DCP Chandrakant Meena has been removed in Varanasi Gang-Rape case after PM Modi’s intervention.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took swift action following a disturbing gang-rape case in Varanasi, leading to the removal of DCP Chandrakant Meena after concerns were raised about police inaction.
During his visit to Varanasi on Friday morning, PM Modi personally reviewed the status of the investigation with Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal at the airport. Expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the case, he urged strict action against those responsible for any lapses.
The case involves the gang-rape of a college student by 23 individuals over a span of seven days. The victim was left on the roadside by her assailants on April 3 and managed to reach home and file a complaint. Authorities have arrested 13 out of the 23 accused so far.
Following the Prime Minister’s inquiry, DCP Varuna Zone Chandrakant Meena was relieved of his duties on Monday night. His removal reportedly stems from a failure to act decisively in the immediate aftermath of the crime, including not initiating action against the Station House Officer and Sub-Inspector suspected of negligence. The delay led to dissatisfaction among senior police officials.
Sources suggest that further disciplinary action may be taken against 3–4 additional officers linked to the mishandling of the case.
Chandrakant Meena, a 2018-batch IPS officer from Alwar, Rajasthan, holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and received the DG Silver Medal in 2023. He has served in Varanasi since 2022 in various key roles, including ADCP of the Kashi Zone and DCP (Crime), before his appointment as DCP of Varuna Zone. Previously, as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bareilly, he led action against land mafias and seized assets worth ₹35.11 crore under the Gangster Act from Alliance Builders.
