In a first-of-its-kind performance review after the commissionerate system was implemented in Varanasi, glaring gaps in police readiness were exposed. From sub-inspectors unable to file FIRs to a controversial reinstatement of a previously suspended officer, the review has sparked questions about internal discipline and public accountability within the force.
Mass Review Reveals Stark Skill Gaps Among Sub-Inspectors
For the first time since Varanasi adopted the police commissionerate model, a large-scale monthly performance reviewof sub-inspectors has laid bare startling deficiencies in policing competence. Held at Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal’s camp office, the review assessed 589 sub-inspectors across a range of policing parameters — from FIR drafting and public interaction to field operations.
Out of these, 145 sub-inspectors scored below 25 out of 100, with over 50 unable to write a First Information Report (FIR) — a fundamental task in law enforcement. Additionally, 100 officers were found lacking in public dealing skills.
To address these gaps, the underperformers have been attached to the Police Lines for one month of mandatory retraining, which will include foot patrolling, parade drills, and sessions on public engagement and procedural duties. The commissioner has warned that continued underperformance will lead to departmental action, with daily counselling sessions planned for batches of 10 officers.
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Star Performers and Public Safety Directives
While the majority revealed areas of concern, six sub-inspectors emerged as ‘star performers’, scoring above 75% in the internal assessment. These officers — including Rajdarpan Tiwari and Amarjeet Kumar (Manduadih), Vikas Maurya (Rohaniya), Meenu Singh (Chetganj), Niharika Sahu (Kotwali), and Anshu Pandey (Ramnagar) — will be publicly felicitated.
Alongside the internal review, Commissioner Agrawal chaired a crime control meeting, directing all ACP-level officers and station heads to intensify action against:
- Illegal hookah bars and spas involved in immoral activities
- Online gambling, street betting, and black film violations
- Alcohol smuggling and street stunt performers
- Incidents of chain snatching, looting, and organized crime
He instructed all officers to ensure night patrolling in marketplaces and compulsory response to CUG phones, warning of consequences for negligence.
Controversial Appointments Undermine Reform Narrative
Amid these reformative measures, a highly controversial decision has drawn sharp internal and public scrutiny — the reappointment of Inspector Pramod Kumar as Station House Officer (SHO) of Mirzamurad.
Pramod Kumar, who was previously suspended for misconduct involving the mistreatment and expulsion of a woman complainant, had only recently been posted to the Dial-112 control unit after facing internal disciplinary action. The same officer who was ordered to be line-attached earlier in a crime review meeting, was officially reinstated as SHOduring a follow-up meeting — a move many are calling regressive and demoralizing.
Simultaneously, Inspector Sudhir Kumar Tripathi was removed and sent to the Police Lines, amid allegations of protecting gambling syndicates and failing to act on serious complaints in his jurisdiction.
These decisions come at a time when the commissioner is urging transparency, accountability, and citizen-focused policing. The contrast between merit-based rewards and questionable reappointments risks undermining public trust and the reform drive’s credibility.