Ajmer Jail Officer Arrested After Removing Inmates for Domestic Work

Divya Chaudhary, a jailer at Ajmer Central Jail, is accused of removing two female prisoners—Kiran (Setha), serving a life sentence for murder, and Sana, an under-trial in a separate murder case—from the facility on July 12. Deputy Superintendent of Police (North) Shivam Joshi said Chaudhary took the inmates out in a private vehicle without a court order or jail record and brought them to her rented flat in Ajmer, where they were made to clean the premises. Police reports state that Chaudhary and guard Sonia Chaudhary threatened women staff at the main gate when those staff objected. The inmates were returned a short time later, and the incident was reported to senior prison officials.

The Indian ExpressAjmer Jailer Took Murder Accused Prisoners Home, Made Them Clean Flat Ajmer jailer takes 2 woman inmates to clean her flat. She is now in jail

Under the Rajasthan Prisons Rules 2022, a jailer (karapal) is responsible for custody, security and discipline of prisoners and must report any security lapses to the Superintendent. Chaudhary, 37, lived about 8 km from the jail and was caring for two young daughters while her husband, also a jailer, was posted in Kota. She reportedly sought domestic help for household chores, leading to the decision to involve the two inmates.

The Indian ExpressJailer who took 2 murder convicts home as maids lands in the same prison she once ran Ajmer Jailer Took Murder Accused Prisoners Home, Made Them Clean Flat

• July 12 – Chaudhary transports Kiran and Sana out of Ajmer Central Jail for domestic work.

The Indian Express

• August 5 – A case is registered at the Civil Lines police station; Chaudhary and guard Sonia Chaudhary are suspended.

The Indian Express

• Early October – A special police team tracks Chaudhary’s mobile signal.

The Indian Express

• October 6 – Police raid a flat in Kota district and arrest Chaudhary; she is produced before a court and placed in judicial custody.

Ajmer jailer takes 2 woman inmates to clean her flat. She is now in jail

Deputy SP Shivam Joshi called Chaudhary’s actions “illegal and unlawful,” noting that prisoners are under court protection and must not be removed without authorization. Ajmer Superintendent of Police Harsh Vardhan Agarwala reiterated that Chaudhary drove the inmates to her residence for cleaning despite objections from other staff. A senior police official said technical evidence and cyber-cell analysis located Chaudhary’s phone, leading to the October 6 arrest, and that she has now been lodged in the same jail she previously oversaw.

The Indian Express

• Two female inmates were involved, both linked to murder cases.

Jailer who took 2 murder convicts home as maids lands in the same prison she once ran

• Chaudhary was absent for nearly two months after the FIR was filed on August 5.

The Indian Express

• The residence from which she was arrested is in Kota, where her husband serves as a prison guard.

Jailer who took 2 murder convicts home as maids lands in the same prison she once ran

• The incident triggered the suspension of both Chaudhary and guard Sonia Chaudhary; Sonia remains at large.

The Indian Express

The case highlights vulnerabilities in prison administration when staff misuse authority for personal benefit and raises questions about oversight mechanisms within the Rajasthan prison system.

Jailer who took 2 murder convicts home as maids lands in the same prison she once ran

All sources consistently describe the July 12 removal, the August 5 suspension, and the October 6 arrest. The whereabouts of co-accused Sonia Chaudhary remain unknown, and officials have not clarified whether further disciplinary action will be taken against her.

Ajmer jailer takes 2 woman inmates to clean her flat. She is now in jail