SC, ST, OBC markings seen on chests of new recruits, MP police order probe

Reserved category constables who underwent a medical examination at a government hospital in Dhar had their castes marked on their chests, an exercise the district police administration said was not authorised.

More than 200 newly recruited constables were examined at the Dhar district hospital from Wednesday to measure their physical parameters like height, weight etc. A couple of police officials were also present during the medical examination by doctors.

Dhar Superintendent of Police Veerendra Singh admitted that castes were marked on the candidates’ chests. “There was no ill will. They must have done it for convenience because the number of constables was very high,” he said.

Sources in the health department said the medical examination of the more than 300 recruits to the district police and special armed force in Dhar began at the district government hospital on Wednesday. 

The ongoing medical examination, mandatory before joining duty, is being conducted by a medical board headed by Dr Sushil Kumar Khare, a civil surgeon at the district hospital.