In a serious breach of protocol, a police officer in Jharkhand's Palamu district has been suspended and faces a departmental inquiry after his service revolver was reported missing. The incident, which involved a member of the Tiger Mobile police unit, occurred under circumstances that have raised significant concerns.
Cop Found Inebriated, Weapon Misplaced
The suspended constable has been identified as Baidyanath Prasad Yadav. The situation unfolded on the intervening night of January 8 and 9, when Yadav was reportedly on duty at the Town outpost in Daltonganj. According to the official report, Yadav was found in a state of intoxication. More alarmingly, his official firearm was not on his person.
The sequence of events reveals a startling lapse. The constable had allegedly climbed onto the rooftop of a shop located in the vicinity of the Daltonganj railway station. During this unauthorized climb, his service revolver slipped from its holster and fell onto the roof. The weapon remained there, separated from the officer, until it was discovered by a police search team later.
Swift Action by Senior Superintendent
Taking immediate and strict cognizance of the grave negligence, Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Reeshma Ramesan ordered decisive action on Friday. Constable Baidyanath Prasad Yadav was placed under suspension with immediate effect. Simultaneously, a formal departmental inquiry was initiated to investigate the full extent of the misconduct and procedural failures.
Following the suspension order, Yadav has been attached to the Police Lines, a standard procedure during such disciplinary processes. The recovery of the revolver, found intact on the shop's roof, did not mitigate the severity of the offense in the eyes of the department, which emphasizes utmost responsibility in handling firearms.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for Negligence
This incident underscores the Jharkhand police administration's stated zero-tolerance policy towards negligence, especially concerning weapon security and discipline while on duty. The actions of SP Reeshma Ramesan send a clear message about the consequences of dereliction of duty. The departmental inquiry will now examine all aspects, including the circumstances leading to the officer being in an inebriated state while on active duty and the subsequent loss of his firearm.
Such disciplinary measures are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that law enforcement officials adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The case serves as a stern reminder to the force about the paramount importance of safeguarding government-issued weapons at all times.
