An Indian police constable in Uttar Pradesh has drawn attention after blaming his wife’s "nightmares" for his repeated tardiness, prompting an internal inquiry, officials said on Wednesday.
The constable, posted in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Meerut, responded to a show-cause notice by claiming he suffers from severe insomnia due to ongoing marital disputes. His response, which went viral on social media, has led officials to investigate both its authenticity and how it was leaked.
"My wife gives me nightmares, which keep me awake at night and cause delays," the constable wrote in his reply, according to a report by news agency PTI. He further described his night terrors, alleging, "My wife sits on my chest and tries to drink my blood with the intent to kill me."
Commandant of the 44th Battalion PAC, Sachindra Patel, confirmed an inquiry into the matter, adding that the viral response has raised concerns over the officer's mental health and duty performance.
The show-cause notice, issued on February 17 by Battalion In-Charge Dalnayak Madhusudan Sharma, accused the constable of arriving late for a morning briefing on February 16, being improperly groomed, and frequently missing unit activities. The lapses were deemed serious breaches of discipline.
In his reply, the constable claimed his sleep deprivation had led to delays and added that he was undergoing treatment for depression and irritability. He also cited personal distress, mentioning his mother's illness as a contributing factor.
Concluding his response, the officer made an emotional plea, stating he had "lost the will to live" and wished to "surrender" himself to god’s feet. He requested guidance from his superiors to attain spiritual salvation.
Officials have also launched a separate investigation into how the letter surfaced on social media.
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