Filing an FIR in Jaipur, IAS officer Bharti Dixit has accused her husband and fellow IAS officer Ashish Modi of prolonged domestic violence, illegal confinement, and threats to her life and family.
Dixit, who serves as Rajasthan’s joint secretary (finance), claims Modi, director in another department, not only abused her but also kidnapped and threatened her in October 2025.
Both state authorities and police confirm an active investigation under strict legal provisions. The high-profile case has re-ignited debate about safety and accountability within India’s bureaucracy, and Dixit has been granted police protection as inquiry proceeds.
The Officers and the Marriage: A Troubled Partnership
Bharti Dixit and Ashish Modi both belong to the 2014 batch of the Rajasthan cadre and were previously regarded as an admired “power couple” in state administration.
Their marriage, however, was fraught from the outset, according to Dixit’s FIR. She alleges Modi manipulated her into marriage during a vulnerable period when her father was critically ill, providing misleading information about himself, including his bureaucratic background and intentions.
Colleagues describe how the relationship soured over time, with escalating personal and professional tensions. Dixit stated that Modi frequently consumed alcohol, maintained ties with criminal elements, and reacted violently when confronted about his behaviour.
She claims these troubles intensified after the birth of their daughter in 2018, eventually forcing her to seek temporary refuge elsewhere before returning to Jaipur after maternity leave.
Escalation: Kidnapping, Surveillance, and Grave Threats
The matter reached a tipping point in October 2025. Dixit alleges that Modi, with the help of associates Surendra Vishnoi and Ashish Sharma, forcibly abducted her in a government vehicle.
She claims she was taken to an isolated flat in Jaipur, confined at gunpoint for several hours, assaulted, and pressured to sign divorce papers. She also says Modi forced her to make misleading statements to her father over the phone during the ordeal.
The FIR further documents repeated instances of Modi allegedly installing hidden cameras in Dixit’s quarters and hacking her mobile phone to access confidential government material, severely violating her privacy and professional integrity.
Dixit also accused Modi of blackmail and misusing his position and government resources to intimidate her, claims supported by names and details of alleged accomplices.
Quoting from her complaint, Dixit emphasised, “No one should feel unsafe at home or work because of someone’s status or power. I seek protection not just for myself but for my daughter and family.”
Police Action and Official Statements
Following her detailed complaint on 7 November 2025 at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital police station, authorities swiftly registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Jaipur’s ACP, Shrimanlal Meena, is currently overseeing the investigation, which involves the review of CCTV footage, phone and digital evidence, and witness statements.
A senior police official announced: “Given the gravity and sensitivity, all necessary security measures have been provided for Ms Dixit. The investigation will ensure no bias, and witnesses are encouraged to come forward.”
The Rajasthan Administrative Services Association called for zero tolerance of domestic crimes within public service and stressed the need for structural reforms to support affected officers.
When approached by media, Ashish Modi stated, “I would not like to comment as the matter is under investigation. I will fully cooperate and wish to note that I was on official tour in Bihar during part of the period cited in the FIR.”
Modi and his legal representative continue to deny wrongdoing, calling for “due process and factual investigation.” The accused associates have so far not issued public statements.
Patterns and Context: Power, Gender, and Bureaucratic Pressures
The case highlights the persistent, often unreported issue of domestic violence-even among India’s elite professionals. Activists and women’s safety advocates have underlined how bureaucratic status neither ensures nor guarantees safety or accountability.
The incident has led to calls for better support structures and systemic changes to protect survivors within public services.
Background checks reveal similar cases in recent years, with victims frequently reporting intimidation, misuse of official resources, and institutional protection for perpetrators. Experts stress the urgent need for robust mechanisms within the bureaucracy to report and redress domestic abuse confidentially and effectively.
If proven, allegations such as digital surveillance, blackmail, and physical violence not only constitute a criminal breach but also a flagrant misuse of government office.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case is a powerful reminder that domestic abuse knows no boundaries of wealth, education, or power. The Logical Indian stands in unequivocal solidarity with all survivors, underscoring the necessity for empathy, dialogue, and efficient legal redressal.
Policymakers must accelerate police responses, provide victim-friendly reporting mechanisms, and enforce stringent penalties for proven abuse-especially when government machinery is misused to silence or intimidate victims.
