RAIPUR: An assistant sub-inspector and a constable posted in Durg district were suspended after they were found allegedly intoxicated and tipsy near the bus stand in Ambikapur on Monday morning, with the ASI’s service INSAS rifle lying unattended nearby.The two personnel – ASI Prakash Ekka and constable Rishikant Tripathi – had been sent from Durg on Oct 17 in connection with escorting a prisoner to Ambikapur central jail.Police said the prisoner was lodged in the jail on Oct 18, after which the two personnel reached the bus stand to return to Durg.
On Monday morning, local residents found both policemen lying near a roadside kiosk in an apparently intoxicated condition. The ASI’s INSAS rifle was also found unattended close to them. Videos of the incident were recorded by bystanders and later circulated on social media.Rifle secured, Durg SP orders suspensionResidents informed the bus stand police outpost, following which a police team reached the spot and took the rifle into safe custody.Surguja SP Rajesh Agrawal informed Durg SP Vijay Agrawal about the incident. The Durg SP subsequently suspended both personnel and attached them to the police lines pending further departmental action.
The incident has raised serious questions over weapon security and conduct while on escort duty, particularly as the personnel were carrying a service firearm during official deployment.Further departmental inquiry is expected to examine how the weapon was left unattended and whether the personnel had consumed alcohol while still on duty.
