Varanasi: In a major embarrassment for the Varanasi Commissionerate Police, 180 sub-inspectors (SIs) have been attached to the Police Lines after failing a comprehensive performance review ordered by Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal, an IPS officer of 1997 batch. The decision comes after the officers were found severely lacking in key policing duties, including investigation, public grievance redressal, and fieldwork.
The review revealed shocking figures – 107 sub-inspectors scored zero on every evaluation parameter, while 345 officers failed to even score in double digits. Over 589 SIs were reviewed, and more than 50 could not even draft a proper FIR. Some had not made a single NBW (non-bailable warrant) arrest, while others had failed to remove illegal loudspeakers or dispose of even a single investigation.
Training Begins in Police Lines
Following the order issued over the weekend, over 40 of the listed sub-inspectors reported to the Police Lines late Sunday night. The rest are expected to join soon. These officers are now undergoing intensive retraining in batches, covering physical, practical, and theoretical sessions from 6 am to 8 pm over a three-day schedule.
Topics include:
- Foot patrolling and riot control
- Firearms handling (pistol, INSAS, .303 rifle)
- Use of CM Dashboard and IGRS complaint systems
- Communication with citizens and case investigation
- Overview of the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA)
- Cybercrime trends and helpline protocols
Senior officers, including 4 IPS officers, 3 ASPs, and 6 ACPs, are conducting the sessions. Training responsibilities have been assigned to officials like ADCP Kashi Sarvanan, ADCP Neetu Kadyan, ADCP Shruti Srivastava, and others.
Zero Tolerance for Incompetence
Commissioner Mohit Agrawal ordered the review as part of an accountability initiative after the Commissionerate system was implemented. The findings point to widespread lapses – 550 officers showed negligence in prompt action, 300 made no NBW arrests, and more than 400 had no significant performance record.
A minute-to-minute training schedule has been prepared, and the officers are being subjected to both discipline drills and public engagement practices. Following this retraining, their performance will be reviewed again next month, and further postings will depend on improvement.
Departmental Action Likely
Officials have warned that those who fail again may face departmental proceedings. The Commissionerate has made it clear that policing standards will not be compromised, and officers unwilling or unable to meet expectations will not be retained in key field roles.
This is the first time such a large-scale performance audit has been conducted in the Varanasi Commissionerate, and it signals a strict turn toward discipline, professionalism, and public accountability in the police force.
