Two Balaghat Police Officers Suspended for Indiscipline During Sensitive CM Helpline Review
In a stern move highlighting zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, have been suspended for displaying gross indiscipline during a crucial video conference review of pending CM Helpline complaints. This incident follows closely on the heels of another case where a police officer in the Shahdol range was reprimanded for wearing jeans on duty, underscoring a broader crackdown on lax behavior within the force.
Details of the Suspension Orders
The disciplinary action was initiated by Balaghat Superintendent of Police (SP) Aditya Mishra after a video conferencing session held on April 17 to assess unresolved complaints registered on the Chief Minister's Helpline. According to official suspension orders, ASI Ramkishore Rahangdale, stationed at Kotwali police station, was observed laughing during the review without any justifiable reason. When questioned about the status of pending cases under his purview, he failed to offer satisfactory explanations.
In a separate but concurrent order, ASI Pendarilal Ahake, posted at Kati police station, was found chewing paan (betel leaf) throughout the same official exercise. Similar to his colleague, Ahake was unable to provide updates on cases assigned to him, demonstrating a lack of preparedness and seriousness.
Conduct Deemed Indicative of Indiscipline
The suspension directives explicitly state that both officers exhibited behavior "indicative of indiscipline" during an official review process. One appeared casual and dismissive, while the other was unresponsive regarding critical case details. As a result, departmental inquiries have been formally launched against them. Pending further proceedings, both suspended ASIs have been attached to the reserve centre, effectively barring them from active duty.
SP Aditya Mishra's Statement on the Issue
Balaghat SP Aditya Mishra, in an interview, clarified that the primary concern was not merely the indiscipline but the profound insensitivity shown by the officers. He emphasized that the video conference specifically focused on reviewing CM Helpline complaints related to missing children—a matter of extreme sensitivity and emotional gravity.
"One of the officers was sitting with his station incharge and laughing; when asked, he had no update on the case assigned to him, nor did he have his case diary. Similar was the issue with the other one," Mishra stated. "The issue of missing children is very sensitive—if a family loses its child, only they can understand the trauma."
Broader Context and Ongoing Efforts
SP Mishra further highlighted the district police's intensive campaign to trace missing children, noting significant progress. "In the past 15 days, we have traced and recovered as many as 20 children missing for quite some time. A child was even recovered from as far as Nepal," he revealed. Expressing optimism, Mishra added, "In the next 7 days, we are hopeful of tracing and recovering another 25 such missing kids."
He also pointed out that disciplinary measures were not limited to the two suspended ASIs. "Action was taken against others also who were found negligent towards the issue," indicating a comprehensive review to ensure accountability and professionalism in handling sensitive cases.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the expectations placed on law enforcement officials, particularly when dealing with vulnerable sections of society. The suspensions reflect a firm stance against any conduct that undermines the seriousness of official duties, especially in matters as critical as missing children investigations.
