Varanasi cop quits over gruelling duty, sparks police workload debate

Varanasi: An unusual resignation by a Varanasi police constable has brought alleged excessive workloads and irregular duty allocation at a local police station under scrutiny, after the officer said he was no longer physically or mentally capable of working continuously.

Constable Devgan Kumar Chauhan, posted at Ramnagar police station, shared his resignation letter in the station’s official WhatsApp group, citing the strain of prolonged duty and personal difficulties. He sought to be relieved of his responsibilities, saying he was an ordinary person with no special ability to work around the clock.

According to the resignation letter, Chauhan had been assigned uninterrupted duties for several days to provide security to a patient undergoing treatment at a trauma care centre, leaving him without adequate rest.

He also alleged serious irregularities in the station’s duty roster, claiming that some personnel were given favourable schedules while others were repeatedly burdened with excessive work. The unusual resignation quickly spread across social media, prompting senior police officials to intervene.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh summoned Chauhan and the station in-charge to examine the circumstances surrounding the resignation. The constable was also provided with counselling during the intervention.

The episode was subsequently resolved within the department after Chauhan indicated that he wanted to remain in service. His resignation application was therefore formally rejected.

The incident has nevertheless drawn attention to concerns over police working conditions, particularly allegations of excessive duty hours, inadequate rest and disparities in workload among personnel at the station.