OFF TRACK – Spinning khaki
Kiran Bedi
As I witnessed the resurgence of Gandhigiri across the media, I was
inspired to complete the loop and take the Mahatma to the police
headquarters and place him there as the police chief.
I have let my imagination run its course and must admit that the experience
has been joyful, therapeutic and spiritual.
Since no chief is without followers, I positioned and visualised myself as
one of his juniors, who observes how he handles various situations. Some of
the frames that flashed before my mind’s eye were: his accessibility to
ordinary citizens or junior ranks of the police service; his handling of
VIPs and their innumerable recommendations, justified or otherwise; and his
views on crime registration, interrogation, collection of evidence and
prosecution of offenders. What would be his advice on interference by
politicians, bureaucrats, influential persons and one’s own seniors? Or the
reality of frequent transfers?
Gandhiji led by example what he wanted to see in others. Truth and
compassion were the cornerstones of this chief ‘s philosophy and management
style. His tenets and practices included being out of home by 8 a.m. and
daily visits to different units, either by surprise or after prior
announcement. Whichever unit he visited, he first listened to the staff. He
smiled and rejoiced and made the police personnel relax and smile. All
saluted him out of love, not hierarchy.
When questioned on the matter of using one’s discretion, he said, “Follow
the law with compassion. Do only that which is just and fair. Spare no one
and never be revengeful. Look after the person in your custody. He is in
your care. Ensure no one uses any force against him. Use technology and
scientific methods of interrogation and investigation. Never attribute to
him anything that is false. Remain truthful.” To a question on how
convictions could be secured if the path of truth alone were to be followed,
he smiled and elucidated: “The results of following the truth cannot be
worse than the present state of affairs. On the contrary, since you will be
believed by the courts and the people, it will gradually make it difficult
for the defence to prove falsehood. This is how you will win the trust of
the people. Remember, you are an investigator and not a judge. Do your duty
truthfully. Believe and practice righteousness and in the right means to the
right end. Pray for peace for all before you go to sleep.” On the issue of
outside influences impacting policing decisions, he said, “Remember, we are
trustees of citizens’ security. It is a sacred duty.” I wondered whether we
would ever see a real Gandhi in uniform. And the spirit of Gandhiji replied
with a resounding ‘yes’. This may not just be wishful thinking, especially
after the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on police reforms, directing
the Centre and state governments to replace the colonial-era Police Act of
1861.
I firmly believe the future may well belong to Gandhigiri. It is just a
matter of time.
The writer is a senior IPS officer
URL :
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