Behold the inspiring journey of Gujarat’s very own ADGP, Ajay Choudhary (IPS)!
The name of the venerable senior police officer, Ajay Choudhary (IPS), ADGP (Additional Director General of Police), needs no introduction. In contemporary times, it is a name spoken with profound respect, not just within Gujarat or India, but across the international stage.
Successfully executing numerous spine-chilling operations that seemed virtually "impossible"—and so at the peril of his own life—Ajay Choudhary has carved out an illustrious identity as a brilliant and courageous police officer. Concurrently, infusing his unwavering devotion to duty with deep empathy, he has won a permanent place in the hearts of the people, pioneering a new era of 'soft policing' and spreading a beautiful fragrance of harmony throughout society.
Born on February 2, 1975, into a modest middle-class family, Ajay Choudhary’s journey toward becoming an IPS officer is a riveting saga filled with numerous twists and turns. He was born in Dehri-on-Sone, a picturesque village nestled along the banks of the Sone River in the then-state of Bihar. Because Dehri was situated on the riverbanks, the British had christened it Dehri-on-Sone—a village that now falls within the borders of Jharkhand. His father was employed at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) in the Bokaro district, while his mother was a devoted homemaker. Built in collaboration with Russia, the SAIL plant was a marvel of modern industry, which led to Bokaro developing into a meticulously planned industrial city. It was in this vibrant city of Bokaro that Ajay Choudhary received both his formal education and his foundational life lessons. Since the plant was established with Russian cooperation, Russian citizens also resided in the town. The fond memory of Russian residents smilingly handing out chocolates to delight children remains as vivid and fresh in Ajay Choudhary's mind today as it was all those years ago.
During the early years of his education, he remained a remarkably average student; the last bench had become his comfort zone. However, his mother was a strict disciplinarian. She deeply understood the value of education and would not hesitate to mete out stern punishment when necessary. Driven by the sheer dread of his mother's discipline, whenever report cards were issued, young Ajay would choose to flee and hide elsewhere rather than head home with his results.
Punishment is not always born out of anger; sometimes, it stems from a profound, boundless love for one’s child and an underlying anxiety for their bright future. His parents harbored but a single, burning desire—that their son would forge ahead and carve out his own destiny through sheer self-reliance. His mother would often remind him, her voice filled with hope: "Son! Grow up to become such a high-ranking officer that you get to wear the prestigious uniform cap." These heartfelt words of his mother would deeply move his soul.
Until the 7th or 8th grade, young Ajay appeared to be a thoroughly mediocre student, but then, something shifted within him. He felt a sudden, sharp pang of conscience. How long must I continue to endure the constant reprimands of my parents and teachers? This single thought churned his heart and stirred his soul. From that moment on, he channeled all his focus into his studies, and a sheer miracle unfolded.
Ajay, who once occupied the very last bench of the classroom, passed his 10th-grade exams with an impressive second rank. He mastered mathematics with such brilliant prowess that he could crack the most complex and daunting puzzles in the blink of an eye. His confidence soared to the seventh heaven. Education, which once felt like an unbearable burden, transformed into his greatest passion. He went on to top his school in the 12th-grade examinations, and if that wasn't enough, he secured a coveted admission into IIT Delhi. Even after stepping into the prestigious IIT, it felt so surreal that he often wondered if he was living a beautiful dream.
He continued to scale the ladders of success, one milestone after another. After completing his B.Tech, Ajay Chaudhari cleared the formidable UPSC examination on his very first attempt and joined the Indian Police Service. He was appointed as an IPS officer of the 1999 batch under the Gujarat cadre. Ultimately, he attributes the glorious success of his life to nothing but divine grace and the unwavering inspiration provided by his parents.
He has shouldered pivotal responsibilities across various districts and police departments of Gujarat. Throughout his illustrious career, he has tactfully executed numerous spine-chilling operations at the risk of his own life, giving a fitting reply to the enemies of the nation. Prominent among these was his instrumental role in capturing Dawood’s henchman, Abu Miyan—who was involved in the Mumbai serial bomb blasts—from Abu Dhabi and bringing him back to India. He successfully pulled off this high-stakes operation by seamlessly coordinating with as many as 17 Indian agencies.
His operational style naturally weaves a rare blend of stringent law enforcement and deep human empathy into his persona.
The identity of Ajay Choudhary is not merely confined to that of a police officer; he is widely recognized as a staunch proponent of 'Soft Policing.' He firmly believes that while strictness is essential to enforce the law, sensitivity and empathy are equally vital to win the trust of the people. He takes meticulous care to ensure that the grievances of citizens visiting his office are resolved swiftly. Thanks to this compassionate approach, he has emerged as a resilient bridge between the police administration and the common man.
Personally deeply empathetic, Ajay Choudhary is currently spearheading a major campaign in Gujarat dedicated to the safety and security of women and children. In collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of CID Crime, he launched a massive operation that successfully busted child labor networks across the state, granting a new lease on life to numerous children. During this campaign, the Women Crime Cell of the Gujarat Police conducted multiple raids, rescuing women and children while initiating strict legal action against the perpetrators.
Over the past few years, the official government records showed more than 24,000 individuals listed as missing. When a loved one steps out and fails to return on time, families are gripped by immense anxiety. For these 24,000 families, months and even years passed without a single trace of their missing relatives. One can only imagine the agonizing plight of these households in such a situation.
Recognizing this deeply sensitive issue and feeling the pain of thousands of suffering families, Ajay Choudhary undertook a dedicated mission. By leveraging modern technology, Artificial Intelligence, and human resources, his team managed to track down approximately 1,400 missing persons within a matter of days, successfully reuniting them with their families.
When engaging in a conversation with Ajay Choudhary, the pure innocence reflecting from his eyes deeply touches the soul. Despite conquering the peaks of success and arriving at an illustrious milestone in life, he remains steadfastly grounded. The simplicity, humility, and absolute transparency of his nature are profoundly heartwarming. A single meeting with him is enough to transform into a cherished, lifelong memory for anyone.
An aricle by : Ishwar Prajapati
Engalish version : Pallavi Gupta.
Mo. : 9825142620
