Thirty-three policemen are likely to face disciplinary action for dereliction of duty during Holi. Among them 21 were deployed in Patna.

The policemen were found absent from duty during a surprise inspection carried out by senior police officers, who were assigned to enforce law and order and maintain communal harmony in the society during the two-day festival.

Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Jitendra Rana said: "The erring cops would be put under suspension and departmental proceedings would be initiated against them. However, they would be given opportunity to explain the reasons for violating the senior's order."

The respective deputy superintendents of police, who recommended disciplinary action against them, submitted the list of the erring cops to the SSP office. "Such a gaffe can't be tolerated," he said over phone on Sunday.