A total of 84 police personnel in Sawai Madhopur have faced strict administrative action for remaining absent from their assigned duties during the high-profile Ranthambore Trinetra Ganeshi Lakkhi fair. Taking a firm stance against the lapse, the police department has sanctioned one day of unpaid leave for all these erring employees, which means they will forfeit a single day's salary for the default. The formal order in this regard was issued by the Superintendent of Police office on 16 October, penalizing personnel for their unauthorized absence on 12 सितंबर.
Personnel from sub-inspectors to constables caught
The punitive action encompasses a broad spectrum of ranks within the force, ranging from sub-inspectors down to ordinary constables. The official list features personnel deployed across various police stations, police lines, and administrative offices throughout the district. Given that a mega religious gathering of this scale requires rigorous security, crowd management, and public order maintenance, the unexcused absence of police staff during such a critical event prompted the department to intervene decisively.
The timeline of the September 12 absence
The annual Lakkhi fair dedicated to Trinetra Ganeshi at Ranthambore draws massive crowds of devotees every year, requiring meticulous logistical planning from law enforcement. Managing the enormous influx of pilgrims, maintaining foolproof security perimeters, and regulating traffic flow form the core responsibilities of the local police force during the festivities. For this purpose, personnel are routinely drafted from numerous police units and stations. However, during the specific operations on 12 सितंबर, these 84 personnel were found missing from their designated posts, leading to the retrospective disciplinary order issued on 16 October.
Wide-reaching scope across multiple units
The disciplinary notification is not concentrated within a single station or isolated precinct, but rather spans multiple departments and operational branches. Alongside personnel posted at various local police stations, the roster includes staff members working out of the police lines and administrative offices. This broad sweep highlights the administration's intent to crack down on absenteeism across the entire district machinery whenever major public events demand complete operational readiness and full-strength deployment.
Departmental emphasis on event security
The constant presence of law enforcement personnel remains vital during major festivals due to the relentless movement of devotees and the potential for logistical bottlenecks. The physical availability of assigned staff directly underpins crowd control and public safety measures. When individual officers or constables abandon their posts without authorization, it directly jeopardizes the operational framework and increases strain on available manpower. Consequently, the department has enforced the one-day salary deduction to deter similar dereliction of duty during major public events.
