Eccentric IAS Topper Pradeep Shukla Jailed in ₹5700 Cr Scam

• Pradeep Shukla, a 1981 batch IAS officer and former UPSC topper (Rank 2), faced a significant downfall due to corruption.
• He was implicated in the 5700 crore National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam (2009-2011) as Principal Secretary and Mission Director.
• The scam involved massive irregularities, tender violations, and neglect of health programs, leading to his imprisonment.
• Shukla was initially known for his brilliant academic record and an "eccentric" work style, often working late nights.
• His wife and son-in-law are also IAS officers; his daughter was arrested in a separate visa fraud case.

Why It Matters: Pradeep Shukla's fall from grace shows how corruption can destroy a brilliant IAS career.