Discipline took center stage in Baloda Bazar when police terminated the services of Constable Rahul Sharma for staying away from duty without leave for 311 days straight. SP Bhawna Gupta’s order on Tuesday marks a no-nonsense approach to rooting out absenteeism in the ranks.
Sharma’s unauthorized absence kicked off April 5, 2025, ignoring all subsequent summons for inquiry. His service record, marred by 14 prior no-shows, left no room for leniency. The department’s exhaustive process ensured due process, yet his non-participation confirmed flagrant insubordination.
Leveraging legal frameworks including the 1996 Civil Services Rules and Police Manual Clause 221(a), the 2014-batch IPS officer executed the dismissal. Gupta’s track record in multiple districts speaks to her focus on order, evidenced by recent triumphs like the recovery of 417 stolen phones worth over Rs 63 lakh.
This case sets a powerful precedent, with authorities stressing that such prolonged truancy undermines operational integrity. It’s a clarion call for accountability, particularly as the force builds on public goodwill from community initiatives.
Looking ahead, the dismissal is poised to galvanize the force, weeding out lax elements and sharpening focus on core responsibilities. In Chhattisgarh’s evolving policing landscape, actions like these fortify the bridge between law enforcers and the public they protect.