A Madhya Pradesh Police constable has been suspended for refusing to cut his hair and trim his "absurd" and "ugly" moustache.
Constable Rakesh Rana, posted as a driver in the state police's transport wing, had been instructed to trim his moustache but failed to follow the order.
He was, therefore, suspended with immediate effect, the order said.
The order said Mr Rana's moustache had left a negative impression on other employees.
However, calling it a matter of "self-respect", Mr Rana refused to trim his moustache.
"I am a Rajput, and my moustache is my pride," he declared.
Prashant Sharma, the Assistant Inspector-General, who issued the order, told news agency PTI Mr Rana had been suspended because he did not follow a senior officer's order about his appearance.
"When his appearance was checked, the constable was found with hair grown and a moustache till the neck. He was directed to trim the hair as his turnout was awkward, but he did not follow the directives," Mr Sharma said.
Mr Rana, however, said that while he always ensured his uniform was correct in all aspects, he would not compromise on the issue of his moustache despite the suspension.
He said he had kept his moustache at this length for a long time.
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