In a shocking instance of administrative oversight, a police constable from Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district managed to receive a salary totaling ₹28 lakh over 12 years without ever actually serving in the police force.
The constable was recruited into the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2011 and was initially assigned to the Bhopal Police Lines. Shortly after his appointment, he was scheduled to undergo basic police training at the Sagar Police Training Centre, which was mandatory for his batch. However, instead of attending the training, he quietly returned to his hometown in Vidisha, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ankita Khaterkar.
Rather than applying for leave or notifying any senior officials, the constable mailed his service documents back to the Bhopal Police Lines via speed post. These were received and accepted without any verification of his whereabouts or confirmation of training attendance, ACP Khaterkar said. Neither the training centre flagged his prolonged absence, nor did the Bhopal Police Lines question it.
Over the following years, the constable never appeared for duty. Nevertheless, his name remained on the active roll, and he continued to draw a monthly salary without interruption—ultimately accumulating more than ₹28 lakh, despite never working at a police station or attending training.
The irregularity came to light only in 2023, during a routine pay grade evaluation for the 2011 recruitment batch. Authorities were unable to identify the constable or locate any of his official work history. When officials tried to track his service records, they found no trace of any postings, assignments, or duties performed.
“It seemed implausible that someone could have been on duty for 12 years and not been assigned a single case or involved in any official work,” an official remarked.
When summoned for questioning, the constable claimed he had been suffering from mental health issues that prevented him from reporting for duty. He presented documents in support of his claim, ACP Khaterkar said.
"The constable in question joined the police force in 2011. Although, he was supposed to be sent for training along with the rest of his batch, he cited personal reasons and was allowed to go separately. While, the others completed their training and returned, the constable never reported. Since he went alone, there was no return record maintained for him," ACP Khaterkar told India Today TV.
"Despite never completing his training or joining active duty, his name continued to be reflected in police records as a newly-appointed constable. He remained on the rolls and his salary was credited regularly every year. The issue came to light when, 12 years later, his records were reviewed as part of a time-bound pay grade evaluation," she said.
In his defense, the constable stated that he was unaware of the updated police procedures at the time and blamed poor communication and his health problems for his prolonged absence.
So far, he has refunded ₹1.5 lakh to the department and has agreed to repay the rest through deductions from his future salary. He is currently stationed at the Bhopal Police Lines and is under close observation, according to ACP Khaterkar.
The inquiry is ongoing, and statements from other personnel are being collected. Officials stated that disciplinary action will be taken against any officers found guilty of negligence or failure to supervise the matter, following directives from higher authorities.
The constable was recruited into the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2011 and was initially assigned to the Bhopal Police Lines. Shortly after his appointment, he was scheduled to undergo basic police training at the Sagar Police Training Centre, which was mandatory for his batch. However, instead of attending the training, he quietly returned to his hometown in Vidisha, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ankita Khaterkar.
Rather than applying for leave or notifying any senior officials, the constable mailed his service documents back to the Bhopal Police Lines via speed post. These were received and accepted without any verification of his whereabouts or confirmation of training attendance, ACP Khaterkar said. Neither the training centre flagged his prolonged absence, nor did the Bhopal Police Lines question it.
Over the following years, the constable never appeared for duty. Nevertheless, his name remained on the active roll, and he continued to draw a monthly salary without interruption—ultimately accumulating more than ₹28 lakh, despite never working at a police station or attending training.
The irregularity came to light only in 2023, during a routine pay grade evaluation for the 2011 recruitment batch. Authorities were unable to identify the constable or locate any of his official work history. When officials tried to track his service records, they found no trace of any postings, assignments, or duties performed.
“It seemed implausible that someone could have been on duty for 12 years and not been assigned a single case or involved in any official work,” an official remarked.
When summoned for questioning, the constable claimed he had been suffering from mental health issues that prevented him from reporting for duty. He presented documents in support of his claim, ACP Khaterkar said.
"The constable in question joined the police force in 2011. Although, he was supposed to be sent for training along with the rest of his batch, he cited personal reasons and was allowed to go separately. While, the others completed their training and returned, the constable never reported. Since he went alone, there was no return record maintained for him," ACP Khaterkar told India Today TV.
"Despite never completing his training or joining active duty, his name continued to be reflected in police records as a newly-appointed constable. He remained on the rolls and his salary was credited regularly every year. The issue came to light when, 12 years later, his records were reviewed as part of a time-bound pay grade evaluation," she said.
In his defense, the constable stated that he was unaware of the updated police procedures at the time and blamed poor communication and his health problems for his prolonged absence.
So far, he has refunded ₹1.5 lakh to the department and has agreed to repay the rest through deductions from his future salary. He is currently stationed at the Bhopal Police Lines and is under close observation, according to ACP Khaterkar.
The inquiry is ongoing, and statements from other personnel are being collected. Officials stated that disciplinary action will be taken against any officers found guilty of negligence or failure to supervise the matter, following directives from higher authorities.
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