In a decisive move to uphold discipline, Baloda Bazar police in Chhattisgarh have dismissed Constable Rahul Sharma from service after he remained absent without authorization for a staggering 311 days. The action, ordered by Superintendent of Police Bhawna Gupta on Tuesday, underscores the department’s zero-tolerance policy toward negligence.
Sharma, bearing constable number 215, vanished from duty starting April 5, 2025, without any prior notice or permission. Despite multiple notices and ample opportunities to participate in the departmental inquiry, he failed to respond, sealing his fate. Investigations revealed a pattern of misconduct, with 14 prior instances of unauthorized absence recorded in his service book over his tenure.
SP Gupta, a 2014-batch IPS officer currently leading Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara district, invoked powers under the Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules 1996 and Chhattisgarh Police Manual provisions to issue the dismissal order. Her leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on law and order, including recent successes like recovering 417 lost mobile phones worth Rs 63 lakh under the ‘Samadhan Abhiyan’ initiative.
This high-profile dismissal serves as a stern warning to all personnel. Police officials emphasize that prolonged absenteeism and non-cooperation in probes constitute grave breaches of discipline, warranting the harshest penalties. The move is expected to reinforce accountability across the force, ensuring public trust remains intact amid ongoing efforts to modernize policing in the region.
As Baloda Bazar continues its push for exemplary conduct, Sharma’s case highlights the consequences of dereliction. Department insiders note that such actions not only cleanse the ranks but also boost morale among committed officers striving to serve the community effectively.