The Madhya Pradesh State Government has rejected the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) application of special director general of police Purshottam Sharma. The rejection comes after two departmental inquiries were instituted against him. The relevant order was issued by the state government on Tuesday, dashing Sharma’s hopes of contesting elections from Joura constituency in Morena district.
Sharma was without work for several months while his VRS application was pending. He was suspended from service in September 2020 after a video went viral on social media showing the officer manhandling his wife. However, he managed to get his services reinstated after filing a case in the Supreme Court.
The rejection of Sharma’s VRS application is a setback for him, especially as he was planning to contest the upcoming elections. The state government’s decision to reject his application means Sharma will continue to serve until his departmental inquiries are completed.
In recent years, there have been many cases of officers applying for VRS to avoid disciplinary action or legal proceedings. However, the Madhya Pradesh State Government’s decision to reject Sharma’s application shows that it is committed to ensuring that officials face the consequences of their actions.
It remains to be seen whether Sharma will be able to overcome the inquiries to continue serving in his position. But for the moment, the rejection of his VRS application puts a halt to his plans of running for political office.
