Sat Jan 24 15:59:51 UTC 2026: # Telangana High Court Orders CRPF to Process Benefits for Missing Constable’s Father

The Story: The Telangana High Court has ruled in favor of a sexagenarian father, M. Appa Rao, whose son, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable named Srikanth, has been missing for over a decade. The court instructed the CRPF authorities to process the father’s claim for service benefits, overturning the CRPF’s decision to remove Srikanth from service following his disappearance in June 1, 2015. The bench criticized the CRPF for failing to maintain records and CCTV footage relevant to the case.

Key Points:

  • M. Appa Rao filed a writ petition seeking service benefits for his missing son, Srikanth, a CRPF constable.
  • Srikanth went missing from CRPF Group Centre, Jharodakalan, New Delhi, in 2015 after being declared unfit for combat duty due to a leg amputation in 2014.
  • The CRPF ordered an ex-parte departmental inquiry and removed Srikanth from service.
  • The Telangana High Court quashed the CRPF’s order, stating that M. Appa Rao should not be subjected to an appeal process given his son’s untraceable status.
  • The court criticized the CRPF for the absence of records and CCTV footage related to Srikanth’s disappearance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The court prioritized the rights of the family over bureaucratic procedures in cases involving missing personnel.
  • The ruling highlights the CRPF’s accountability in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the safety of its personnel, even those undergoing rehabilitation.
  • The verdict emphasizes the importance of transparency and due diligence in handling cases of missing service members.
  • The court’s statement suggests a concern that families might be discouraged from military service if institutions do not properly care for service members.

Impact Analysis:

This ruling could set a precedent for similar cases involving missing or untraceable service members, prompting authorities to be more proactive in investigations and more considerate of the families affected. The CRPF, and potentially other paramilitary organizations, may need to revise their protocols for handling missing personnel and improve record-keeping practices to avoid similar legal challenges in the future. It is likely that there will be renewed scrutiny of the welfare and support systems in place for disabled service members, particularly during rehabilitation and retraining programs.

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