted to a private facility before her health deteriorated.
Born in 1976 in Garhi village of Kaithal district, Smiti Chaudhary began her police career in 2004 as a Haryana Police DSP. According to the Hindustan Times, she served in various positions including DSP Panchkula, DSP Flying Squad, and DSP Lokayukta. She was inducted into the Indian Police Service in February 2017 and was retrospectively allotted the 2012 batch.
Over the years, she held multiple key assignments including SP in Charkhi Dadri and Dadri, and Commandant of the 1st Battalion, Haryana Armed Police. Known for her administrative competence and ethical conduct, she was later appointed SP, Vigilance, before assuming charge at ACB Ambala.
Her tenure at the Anti-Corruption Bureau was marked by several high-profile investigations. She was actively involved in streamlining corruption-related cases and was appreciated for handling sensitive matters with professionalism and legal rigour. In February 2025, she was promoted to the “selection grade” (pay level 13), though she had not formally assumed the upgraded position due to her health issues.
Chaudhary belonged to a family with a strong background in public service. Her mother, Jayawanti Sheokand, is a senior IAS officer in Haryana, and her brother, Yashendra Sheokand, is also an IAS officer currently serving in the state. She was widely respected in bureaucratic circles for her integrity and work ethic.
Her demise has been officially confirmed by Haryana Police, and senior officials have expressed condolences. Politicians, civil servants, and police officers paid tribute to her contributions to public service. Arrangements are being made to bring her body to Haryana for the last rites, which are expected to be conducted with full honours.
The passing of a serving officer has also drawn attention to the importance of monitoring physical and mental health in high-stress postings, especially among IPS officers holding investigative or anti-corruption assignments. Several former colleagues acknowledged the intensity and pressures associated with such roles.
The Haryana government is expected to issue a formal notification and may announce a tribute or memorial in her honour. Proposals are also being discussed to establish a police welfare award or scholarship in her name to support women candidates preparing for civil services.
As the state mourns the loss of a committed officer, her career is being remembered for its consistency, discipline, and quiet efficiency. Smiti Chaudhary’s record in the Haryana Police reflects her contribution to public accountability, especially in areas related to vigilance and anti-corruption enforcement.
For more regional stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
