A police constable in Kathua district has been dismissed from service for an extended period of unauthorized absence, spanning over two and a half years without any official sanction. The decision was announced by the Kathua police, highlighting a significant breach of departmental discipline.
The dismissed officer has been identified as Selection Grade Constable Bachan Sharma, a resident of Dhaloti village in Marheen. He was serving at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Kathua. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Sharma was appointed to the Jammu and Kashmir Police in 2011. His prolonged absence commenced on November 10, 2023, while he was posted at the DPL Kathua.
Despite multiple attempts to re-establish contact and ensure his return to duty, the constable remained absent. Police officials stated that repeated notices, wireless messages, and summons issued through Police Station Rajbagh were disregarded. Furthermore, opportunities were provided through show-cause notices and even public announcements in leading newspapers, yet Sharma failed to report back for his duties. This persistent failure to adhere to service protocols led to the initiation of a departmental inquiry.
The departmental inquiry, conducted to investigate the circumstances of his absence, found Constable Bachan Sharma guilty of wilful and prolonged unauthorized absence. The inquiry also concluded that his actions demonstrated a gross disregard for the established discipline and regulations of the police department. The severity of the offense, characterized by the extensive duration of absence and the lack of any valid justification, prompted a stringent response from the authorities.
Taking a serious view of the findings from the departmental inquiry, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma, ordered the dismissal of Selection Grade Constable Bachan Sharma. The dismissal is effective from November 10, 2023, the very date from which his unauthorized absence was officially recorded. This retroactive application of the dismissal underscores the department’s stance on accountability and the importance of consistent service.
Following his dismissal, the former constable has been directed to return all government-issued items in his possession. He is also required to obtain the necessary clearance certificates from the department. Failure to comply with these directives could result in further legal action being taken against him under the relevant laws. The police department emphasized that such actions are taken to maintain the integrity and operational efficiency of the force, ensuring that all personnel adhere to their service obligations.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by individuals who fail to meet their professional responsibilities within the police force. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, like other law enforcement agencies, maintain strict protocols regarding attendance and duty adherence. Unauthorized absences, especially those of extended duration, are treated as serious offenses, often leading to disciplinary actions ranging from reprimands to dismissal from service, depending on the gravity and circumstances of the case. The dismissal of Constable Sharma reflects the department’s commitment to enforcing its rules and regulations uniformly across all ranks.
The spokesperson for the Kathua police reiterated that the department expects its personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and commitment. Any deviation from these standards, particularly prolonged and unexcused absence, undermines the operational readiness and public trust in the police force. The process followed in this case, including the issuance of multiple notices and opportunities for the constable to explain his absence, demonstrates a thorough and fair disciplinary procedure. The final decision to dismiss was made only after all avenues for resolution through communication and inquiry were exhausted, and the constable’s absence remained unexplained and unauthorized.
The dismissal of a police constable for such an extended period of unauthorized absence is a significant event within the district’s law enforcement community. It signals a zero-tolerance policy towards dereliction of duty and reinforces the expectation that all members of the police force must remain accountable for their service. The directive for the return of government property and the issuance of certificates are standard procedures following dismissal, aimed at ensuring that no official leaves the service without settling all departmental dues and returning all assets belonging to the government. The potential for further legal action highlights the seriousness with which such breaches of conduct are viewed.
The incident in Kathua underscores the challenges faced by police departments in maintaining discipline and ensuring the presence of all personnel on duty. While the reasons for Constable Bachan Sharma’s prolonged absence remain undisclosed in the official statement, the outcome of the departmental inquiry clearly indicates that no satisfactory explanation or justification was provided to the authorities. The police department’s actions are a testament to its resolve in upholding the rule of law and maintaining order within its own ranks, ensuring that the public can rely on a fully functional and dedicated police force.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.