17-05-2025
Retired army officer denied police constable job despite topping exam
Nagpur: Retired Naik Subedar
Lakhan Baghel
, an
ex-serviceman
from the Indian Army's artillery division, has approached chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking intervention after being disqualified from the
Maharashtra police constable recruitment
process, despite topping the examination in the Scheduled Caste ex-servicemen category.
Baghel, who served the nation from 2001 until his retirement in December 2022, appeared for the police constable recruitment exam for the 2022-23 batch. In July 2024, he excelled in the physical test, securing a perfect 50 out of 50, followed by a score of 53 out of 100 in the written exam conducted on July 28. Despite his outstanding performance and Army background, he was disqualified due to a criminal case filed in 2011 by his in-laws, which led to charges under BNS Sections 498(A), 324, and 506 related to domestic violence and assault.
Baghel clarified that the matter was a family dispute and that the Nagpur District Court acquitted him of all charges in 2016. "The case is behind me. I was declared not guilty. Yet, that old incident is being used against me," said Baghel.
During the application process, Baghel marked 'No' in the column asking whether he was ever arrested, stating he believed his acquittal and clean legal record made the answer appropriate.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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However, recruitment authorities cited the past FIR as grounds for rejection, ignoring the subsequent acquittal.
The retired officer made several attempts to appeal the decision, including formal representations to the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, but received no response. As a last resort, he raised the issue directly with CM Fadnavis during the Janata Darbar held on Saturday.
"CM sir assured me that he would personally look into the matter," said Baghel.
A former English-medium student who completed the required recruitment course in Marathi, Baghel emphasised his willingness and readiness to serve Maharashtra in a new capacity. "After over 20 years in uniform, all I ask for is fair treatment. My only wish is to serve again—this time as a police constable," he said.
