161 Cops 'Missing' From Kanpur? Police Officials Untraceable For Over 6 Months Despite Repeated Notices — Here's What Happened

Kanpur: In a bizarre incident, at least 161 police personnel posted under the Kanpur Police Commissionerate have gone "missing" from duty. While some haven't been around for a few days, others for as long as six months, with no response to repeated official enquiry.

The situation has raised an alarm withing the department, which has now classified all of them as "dislocated", a formal status for officers who have effectively abandoned their postings.

But, What Happened?

According to department sources quoted by Punjab Kesari, most of these missing personnel had initially taken leave to visit their hometowns; however, they failed to return to duty. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to them, there has been no communication from their side.

The absentees are spread across all four zones of the Commissionerate, including those posted at police lines, headquarters, and within the traffic department. Authorities say that each of the missing personnel received at least two letters at their registered home addresses, but not a single one has replied or reported back to work.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) S M Qasim Abidi confirmed the lapse to ABP News and said, “Strict action will be taken as per rules against those who have been absent for such extended periods.”

He also added that efforts are still underway to trace the personnel, and the department has submitted a detailed report to police headquarters regarding the matter.

Concerns Over Leave Policy

Insiders within the police department admitted that getting formal leave remains a difficult process, and officers often face delays or refusals, which could explain the reluctance of some to return on time. However, the scale of absenteeism in this case has pushed the department to consider tightening existing leave and accountability rules.

While personal and family issues may be behind some of the extended absences, officials said that the importance of communication and adherence to protocol, especially in a profession where discipline and availability are paramount.

Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 12:32 PM IST