Patna: Around 200 police personnel, who have been absconding for over a year or more, are set to face dismissal as the deputy inspector-general of Patna central range Rajesh Kumar has asked the conducting officers to conclude the departmental proceedings within a month.

Rajesh, who is monitoring the disciplinary action against the absconders, told The Telegraph on Wednesday that all the conducting officers of the departmental proceedings against the absconders had been directed to complete the process by the end of this month.

The departmental proceedings against 137 constables and over 60 assistant sub-inspectors and sub-inspectors were initiated on the directive of the DIG following inspection of the new policeline in Patna on February 22 this year. The list of the erring officers facing charges was also published in newspapers.

Rajesh said only three constables have returned after show-cause notices were issued against them. "The three cops are also facing disciplinary action like their other colleagues who failed to report on duty even after repeated reminders," the DIG said.

While inspector-rank officers were appointed conducting officers to hear departmental proceedings against constables and assistant constables, deputy superintendents of police had been assigned to conduct proceedings against sub-inspectors.

Some police officials have been directed to ascertain the status of the absconding cops such as what they were doing after proceeding on leave or the reason behind not reporting to duty. A police official associated with the investigation said a few of the erring cops have got new jobs in other departments.

The salary of the absconders was stopped after the intervention of the DIG. A constable deputed at the new policeline said the records related to absconding cops have been updated. "Show-cause notices were sent to the postal addresses of the cops four times before recommending departmental proceeding against them," he added.

According to the Bihar Police Act 2007, a policeman, who remained elusive for more than six months without sanctioned leave, is liable for harsh punishment such as dismissal from service.

The DIG said: "The dismissal process will start once the departmental proceeding is complete and report of the conducting officers is submitted."

This is for the first time when such a large number of personnel would be dismissed from service. Earlier, a munshi (clerk) in the policeline, Raju Prasad, was put under suspension for not keeping the records up-to-date during inspection.#