Unsung Heroes 2015 English by FAIR media

2015 Editon

ENGLISH EDITION

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WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

ANURAG SHARMA, IPS

Sri Nayani Narasimha Reddy

Sri Anurag Sharma, IPS,

Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Home Minister

DGP, Telangana State

Smt B. Sumathi, IPS

Sri T. Venkanna

Sri S. Sunrender Reddy

SP, Medak district

Addl. SP, Mediak District

Dy. SP, RC Puram

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

SALUTE5

To all heroes who marched into martydom

Page

My Word

The war hasn’t come to an end. May be it doesn’t ever end.

The war shall go on and on.

‘T’ COPS’ ARE THE BEST

In this war, there will be sacrifices and supreme sacrifices..

Anti-terror ops win fulsome praise

Page

“Let’s Protect The Eyelid”

For the common man and for the country.

Let the memories of

MARTYRS NOT FADE Page

Pandarinath Prabhala Editor

There would be souls immortal that long to climb up the altar to offer themselves. In a war between the good and the bad.

Hundreds of martyrs become cannon fodder. Their sacrifices light up the pathway.

For a society to become egalitarian and for the blood-letting to end.

There needs to be a change in the way we look at our police on duty.

The policeman was not born for sacrifices. He too wants to live like any other normal human being and spend time with his family. But, he is giving his today for our tomorrow.

In the call of duty, he is never found wanting. While on duty, he doesn’t think of himself.

POLICE SACRIFICES ARE PRICELESS Page

IN THE FINEST TRADITION OF MARTYRED GURUS Page 22 Editor Pandarinath Prabhala

Editorial Consultants Payam Sudhakaran Suryaputra, Md.Yazdani Associate Editors Vijay Nellutla Silveri Srisailam

Content Coordination Palle Anjaneyulu

Smiling cop.. and supreme sacrifice Page

Advertising support Sri Charana Communications Admin. Head: Ravinder Rao Panuganti Marketing Head: M Nikhil Reddy Design & Layout: Srinivas T

Printed & Published by Mamillapalli Madhuri

Let’s spare a moment or two, a tear or two for the cop on duty. This year till now 437 cops laid their lives for the country. Let’s protect the eyelid that protects the allimportant eye. Let’s salute our police martyrs.

Let’s pay our respectful tributes to those who gave their today for our tomorrow. on behalf of FAIR media, Administrative office: FAIR Media, Flat No. 101, Babu Complex, SRK Puram, Hyderabad 500102, Mobile: 9666242767 Email: info.fairmedia@gmail.com

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

To all heroes who marched into martydom

SALUTE

he cops sacrifice their present for our future. They give their today so that the society lives in peace and prosperity tomorrow. They not just sacrifice their present, they also sacrifice the jobs and happiness of their family members. They do not swerve away from their path and are ever ready for supreme sacrifice. The police man is never sure as to when he would return from his duty. There are occasions when he might never return. The Suryapet incident, which happened in the dead of the night, stands testimony to the saga of the men in Khaki. The story has all it takes to make one teary-eyed.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

Ground Report: Pandarinath Prabhala,

Vishnundas Srikanth, Md Yazdani, D. Kamal

The placid midnight tranquil was shattered and there was blood all over. Before the cops could react, the duo ran away firing upon them.

The high-tech Bus stand in Suryapet. The world is in deep slumber. The clock had already struck 12 in the night. There were two home guards on duty at the bus stand. They were sipping piping hot tea. One of them was looking at the passengers in a stationary bus. The other had his gaze fixed on the people entering the bus station. The home guard found something strange in the behavior of two youths sitting in the bus. Their

demeanor was different and there was an air suspicion around them. They immediately alerted CI Mogulaiah and kept a close watch on the duo. Meanwhile, Mogulaiah arrived at the bus station with his men. They made the duo get down from the bus and began shooting off questions at them. The duo was mumbling incoherent replies. As the questioning intensified, both pulled out the revolvers and shot the police. Before they could understand what was happening,

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

bullets pierced through the bodies of both the cops. Constable Lingaiah and Home Guard Mahesh slumped onto the ground, while CI Mogulaiah and home guard Kishore suffered bullet injuries. The placid midnight tranquil was shattered and there was blood all over. Before the cops could react, the duo ran away firing upon them. The passengers and bystanders were mortified. They were shellshocked and couldn’t figure out what was happening around them. IG and SP Prabhakar Rao rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. Tears welled up their eyes as they saw their colleagues lying lifeless in a pool of blood. Till a few moments ago, they were full of life and were busy doing their job of policing. There was a pall of gloom. CI Mogulaiah and Home Guard Mahesh, who suffered injuries, were rushed to KIMS hospital in Hyderabad after first aid in Suryapet. Telangana DGP Anurag Sharma observed the CCTV footage obtained from the bus stand. Based on the make of the bullets recovered from the spot, the cops felt the assailants could be from either UP or Bihar. Another key give away was the guns used. They were country made and the bullets were typically North Indian in their make. The police in both the Telugu states went on a high alert and began the search to nab both the marauders.

Alertness saved their day Both the assailants wanted to get far away from the scene of offence. So, they decided to hijack a fourwheeler. They tried to stop a four-wheeler on the Highway. The car belonged to one Dorababu of West Godavari. He was bound for Hyderabad. Dorababu grew suspicious of the due and sped his car. The duo went berserk and began firing

Dreamt to be a cop, died a valiant warrior Siddhaiah always wanted to be a cop. He used to say that even as a child. Siddhaiah studied matriculation in Jadcharla’s Shantinagar and did his degree at Mahabubnagar.

s a cop who made the supreme sacrifice even during the probationary period, Siddhaiah represents all that is best in the police department. He gave importance to the well being of the people and put his own life at risk.Protection of the common man’s life was his motto and he lived and died for it. Siddhaiah hailed from Jadcharla in Mahbubnagar. His father was Chinna Dastagir and mother was Dastagiramma. He had two brothers – Maa Basha and Dastagiri and a daughter. Siddhaiah’s father hailed from Chintalacheruvu in Chagalamarri mandal of Kurnool district and migrated to Badepalli Patha Bazaar in Jadcharla some 25 years ago. Siddhaiah always wanted to be a cop. He used to say that even as a child. His father died 10 years ago and it was his mother who toiled hard to get him educated. Siddhaiah studied matriculation in Jadcharla’s Shantinagar and did his degree at Mahabubnagar. He obtained MBA from Hyderabad. I got qualified in the SI test in 2012 and he managed to pass in the first attempt.He joined the service as a probationary SI in Atmakur of Nalgonda and married Dharaneesha of Rameswaram in Proddatur mandal of Kadapa district. Quite heart-wrenchingly his wife gave birth to a pretty baby boy on the very day when Siddhaiah got admitted to the hospital with life-threateningly critical injuries. He died without ever getting to see his dear son. There were four bullets lodged in his body. The doctors could remove three. But the fourth was in his brain and he was profusely bleeding. The doctors thought the fourth bullet could be taken out after the bleeding stopped. But. Siddhaiah’s body stopped responding and his condition fell from bad to worse. It was a veritable battle for life that Siddhaiah lost. This proud police, who pitted himself against the terrorists’ bullet in the most heroic manner possible died a proud man – a man who made supreme sacrifice in the cause of the duty and the country. Siddhaiah died on his wedding anniversary. Birth and death were his’. His whole life was for people’s welfare. Jadcharla mourned the death of the hero. The whole town turned up to pay its last respects to the hero. People from all walks of life flooded Jadcharla from all across the district and the state. DGP Anurag Sharma, ministers Lakshma Reddy and Jupalle Krishna Rao, senior Congress leaders Jana Reddy, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Chinna Reddy and several others paid their last respects to the departed soul. The people cried bitterly at the martyrdom of their son of the soil. People lined up both sides of the road to pay their last respects amid heartful chants of “Siddhaiah Amar Rahe.” The last rites were performed according to Islamic traditions at the Old Bazaar Kabaristan with full government honours.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

‘T’ COPS’ ARE THE BEST T

Anti-terror ops win fulsome praise

he 52-hour long track down operations of Telangana police, which resulted in felling five dreaded Indian Mujahideen terrorists, has won nation-wide acclaim for their derring do and the clinical precision of the operations. The Central intelligence and security organizations have lauded the efforts of Telangana police. Two terrorists were shot dead on April 5, 2015 in Janakipuram of Nalgonda, while three others were shot dead while trying to flee from police custody. The terrorists had escaped from Khandwa jail in Madhya Pradesh and have been at large for well over two years. The first two terrorists were initially mistaken for robbers and the operations initially were molded on anti-robbery mode. But, soon it became clear that they were the most wanted terrorists and the Telangana police put in place a contingency plan to nail them down. The Islamic terrorists were involved a host of bank robberies and detonated bombs in Bangalore and Chennai. They were a grave challenge to the national security and the safety of the people. The police of several states were trying to track them down, but had repeatedly failed. The terrorists had always had a trick up their sleeves and gave a slip at the nick of the moment. The Telangana police had cleverly kept the whole operation a secret and used media channels to tout a story that the slain terrorists were mere robbers. This helped them to mislead the terrorists and their cohorts and enabled the cops to get better of them. Their elimination has brought a sigh of relief to the police across the country in general and those of MP< Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in particular. The police officials and experts from across the nation have trooped to Hyderabad to study the police modus operandi. The Central Home Department and the

intelligence wing have also lauded the operations mounted by the Telangana police. The terrorists were so dreaded and feared that only a fortnight ago, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern about their roaming free for over two years. He had even sent a communication to the state home ministers and the police mandarins across the country asking them to be vigilant against the possible acts of terror that the dreaded terrorists were planning. The most striking feature of the operations was that everyone from the level of a home guard to that of the DGP was involved in the operations and they worked in perfect tandem. The way they ensured that the ordinary civilians were not put in the harm’s way. In a planned manner, they ensured that the terrorists were cornered and cordoned in a place where the possibility of loss of ordinary lives was fully contained. The cops spent sleepless nights and displayed high level of endurance and perseverance even when some of their prized colleagues were killed by the terrorists’ gun fire. They displayed bravery and courage of the highest order to eliminate the terror elements. The Hyderabad and the Telangana police have also played a key role in locating the raw material providers and the terrorist supply chains. They succeeded in identifying as many as 35 bomb makers and raw material suppliers. They also revealed that bombs were being made in Karnataka’s Bhatkal and helped Karnataka police foil a possible terror attack. The precision operations of the Telangana police have won fulsome praise from all quarters and antiterror experts. The text book style operations of Telangana police have become benchmarks for future operations.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

Saidaiah, SI indiscriminately. A bullet pierced the window pane and hit the shoulder of Dorababu. He collapsed and began to bleed. His wife took control of the steering and sped along. She took her husband to a hospital and got him admitted. Her timely action saved Dorababuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

The search Begins Meanwhile the search was intensified. The assailants were smart and hid from the cops. They had a carbine which they snatched away from a cop at Suryapet. The police were getting restive. They were determined to nab the duo as they killed their colleagues. There were also genuine fears that they could kill more innocents if they were let loose. All the villages were alerted and asked the people to inform them of any suspicious persons. This paid off as a villager informed them at about 6 AM that two suspicious looking people were moving about near Arvapalli in Nalgonda. The police rushed their troops there. Thungaturti CI Gangaram went into the forest along with a gun man. He fired five rounds on the terrorists. Unfortunately, the gun stopped working thereafter giving enough time for the terrorists to

Lingaiah

Nagaraj

make good their escape. Had the hitch not been there, the duo could have well been felled much earlier. The police were restless. They wanted to eliminate the menace. They were ready to stake their lives for this. By 7,45 AM, they got the tip-off that the terrorists, who gave a slip to CI Gangaram, were moving around in Anantaram. The cops moved with alacrity and rushed their forces in that direction.

Maheswar Like the Abhimanyu of yoreâ&#x20AC;Ś. This time around, Atmakur SI Siddhaiah led the attack. Accompanied by gunman Nagaraju, he rushed to the spot. He was not yet out of his probation. But, he was determined to hunt down the terrorists. He felt it was his duty to save the innocent people from the spectre of terror and was ready to make any sacrifice. He rushed like the Abhimanyu of yore sans helmet and bullet proof vest. His sole aim was to nab the terrorists and wreak

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

Jadcharla mourns its sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death vengeance for the killing of his colleagues. He did not mind who was with him and what lay in wait for him. The terrorists shot Nagaraju dead from point blank range. Before Siddhaih could react, they pumped bullets into his body. Siddhaiah fell down into a pool of blood. The terrorists, who killed two more brave cops, scooted away. Siddaiah, who was critically injured, battled for life for four days before succumbing. He laid down his life in the call of duty and in the finest tradition of the police force. The police were now livid. They lost four of their colleagues and the terrorists were still roaming free. They were becoming increasingly restive and longed for revenge. It was then that they got the information that the terrorists

The police were now livid. They lost four of their colleagues and the terrorists were still roaming free. They were becoming increasingly restive and longed for revenge. It was then that they got the information that the terrorists threatened a person and scooted with his bike at about 5 AM near Janakipuram. The search operatons in the area were intensified.

threatened a person and scooted with his bike at about 5 AM near Janakipuram. The search operatons in the area were intensified. The police finally located the terrorists, who were hiding behind a bush. A fierce encounter ensued for over half-hour. Finally, the police felled bothe terrorists.SI Balanagireddy suffered critical injuries. The issue was brought to a

closure. The slain terrorists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aijajuddin and Aslam Khan were initially mistaken for highway robbers. It later turned out that both were SIMI terrorists and were among the five SIMI terrorists who fled from Khandwa prison in Madhya Pradesh in 2014. One shudders to think what destruction these terrorists would have wrought had the police not put their lives at risk.

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We Salute Police Martyrs Sri Nayani Narasimha Reddy

Sri Anurag Sharma, IPS,

Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Home Minister

DGP, Telangana State

Smt B. Sumathi, IPS

Sri T. Venkanna

M. Tirupatanna

SP, Medak district

Addl. SP, Mediak District

Dy. SP, Sangareddy

Medak District Police

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WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

LET THE MEMORIES OF

MARTYRS NOT FADE Systems need change and this is that change. Every system of change needs to have a life. Robotic systems do not work says PM Modi.

he following is the abridged content of the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the all India Conference of the DIGs/IGs at Guwahati, Asom. In a major departure from the usual practice of holding of the meeting at New Delhi, the government shifted it to Guwahati. Modi rooted for SMART cops and wanted them to spread positivity about the toil of the policemen and women. The speech was delivered on November 30, 2014. Since the times of Chanakya, it has always been believed that is’s not just good weapons, but the hand operating that weapon and the man holding the weapon is important. It all depends on who operates those weapons. More more important than the weapon and the personnel is the availability of the best intelligence network. The national security of any country depends on it. A system that has the best intelligence set up might never need the as there

definitely won’t be any need of use of weapons. If there is any unit that holds utmost importance in terms of nation’s security, it is the intelligence system. Everyone is surprised that we have done away with the practice of holding this programme in New Delhi. The programme this time has been shifted from Delhi to Guwahati. When one comes to Delhi for a meeting, he will also come there with a lot of work. One feels that since one has come all the way to Delhi, one might even try meeting the secretaries etc. But if the meeting is held away from Delhi, you will only focus on the issues faced by that state. Since the meeting is outside Delhi, there is no other activity here. The entire focus will be on the immediate activity. Systems need change and this is that change. Every system of change needs to have a life. Robotic systems do not work. Systems should be alive and full of life. Systems should

encourage and augment the liveliness and this change is intended to make one think in that direction. After our country’s independence, the fact that 33 thousand policemen have sacrificed their lives while protecting the country and safeguarding the comforts of its citizens, is by no means, a minor feat. But does the entire police force know that 33 thousand policemen have sacrificed their lives to protect the country? If that is the case, then how would the common citizens of the country know about this? It is of prime importance that this sacrifice does not go waste. How can the respect for the cops goes up in the eyes of the society? The cop too is someone’s son. He dies in the call of duty and we don’t even remember him? Should the society does not show any concern for these martyrs? I would want a small taskforce to be formed from amongst you, consisting of some senior and experienced people. We should be able to find out ways to incorporate the positives from the heritage of this sacrifice in a manner such that it is embedded as our inspiration forever. A protocol also has to be set up to honour them during their last rites. Every state has its own police academy where the new recruits are trained. Does their syllabus include information based on the those who belong to the region and have sacrificed their lives. Every state should have its own book - an official Government Book. It should have details of those who made the supreme sacrifice and how. It should also provide how many lives he had saved. The new generation of police, the new constables who are under training, should learn these things. And take an exam on these issues. Through this, he will realise of the martyrdom of those who worked

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

THEY SAVED OUR PARLIAMENT SURAJ V BHARADWAJ

t was the most dastardly attack. The highest seat of Indian authority, symbol of its sovereignty and the temple of the democracy was under attack on 13 December 2001. It was a day when darkness of terror descended on Indian Parliament. But, it was also the time when security personnel on duty lit up the lamps of courage by burning their lives. Five terrorists tried to bulldoze their way into Parliament. They rammed the car of Vice-President Krishnakanth, got out and began firing indiscriminately. CRPF jawan Kamlesh Kumari, who was posted at Iron Gate No 1, just next to Building Gate No 11, the main entrance for VVIPs coming to Parliament, was the first to notice them. At around 11.40 AM, she heard gunshots and grenade blasts. Kamlesh wasn't armed to fight anyone, least of all terrorists on a suicide mission. Despite this, she did not waver from her duty. She ran towards the main gate and shut it. The

before him and sacrificed their lives. This will then be passed on through the generations. We should bring out a new edition every year and every state should publish an e-book mentioning the details of all the 33000 martyrs along with their photos. Such books should be in the regional and national language. This will be a small effort but one with huge impact that could inspire generations. The police department holds a lot of programmes for police welfare. Cine stars are a part of these programmes and performances and plays are also a part of it. It is done

terrorists shot her killing on the spot. Eleven bullets struck her in the belly killing her instantaneously. She died but her alertness ensured that the terroristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design stood completely foiled. The security personnel on duty shot dead the terrorists in a gun fight that lasted more than an hour. But, this success was not without its price. Five policemen, a Parliament security guard, and a gardener were killed, and 18 others were injured. But, not one of our MPs and leaders were allowed to be attacked. Today, while Afzal Guru is a pseudo-secular icon and peons are sung to him, martyrs like Kamlesh Kumari and others are consigned to be mere footnotes in the long history of terrorism in India. (The Author is Senior Journalist)

in a grand way in Mumbai. During this time, a souvenir is also issued. Advertisements are sought and funds are collected. But can we decide to include a list of those who have sacrificed their lives in that particular year in the souvenir, speaking of their deeds. We shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let their lives and sacrifices go waste. It is our responsibility and we should let their memories linger on. The other issue pertains to police welfare. The police force leads a life full of stress. He puts his life on the line of fire. If there is no well-being and happiness in his family, how will

they give their 100 per cent while on duty? It is the responsibility of the government and all of us to establish a system for the welfare of their families. Their health and educational needs should be taken care of. Their residences need to be spruced up. Our Union Home Minister was a successful Chief Minister of one of the biggest states of our country. And hence he knows the intricacies of the issue. His guidance will be of a great help to us in the coming days. I was a Chief Minister for quite a long time and held the control of the home department. We want to approach

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

the task of police welfare in a scientific manner and that is the bare minimum that we can do. And if we do this, then there will be a huge change. The movies depict a policeman in bad light and this gets internalised in the minds of common people. We have very few films that show the cops in the right way. We should make special efforts. The Indian Government should employ a PR Agency of sorts and meet the film producers and make them aware of their deeds. If the opinion-makers of the society don’t protect the image of the ones who protect our country, then the rot in the system will only further deepen. If a boy repeatedly fails, instead of chiding him, we remind him of his achievements and help him focus on achieving. There is a need to change the image of the police. Any negative story about a policeman has a long shelf life in the media but many positive things never even come to the fore. When I was the chief minister of Gujarat, I launched an initiative, which if you feel is good, could be

If the opinion-makers of the society don’t protect the image of the ones who protect our country, then the rot in the system will only further deepen. If a boy repeatedly fails, instead of chiding him, we remind him of his achievements and help him focus on achieving. There is a need to change the image of the police. Any negative story about a policeman has a long shelf life in the media but many positive things never even come to the fore.

replicated elsewhere. I had requested every police station to have their own website where they would upload their achievements regularly. Do not feel depressed at the negative publicity. There is a lot of good happening and nobody would know them if you do not publicise. We had published positive stories every week. I have a concept of SMART police in my mind. I need a SMART police force. SMART stands for the good qualities that the police should ideally possess. S stands for strict but

also sensitive. M stands for modern and and mobile. A for alert and accountable, R for reliable and responsive and finally T for techno savvy and trained. If we take these quality attributes, our progress would be quicker and effective. I truly believe we can fill the police force with a new life and a renewed sense of consciousness. (This is speech by Prime Minister Sri

Narendra Modi was in Hindi, this is the

English rendering. Original speech remains authoritative version.)

Karanam Prasad: He believed in what he was doing

e is a true hero, someone who believed in what he was fighting for. For him, it was country first, everything else next. In life and in death, Greyhounds inspector Karanam Varaprasda Rao displayed exemplary courage. His team had broken the back of Maoists in the all-important Kanchala forest on the strategic Khammam-Chhattisgarh border in a shootout that lasted for well over three hours on April 18, 2013. Kanchala is close to Chintalnar, where the Maoists had killed 70 policemen in 2010. Among the dead Naxals was Marri Ravi alias Sudhakar, secretary of KarimnagarKhammam-Warangal (KKW) division, which controlled the key K-N area committee. The other Naxals were all members of the committee. The police recovered four self-loading rifles, one carbine, two 303 weapons, two Insas rifles, a country-made

weapon, one pistol, a single bore barrel gun, three mobile phones, 10 memory cards and seven sim cards.The police, who had credible information that over 100 Naxals were camping in Tuvvarti village; launched a massive operation in the area. It was a hugely successful operation and Karanam Prasad played a stellar role in it. As the Greyhounds were being evacuated in a helicopter, some Naxals, who were hiding began firing at it. The chopper made good its escape, but Karanam Varaprasad suffered grievous bullet injuries. He breathed his last in the forest region. He lived a hero’s life and died a hero’s death. He is the only police officer to be martyred in AP this year. The Ashok Chakra was awarded posthumously for his valor, courageous and brave action! - V Gangadhar, Sr Journalist

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

SMILING COP.. AND SUPREME SACRIFICE

Searing and sweltering heat that was at its peak ahead of an impending monsoon…

t was May 29, 1991. The place was Rajavommangi in East Godavari district. DSP K Venkata Swami Goud was busy with some files in his office. There were some constables guarding his chamber and some more outside. The office was like a boiling cauldron due to the oppressive heat. A cool glass of water given by a constable was the best thing that could happen amid such heat. Goud started to reach for his home. As he sat in his jeep, the phone rang from inside the office. The DSP halted and scampered into his office to take the call. Every call is important in this Naxal-infested area and every small lead could help in making a major breakthrough. But as he was taking the call, colours changed in his face. The brow was furrowed and the pain was all too visible. The Naxals had set the huts of tribal constables in Lagarai village. “We need to go to the village the next morning,” he said as he left for the day. The morning next, the police team was ready for Lagarai. The cops were sullen and worried. The DSP was worried too thinking of the fate of the families of the cops from tribal groups. “Is tormenting poor tribals the revolution that the Maoists want to enact,” he repeatedly asked himself. He knew it was the Naxals, who perpetrated this heinous crime. The Naxals obviously did not want the tribals to get educated and join the police. The Naxals were worried that this could mean curtains for their activities. The jeep was forging ahead slowly and a bit cautiously. But, the DSP’s mind was racing.

The vehicle crossed Nellimetla village and was going towards Rajavommangi. Driver Ramana is an expert driver and drives effortlessly causing little disturbance. He is the safest driver and DSP Goud doesn’t tire saying this time and again. Suddenly there was a massive sound and an explosion. The vehicle was thrown into the air and it came down with a thud. In moments, the unthinkable happened. The Naxals exploded a land mine and they were waiting in ambush. Both DSP Goud and Ramana lay lifeless in a pool of blood. Five more cops were injured too. The Naxals began incessant fire. Their plan was to kill all the cops and run away with their weapons. But, despite the injuries, the cops were ready to return the fire and they were fiercely determined to fight back. Soon, the Naxals realized that discretion was better part of valour and scooted aay. The policemen – RSI M Ravi Kumar, Constable Madan Mohan and Head Constable B Prabhakar not just foiled the Naxal attack, but also saved several precious lives. KV Goud came from a poor family in Bekkem village of Veepanagandla mandal in Mahabubnagar. His father K Kishtaiah Goud was a toddy tapper, while mother Lakshmidevamma was a farm hand. After primary education in the native village, he went to Pentlapalli ZP high school. He failed the English exam at SSC. So Goud left his parents went to his uncle in Nandigam near Shadnagar. There he became a toddy tapper. But, he suffered severe leg injury when he fell from a tree. Later, he came back to Bekkem and passed SSC in flying

colours. Then he joined the Rani Mahadevi college in Gadwal where he had a chance to meet IAS officer Krishnaiah and retired SP Seetaram Reddy. He was so deeply inspired by them that he had instantaneously decided to take Group I exams. As a probationary DSP in Proddatur of Kadapa district and as town DSP in Kadapa, he made a name for himself. In Kadapa, he busted fake note gangs and narcotics racket.In 1989, he joined the elite force Greyhounds and stood as a role model for all colleagues. He won accolades from officials and the people alike. He played a stellar role in rescuing Congress leader P Sudheer Kumar from the clutches of Naxalites. He used arrested Naxalites as route guides and reached Brahmanapalle, where Sudheer Kumar was kept hostage. The Government posthumously awarded him with President’s police medal in 1996 and Chief Minister’s Shourya Padak in 1997. Goud’s greatest quality was to be able to smile through all vicissitudes. He never allowed the smile to eclipse from his face despite the troubles and tribulations. His colleagues still remember his wide-eyed grin. -Mohan Goud

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

POLICE SACRIFICES ARE PRICELESS

The police serve in an exemplary manner to ensure the safety and security of the country, the people, their loves and properties. There could be some wrongdoings here and there. But, they can be rectified. They can be reformed. But to brand the whole department as bad is not good either for the society at large or the country.

onouring martyrs and remembering their deeds and sacrifice is in the highest traditions of humanity. The sacrifices of those who lay down their lives in the call of duty are invaluable and unforgettable. This is more so with the police. The police toil day in and day out, brave all vicissitudes and always put themselves in the perilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path for the sake of the civilians. Of late it has become common to criticise the police. I firmly believe

that passing uncharitable comments and lampooning the police in movies and the media is not right. I request all those right-thinking persons and responsible organisations to shun this practice and discourage others from showing the police in bad light. Let me share some experiences. As an MLA, I visited Vidhyut Soudha once. I found a senior officer, a woman and her son sitting on the bench. I personally knew the senior officer well. He told me that he had

retired four months ago and was yet to get his retirement benefits and pension. I spoke to the chairperson and his problem was solved forthwith. Seeing this, the old woman came to me. She said her husband died while in service and at least one member in her family was entitled for a job. She said she had been making rounds of the officials, but of no avail. I was deeply moved by her plight. I stayed put for another half hour and spoke to the officials to expedite her case.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

My only prayer is that letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s realise that there is no bigger sacrifice than dying for the cause. These sacrifices are priceless and stellar. Those who die for others are divine and it is our bounden duty to honour them. If you need, we shall ensure that the higher officials or even the Home Minister issue strict orders to expedite such cases. The families that lost their dear ones would already be in a state of deep shock and are woe-stricken. My sincere appeal to the senior officials is to treat them with parental love and empathy. The cent per cent compensation and the ex-gratia should reach them in a time-bound manner. Any delay will only affect the morale of the police department on the whole. The police serve in an exemplary manner to ensure the safety and security of the country, the people, their loves and properties. There could be some wrongdoings here and there. But, they can be rectified. They can be reformed. But to brand the whole department as bad is not good either for the society at large or the country. I ardently believe that the more efficient the police are, the better would be the national development. Investments would flow in invariably if the police system works well and there is law and order. This will lead to development. The police play a key role in ensuring peace. It is doing everything at its command to play its rightful role. I hope the efforts would be doubled and that the police would succeed in providing safety and security to the life, honour and the assets of the people. (This is speech by Chief Minister K.

Chandrasekhar Rao on the occasion of

Police Commoration Day

A WORK OF HEART

A GREAT MEMORIAL FOR MARTYRS

he police martyrsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; memorial pylon in the Shivkumarlal Stadium, Goshamahal, Hyderabad, is an imposing and evocative memorial to the police. Deeper meanings are embedded in the architectural design of this pylon . Here are some details about this memorial pylon. It was sculpted by late Sri PT Reddy. This exquisite work of art hides in every corner and every cranny deeper meanings and encrypted message of inspiration. The pylon is a fitting memorial to the pride and glory that the police sacrifices so typically exemplify. October 21 is when we recall the supreme sacrifices made by the police martyrs in the cause of the country and in its defence. It at the base of this pylon that wreaths are laid and respects are paid. Thus, the pylon has great significance. It is at this pylon that the police personnel take out their parade to pay their respects to the departed. The very sight of the pylon inspires the police personnel. This is the only police memorial in both the Telugu states. The rectangular pylon represents the police, who bears the responsibility of protecting law and order on his powerful shoulders. The rectangular window represents transparency, honesty and dedication. The eye on the pylon represents the sharp eye of the police, his micro analytical and observation powers, his alertness and transparence. The summit represents the valour and the bravery of the police. The red granite represents the capabilities and the dedication to the duty. The pylon represents all these and much more. The sharp tips of the pylon are fine-balanced, artistic and eye-arresting. The pylon represents the aspirations, efforts and the dedication of countless police personnel. The sculptor and the cops have been immortalized by this imposing pylon.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

Of bluecoat blues and benumbed society

t was a star-crossed morning on July 27 this year, when a group of terrorists unleashed a ruthless attack on civilians and policemen in Gurdaspur in Panjab-Jammu Kashmir border. The terror attack that lasted for hours claimed six lives, including three policemen. One of the victims was an officer in the rank of Superintendent of Police. This was not a singular incident. Hundreds of policemen who keep vigil twenty four-seven to ensure that all citizens sleep without fear and panic fall to the bullets of terrorists and anti-social elements. Ironically, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal security force has always been a butt of jokes or an object of ridicule for the so-called rights activists, political parties, media and the general public. According to official statistics, till September 13, a total number of 127 security personnel, including four in Telangana laid down their lives in the line of duty. Yet, people seem to be unwilling to accept, if not appreciate, the sacrifice being made by the men in uniform.

Payam Sudhakaran Earlier on August 18, a policeman who was guarding a shrine in the blood-spattered Jammu and Kashmir was killed by militants and another grievously injured. Closer home, in Suryapet in Nalgonda district of Telangana, two policemen were killed while three others including a Circle Inspector and a Home Guard suffered bullet injuries after two armed assailants opened fire on them during a vehicle checking in the wee hours of April 2, sending shockwaves across the State. The incident occurred at around 12.30 am at a bus stand in Suryapet town when a police team, led by CI Moghalaiah, was carrying

out checking of buses. While the whole world celebrates festivals and victories, while everyone is in flights of fancies in the subconscious mind during deep slumber, pray at shrines, play in the grounds, shop in the malls, binge on delicious dishes or watch films in air-conditioned multiplexes, they keep guard, leaving their families, losing sleeps, fighting extreme weather conditions, and constantly in the shadows of deaths. The Gurdaspur terror attack began at around 5:00 am local time when the gunmen first sprayed bullets on a passing bus near the Punjab-Jammu Kashmir border. The gang of armed men wearing camouflage uniforms then hijacked a car and drove to the police station. As the attack was unfolding, authorities found five explosive devices wired to a railway track some five kilometres from Dinanagar. Train traffic on the Amritsar-Pathankot section of the track was halted and schools and colleges were closed. According to news reports, a train heading for the spot managed to stop just 200 meters from the explosives, which averted even more civilian casualties. It took a 12-hour standoff between the police and unidentified assailants, who stormed police stations, to end with law enforcement prevailing. In the Suryapet incident, the assailants, even while on the run, fired at some cars soon after the incident and injured a Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) member Dorababu who suffered bullet injuries on his shoulder. The offenders were suspected to be from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar as country-made weapons normally used in offences in northern India were used in this attack. The

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

unfortunate incident happened when a State-level checking of buses had been intensified following information that some offenders from other States were indulged in robberies in buses and other places. Based on that input, CI Moghalaiah with four policemen was carrying out checking of buses in Suryapet town. On suspicion, police asked two bus passengers to get down and started questioning them, when they suddenly attacked the cops and began firing on them resulting in the death of constable Lingaiah and Home Guard Mahesh on the spot. Moghalaiah and Home Guard Kishore too came under the attack, while the armed men fled the scene even before the police team could retaliate, according to top police officials. Scores of such incidents in a single year, hundreds of lives of policemen, and still, they get only brickbats, no bouquets. To add to their woes, Indian police force is not adequately equipped to face fatal situations including sabotage, terrorism and other security risks. It may be recalled the in the infamous 26/11 Mumbai attacks, even the bullet-proof jackets of the fighting policemen were substandard. The governments and political leaders should be more humane and empathetic towards the policemen who sacrifice their lives and families for internal security of the country. It is anybody’s guess that challenges to internal security is fast gaining demonic proportions. It is high time the powers that be and critics open their eyes. Policemen are human beings too, with all natural emotions that are common to all of us. On the occasion of the Police Martyrs’ Day, let us pay homage to the fallen heroes and pray for them and stand by the millions of policemen who lose sleep to make us sleep tight. (The author is a senior journalist, based in Hyderabad)

Baljeet Singh:

In the finest tradition of martyred Gurus “D

on’t hide in a room and fire like a Coward! Come out of your lair. I’ll show the stuff that I am made of…” These were the brave last words of Gurdaspur SP Baljeet Singh before he fell fighting the dreaded Pakistani terrorists. The cowards were after all cowards and they fired incessantly hiding behind the wall. A Bullet from Baljeet’s gun pierced through the chest of a terrorist. He fell with a thud and Baljeet could clearly hear his fall. Then there was an enemy bullet that his the water tank, which was Baljeet’s cover. Baljeet moved over for a safer perch to continue firing. It was then that an enemy bullet hit his head and he collapsed. Moments later, he lay lifeless, but became immortal as he offered himself at Mother Bharat’s altar in the war against terror. It was July 27, 2015. The placid morning calm in the border town of Gurdaspur in Punjab hid the terror’s worst treachery. The dawn did not betray any inkling of a bitter gun battle that was to last for 12 long hours. The terrorists sneaked into Dinanagar police station, occupied some desolate and dilapidated home guard quarters and began to attack the people. Baljeet and his two gunmen were among the first to reach the spot. His gunmen wanted him to back them up, but Baljeet, who had valour flowing threw his sinews and bravery running through the nerves, decided to lead from the front. He was in the forefront daring the devils. “I told SP sir that I will lead the charge, but he said he would do that. I tried to dissuade him, but he was bravery personified,” reminisced his gunman Hridaylal. “He repeatedly dared the terrorists to come out into the open and fight like real men. He said we will finish them off,” says another gunman of his. Notably, martyrdom runs through the valorous SP’s family. His father Achchar Singh was killed by Sikh extremists in 1984. In May 1991, it was my son and Baljit’s nephew Sepoy Manpreet Singh (22), who became the target of the militants in Tarn Taran. Baljit had joined the force in 1985 as ASI following the death of his father. He served as SHO Phagwara and with Vigilance department in Mansa before taking up the post of Deputy Commandant in 7th IRB Battalion. He was promoted as SP on July 23, 2013. Prior to moving to Gurdaspur, he remained posted in Tarn Taran. He also served in the AIG (personnel) office at Chandigarh. Baljeet’s supreme sacrifice did not go in vain. All the terrorists were felled and the police station was taken over after 12 long hours of battle. Gurdaspur was secure and safe by evening and all the terrorists died. This was the first counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Punjab Police SWAT Team and its success has been widely praised. And steely martyr Baljeet played a stellar role in this hugely successful operation. Baljeet’s son Maninder Singh (24) too is a DSP in Punjab police and is a proud policemen in the finest tradition of his brave family.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

IPS Martyrs: BRAVE IN THE FACE OF DEATH Brave in the face of death, Unflinching in the cause of the country, the IPS warriors wrote their saga of courage and sacrifice with blood surging from their battle wounds. The Hall of Fame is adorned by the heroic exploits of these intrepid warriors. Here is a tribute from senior police officer Mahesh Bhagwat to the IPS officers who went down fighting on the call of duty.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

O valiant hearts who to your glory came Through dust of conflict and through battle flame; Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved, Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

t was Thomas Jefferson Mahesh Bhagawat who said that the tree of liberty must be watered by the blood of patriots. And the police have never lagged behind in making supreme sacrifices. A sniper waiting in dark, an ambush at the hairpin bend, a landmine waiting to explode or a grenade about to be hurled atâ&#x20AC;Ś. The police have dared them all and braved it all. The martyrs etched stories of valour, courage and sacrifice with the blood surging from their gaping wounds. From 1989 to 2007, an estimated 18914 policemen died on call of duty, averaging close to 1000 per year. This year 576 policemen martyred through of the nation. Every year, police personnel die fighting anti-socials, mafias, Naxals, terrorists and smugglers. Like in all other uniformed forces, even in the police department, several officers have made supreme sacrifices. The list of gallantry and bravery is long. It begins with GS Arya, the 1950 cadre IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, LB Sewa, a 1958 AssamMeghalaya cadre officer, and K Panchapagesan, a 1974 batch officer. While Arya was IG of Mizoram, Sewa was DIG and Panchapagesan was SP. They were known for their derring-do. Together, they launched several successful offensives against the Mizo rebels and their names spelt terror for the insurgents. On

BATCH

CADRE

DATE OF DEATH

L.B. SEWA

1958

13-01-1975

G.S. ARYA

K. PANCHPAGESAN A.S. ATWAL

V.K. MEHTA

A.K. ARORA K.R.S. GILL A.S. BRAR

SITAL DASS

VANDANA MALIK

DAULAT SINGH NEGI R.P. VERMA

1950 1974 1964

PUNJAB

1972

WEST BENGAL

1982

PUNJAB

1984 1979 1976 1987 1976 1974

RAJASTHAN PUNJAB PUNJAB MT

BIHAR

AJIT SINGH

EC-1968

PUNJAB

K.S. VYAS

1974

GOBIND RAM G.P. NAIDU

VED PRAKASH

RAMAN PRAKASH

R.N. HOPINGSON

RAVI KANT SINGH

1975 1987

PUNJAB AP

1989

NAGALAND

1992

1990

GUJARAT

1987

1995

BIHAR

K.C. SURENDRA BABU

1997

BIHAR

ASHOK M KAMTE

1989

MAH

1998

C. UMESH CHANDRA AJAY KUMAR SING Md Amin Bhat

T. THANGTHUAM

HEMANT KARKARE

Binod Kumar Coubey NARENDRA KUMAR Amarjit Balihar

1991

1979 1982 2009 2003

J&K MT

MAH MP

Zarkhand

26/11 HERO: HEMANTH KARKARE

1982 batch IPS officer, Hemanth Karkare was an engineering graduate from Vishveshvarayya Regional Engineering College in Nagpur. He chucked attractive jobs at National Productivity Council and Hindustan Lever for the rough and tumble of an IPS officer. Even during his initial days as an IPS officer, he showed rare spark and did not shirk away from arresting political leaders during 1993. Karkare took over the investigation of the multi-crore shoe scandal and was also in charge of the narcotics division in Mumbai. He had also worked in Austria for seven years. He became the head of ATS in January 2008.

MARTYRS IPS OFFICERS

NAME OF THE OFFICERS

13-01-1975 13-01-1975 25-04-1983 18-03-1984 07-07-1986 14-12-1987 14-12-1987 19-08-1988 08-04-1989 19-07-1990 03-01-1991 08-05-1991 10-01-1991 27-01-1993 14-11-1993 26-08-1994 02-05-1995 02-06-1995 16-05-1996 04-09-1999 05-10-2000 02-02-2004 05-01-2005 31-12-2005 26-11-2008 26-11-2008 12-07-2009 08-03-2012 02-07-2013

Karkare solved the serial bomb blasts in Thane, Vashi and Panvel. He also handled the July 2006 Mumbai local train blasts case. An art lover, he created over 150 wooden sculptures in Chandrapur during his stint there. On the fateful day of November 26 when terrorists attacked Mumbai, he was about to sit for dinner when he got the news. A quintessential policeman that he was, he immediately rushed to the spot. With his comdrades Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar, he was in the thick of action moments later only to meet a heroic end. He shall forever remain an icon for Indian policemen and women.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

PARADESINAIDU

FIGHT TO THE LAST

January 13, 1975, a day before the Sankranthi, terrorists in police uniform sneaked into the police conference room, where the three officers were holding a meeting. They shot the three officers from close range and felled them. During the heights of the Khalistani terror, the Punjab police displayed exemplary valour. Many a police officer was felled by the terrorists. Avtar Singh Atwal, the Jalandar IGP. He was killed on April 25, 1983 while returning after praying at the Golden temple. He was unarmed when the terrorists attacked him. 1982 batch IPS KRS Gill and 1979 batch officer AS Brar were killed by the Khalistani terrorists. These were highly motivated officers

“D

o not worry about me! See that our arms are safe. Fight them to the last man standing…. Do not let the enemy escape!” How brave and how courageous must be the man who ordered his men even as both his legs lay severed in a landmine blast and was bleeding profusely? That was Paradesi Naidu, the first IPS officer in Andhra Pradesh to make the supreme sacrifice while fighting anti-national forces. It was November 14, 1993. Naidu, then Mahaboobnagar SP, was coming back from Somasila after inspecting the RTC bus and the forest guesthouse that the Maoists had blasted. Somasila is a river coast village in the thick Nallamala forest. As his convoy was returning, the Maoists detonated a landmine critically wounding Naidu, and several others. Despite grievous injuries and severe blood loss, Naidu motivated his men to fight back. He fought till the end and later breathed his last. Besides Naidu, SI’s A Shivaprasad, T Kishore Kumar, head constable MV Ranga Reddy, police constables Sheikh Haider, YVS Prasad, MD Jahab Iqbal, Jayaramulu and S Subhash were martyred in the fight. Bus driver Saleh Miyan too died in the dastardly attack. Despite knowing the treacherous terrain and the foxy Maoist strategies, Paradesi Naidu decided to go to the scene of offence himself. The village was strategically located and offered locational advantage to the Maoists. He hired a private bus and went to the village. It was his motivation and guidance that made the police fight back the Naxals for over two hours. Paradesi Naidu was the second son of justice G Ramanujulu Naidu. A gold medalist in MA (economics) and a cricketer of repute, Naidu never shirked from responsibilities and always led from the front. Even while staring at a certain death he conducted himself like a true blue man in Khaki. His smiling face and friendly demeanor endeared everyone. His memories continue to linger long after he is physically gone.

known for their courage and fearlessness. They were posted as SSP and Additional SP of Patiala respectively. On the fateful day of December 14, 1987, they were attacked while they were jogging. They were badly outnumbered and went down fighting. Gobindram, who worked as an SP and successfully fought the Khalistanis, made the supreme sacrifice when a terrorist’s bomb rocked his office. He was commandant of the 75th battalion of the Punjab Armed Police in Jalandhar. Patiala SSP Sheetaldas was killed in a shootout with his ASI. The ASI was found to have links with the Khalistani terrorists. When he tried to arrest the ASI, the latter fired at

him. In the shootout, Das suffered bleeding injuries and died, but not before killing the traitor. Daulat Singh Negi, a dynamic officer known for his hugely successful operations against ULFA terrorists in Assam, is the next IPS to make the supreme sacrifice. He was SP of Dibrugarh. AT that time Dibrugarh was terrorist infested. But, Negi was made of a sterner stuff. He was ambushed while returning from a raid. He went down fighting. IPS officer AK Arora was adjudged best IPS probationer during this training. During his stint in Jodhpur, he died due to a bomb explosion. He suffered grievous injuries on June 28, 1986 and was rushed to a hospital, where he was

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

under treatment for almost a month. He died on July 7, 1986. Ravikanth Singh was a bold officer who has successfully foiled many anti-national activities of the insurgents in Assam and had proved to be a thorn in their flesh. Singh was posted as S.P., Tinsukia. He was attacked by the insurgents while on the way to his office on May 16, 1996. He died fighting bravely. Vedprakash, who was SP, Mokokchung of Nagaland was the prime target of NSCN ultras. He was attacked on August 26, 1994 while returning from his office. His two bodyguards and the driver also died in the mishap. RN Hopingson was a dynamic officer known for his courageous operations against the extremists in the trouble-torn state of Manipur. He was killed in a dastardly fashion by the extremists in a surprise ambush o June 2, 1995. Raman Prakash was a very courageous officer who never failed to take initiative in any task placed before him. He was posted as Addl.S.P., Panchmahal District, Godhra, when we was killed in an accidental bullet firing while conducting an operation meant to trap a man-eater panther that had been terrorizing the villagers. He was martyred on May 2, 1995. DCP VK Mehta was a stickler for discipline. While being posted as DCP, Port Division, he responded to a clash between two communities at garden reach PS area of his division where a few incidents of bomb throwing and arson had been reported. To restore order, he himself was at the forefront in chasing the mob of miscreants. In the case, he and his security aid got separated from the others and later they were found dead on March 18, 1984. Lohardaga SP Ajay Kumar Singh, a 1995 batch officer and Superintendent of Police Lohardaga district of undivided Bihar, laid down his life at the altar of duty in the ambush laid by Maoist Communist Centre ultras near Peshrar village in Lohardaga district on October 4, 2000. He was on a visit to Peshrar village where incident of firing by Naxalite was reported earlier. Acting on a tip-off, when he along with four Jawans of Bihar Military police were approaching the scene in the Gypsy vehicle, a mine was blasted followed by ambush firing by the outlawed, eventually leading to martyrdom of Ajay. He is the first IPS officer who was slain in uniform while bravely confronting the ultras in Bihar state. He was known as a brave, courageous, upright and dutiful police officer. A product of Netrahat School and IIT Kharagpur, Ajay was a hardcore professional, extraordinarily devoted to his work and duty. At the same time he was a family man, very supporting and dutiful husband who got married to Anupam Saxena (IPS batch mate). His act of bravery is recognized by country by awarding him with President’s Police Medal for Gallantry posthumously On 03-01-1991, as Superintendent of Police, Dhanbad, Randhir Prasad Verma got information about

His name sent shuddered Maoists’

THE ROLE MODEL K.S. VYAS

is name sent shivers down the spines of Naxalites for it was K S Vyas, who founded the elite Greyhounds, foreseeing the internal security threat the extremists could pose to the society. Though he was on the top of the militants’ hit list, Vyas never confined himself to the protected corridors. A fearless officer he was, Vyas used to go for jogging along with his wife Aruna Vyas in LB Stadium every evening. The Naxalites, who considered him their bitter enemy, studied his routine and planned their assault. The ill-fated day was January 27, 1993. Dressed in a track suit, Vyas was jogging along with his wife while the security personnel were waiting at their designated place. It was around 6.30 pm when about six persons came close to Vyas, surrounded him and opened fire from very close range. The extremists hurled a bomb while fleeing and used the commotion as a cover for safe escape. Vyas was rushed to Osmania General Hospital where he was declared dead. Credited with setting up of the elite Greyhounds and Special Investigation Branch (SIB) that provided intelligence support for the operations wing, Vyas became a synonym for the ‘Andhra Model’ of flushing out the Naxalites. Today, Andhra Model is so popular not only in India but also across the world that police personnel from neighbouring states and countries undergo training in combating terrorism. Police academies have been organizing Vyas Memorial Lecture as a mark of respect to the foresighted and courageous officer.

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

a bank dacoity being committed in the Bank of India branch of Dhanbad city. He immediately rushed to the spot and launched an operation against the dacoits. In the firing that ensued, he was fatally wounded and died on the spot. As a Police officer he eliminated many criminal gangs. He was posthumously awarded the gallantry award Ashok Chakra. The Government of India also issued a Commemorative postage stamp in his honor in 2004. Vandana Malik: She is the first and the only woman IPS to attain martyrdom. A much admired officer even during his probation days, she was ASP (under training) at Lamshang Police Station, Manipur. IPS officer Miss Vandana Malik was killed along with one constable Mangi in an ambush by the members of People Liberation Army (PLA) at Konthoujam Lamkhai on April 8,1989. On the fateful day, officerincharge (OC) of Lamsang Police Station Miss Vandana Malik and her team were heading to an examination centre of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) on security duty. Around 3 pm, the suspected militants launched the ambush killing Miss Vandana Malik on the spot and injured four police constables critically. One sten-gun, one .38 revolver, two rifles and some ammunitions were taken away by the suspected militants after the incident. Ajit Singh: He was extremely brave and dedicated officer renowned for his bold action against the terrorists. On May 8, 1991, he received information about an encounter in a village in Tarn Taran District. In the ensuing crossfire between the terrorists and the police he was badly injured but continued fighting. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was DIG, Border Range, Amritsar at the time of his martyrdom. Mohammed Amin Bhat: On February 2, 2004, terrirorists, who claimed to belong to Save Kashmir Movement, fired upon Bhat, who was DIG, Crime and Railways at

UMESH CHANDRA:

HIS MEMORIES LIVE ON

or the people, he was like God. For fellow policemen, he was a source of inspiration, a picture-perfect of honesty and integrity. For his subordinates, he was never a boss but a leader most adored. For Naxals and anti-socials, he was terror incarnate. And all of this in a brief span of mere 33 years. That was Chadalawada Umesh Chandra for you. For his countless admirers and subordinates, he was simply ‘Umesh Sir.’ As one crosses, Sanjiva Reddy Nagar Crossroads, one finds Umesh Chandra in bronze standing upright, as if putting his best foot forward to go on call of duty. That was the very spot where this extraordinary cop fell to the Naxal bullets. He was a policeman who raised the standards of police administration and was an exemplary officer known for his high degree of honesty, integrity and professionalism. Umesh Chandra was an exemplary cop who lived and died for the society. He was the embodiment of courage and quintessence of sincerity. A great leader, able manager, a pristine humanitarian and a person who believed work was worship, that is Umesh Chandra for you. In Kadapa, he tamed the wily factionists and in Karimnagar, he crushed the treacherous Naxals. Wherever he went, the people and police alike adored him. During his sting in Warangal, he founded the Police Jagrruthi Brundam to take on the Maoists misinformation through cultural events and folk art forms. Providing amenities to the policemen’s families was very close to his heart and he always strove to ensure that his men were happy. The loyalty he commanded from his men was exemplary. His Kadapa days would also be remembered for the flood relief works that his men undertook under his able guidance. Umesh Chandra struck terror in the hearts of the anti-national forces. Naxals found the going tough when Umesh Chandra was at the helm. He believed in taking the Naxals head on and used to the in the forefront of the campaigns. It was September 5, 1999. That morning was like any other mornings and as ever, sprightly Umesh Chandra left for his office at about 10 AM. He was in his Maruti Van and his driver Satyanarayana and gunman Ramachandra Reddy accompanied him. Even as the van stopped at the red signal at Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar Crossroads, red terror did a deathly dance in broad day light. Brave Umesh, who was injured in the shootout, tried to come out of the vehicle and fight the killer Naxals. But it was already too late. His gunman Ramachandra Reddy and driver Satyanarayana followed their master in his final journey. Born in 1966 in Pedapudi village of Guntur district, Umesh Chandra did his post-graduation in Osmania University . He joined the IPS in 1990. His encounters with the Naxals in Warangal and Karimnagar and his stint at Kadapa, showed his mettle. He was also instrumental in setting up of the police computer centre as the Assistant Inspector General. Married in 1994, he was blessed with a son.

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Barzulla. He was coming out of a mosque after Eid prayers. He was critically wounded and breathed his last at the hospital. Bhat was a conscientious officer and was instrumental in reviving the intelligence unit during early 1990s. He was the first among the senior police officers to be killed in J and K. He was an experienced officer who had served the UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Brave IPS officers from Maharashtra – Hemant Karkare and Ashok Kamte. Ashok Kamte was An accomplished athlete, he represented India at the junior power-lifting championship in Peru in 1978. He was posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra died fighting the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26, 2008. These officers chased and attacked terrorists before falling to the enemy bullets. T.Thangthuam: This 1979 batch IPS officer was IGP Manipur. His convoy was ambushed at Oinam Bazar in Senapati district. Critically injured Thangthuam was admitted to a hospital, where he died on December 31, 2005.

KC Surendrababu was the SP of Munger in Bihar. He supervised antiNaxal operations under Jamui police station and Kajra Railway station on January 4, 2005. While returning, the Naxals set off a landmine near Gangta killing Surendrababu, his bodyguard, driver and four other policemen on the spot. Binodkumar Chowbey is the first SP rank officer from Chhattisgarh who became a martyr in the fight against the Naxals. He played a key role in smashing the urban network of the Maoists in Raipur and Bhilai. He was SP of Rajanandgaon and worked tirelessly to fight the Maoists. On July 12, 2009, the Naxals ambushed his team near Madanwada and exploded landmines. Later, they opened fire. The police, under Chowbey’s leadership returned the fire. But, 26 policemen, including Chowbey died fighting. He was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously. Young Narendra Kumar had launched a determined campaign against illegal mining in Morena region of Madhya Pradesh. As an ASP of the district, he led several operations against illegal miners. On

March 8, 2012, he was run-over by a tractor while personally conducting an operation against criminals involved in illegal mining of sand stone. Pakur district Superintendent of police Amarjit Balihar and his four men died in a Maoist attack on July 2, 2013 in Damini forest of Zarkhand’s Dumka District. Their convoy was attacked while returning from a security review meeting in Dumka, a divisional headquarter. A gun battle ensued between the police force and Naxals following the ambush, in which Balihar went down fighting. Gallantry, courage, motivation, derring-do, fighting spirit …. The police forces of India have plenty of them. They have shown their mettle in more than one battle. They looked straight into death and laughed fearlessly. They died for our new dawn. Our heartfelt tributes to these great leaders, who led by example and put them in the line of fire first before their subordinates. It’s time to honour the fallen. Salutes to the brave police officers! (The author is Inspector General of Police, Intelligence Security)

KARAM SINGH: HERO OF HOT SPRINGS

or people the National Police Day on October 21 ‘might be a special occasion as it reminds of our police force's valour, DSP Karam Singh, the man who, on this day in 1959 gave tough time to the enemy in the Hotsprings conflict, which, proved to be the prelude to the 1962 Sino-India war. DSP Karam Singh, hailing from Gujjranwala in Pakistan, settled in Raikot in Ludhiana district after partition of the country, was on deputation with a central intelligence agency and posted in the Ladakh area as part of a contingent in view of suspicious activities in the region on the part of certain anti-national elements. He was heading a company of 19 personnel, patrolling the Hotsprings

area as usual on October 21 when he, and his team was ambushed by Chinese troops in what was later described as onset of the growing Chinese intolerance towards India. The team ‘comprising mostly officials of border intelligence agencies repulsed the attack in a rare show of courage and nearly 10 of them lost lives while, rest of them, including, DSP Karam Singh, were captured by Chinese troops and detained in harsh conditions. They were, released on November 14, 1959, by China following intervention of then Foreign Minister Krishna Menon. Karam Singh, who, had lost toes to frostbite, was honoured with the President’s Medal by then Prime

Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then the nation started observing the day as the National Police Day.

Valiant battle Victorious Heroes

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In the process of subduing the left wing extremism, the State police force has lost hundreds of its valiant officers and constables

he peace that our society enjoys today did not come that easy. With limited resources and unsophisticated weapons, our police force had to sacrifice many lives in the process of getting rid of the left wing extremism from Andhra Pradesh and bring back social order to the society. It has been a gory story of bloodshed and murders. It cost the police force lives of hundreds of its young officers and constables in the combat against those extremists who had resorted to mindless attacks on policemen. The Naxalite problem began in Andhra Pradesh way back in 1966 when the movement gained momentum in West Bangal after the Naxalbari incident. Scores of youngsters from Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts were attracted to the Naxalite

H.J. Dora ideology and left their studies in universities to join the Naxalbari movement. Violence was rampant in Srikakulam district in those days. Hacking of zamindars, lootingmoney and foodgrains and distributing them

among poor was the order of the day. Concrete steps were taken by the then government and the police department, particularly under the leadership of Vengal Rao. However, during the Emergency in 1975-77, the Naxalite movement lost its influence in the society due to stern actions by the police. After the 1977 general elections, the Congress was defeated and a new government was formed by The Janata Party, which was sympathetic towards Naxalite leadership. Also, the Naxalite leaders who were arrested during emergency came in contact with Janata Party leaders in prisons. As a result, commissions were appointed against encounters, cases were registered against many police officers in different states. TheNaxalite leaders did not stop there. Instead, they intensified their efforts to restart the movement. Thistime, several front organisations were started. Separate organisations were formed for students, advocates,youth and farmers and farm labourers while armed units remained under cover and led the movement ahead. The front organisations printed pamphlets, filed cases in various courts including High Court against police officials who worked hard. The outside

TOUCHING TALE OF THE CAPTIVE WOMAN

ot just police, even police families made supreme sacrifices for the country. A case in point is Uma Maheshwari, mother of SI Dharmendra. It was the deadly night of March 11, 2005 when marauding Maoists descended in drones on Chilakaluripet police station in Guntur. Dharmendra was high on Maoist target list. When they could not find him in the police station, the marauders laid a siege to his quarters. Dharmendra’s mother Uma Maheshwari, wife and his children were at home. As deathly terror knocked the doors, Uma Maheshwari shut the doors quickly and rushed the children and daughter in law into the bed room. The Maoists initially tried to detonate the bedroom. When they

couldn’t, they tried to break the door open. But, Uma Maheshwari held the door tightly. Thinking Dharmendra was blocking, the Maoists fired

indiscriminately at the door. One bullet pierced her chest. She fell down and lay lifeless in a pool of blood, but not before she saved the children and daughter-in-law. Dharmendra, who managed to escape from the Maoist attack, came to know of his mother’s supreme sacrifice only the next day. But, he did not forget the call of duty even the hour of utmost grief. He first saluted his superior R Prasad, who too died in the dastardly attack. Then, he walked slowly to where his mother’s mortal remains were kept. His hands quivering, whole body trembling and eyes raining inconsolable tears. As he saw his mother, Dharmendra broke down.

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world was unaware of the propaganda tactics and the Naxaliteviolence was hushed up. Instead, the front organisations used to depict police actions as oppressive acts. The movement took several turns in Andhra Pradesh. For long,Naxalites used to destroy public properties such as school buildings, MDO and MRO offices, telephone exchanges and RTC buses. Later, radical youth organisations and farm labourers organisations resorted to atrocities in villages. People were fed up and started slowly hating Naxalites. However, they preferred to keep mum as the armed units of the extremists supported the people up to certain extent. Naxalites used to create terror by way of violence and also by organising meetings with huge gatherings. They used to kill and mutilate their targets to terrorise people. In the process, educated youth began distancing from the movement. Also, group wars within the Naxalites started sprouting apparently weakening the movement. Feudal and bureaucratic systems were clearly visible in the movement. However, it has to be admitted that the police department was left behind in tackling Naxalites due to which Naxalites went on strengthening their arms base. People, elected representatives and employees were left with no other option but to follow their diktats. Businessmen also danced to their tunes. In the process,Naxalites began attacking police stations to loot weapons and kill police personnel. People began losing confidence in the police department in the face of Naxalite attacks as police could not protect themselves and the police stations. In this backdrop, it was necessary to give better training to the police personnel who were fighting the extremists. Along with training, modern weapons and other gears were procured from other countries and supplied to the ground level personnel. New police station buildings were constructed in place of the old ones, which were equipped to withstand Naxalite attacks.

Communication system was modernised and the intelligence system beganfunctioning effectively. The moment police started fighting back at the armed units, people began reposing confidence in the police again. Steps were taken to improve self-confidence among the APSP, Greyhounds and Reserve Police personnel and several incentives were given to them. Compensation was given to those killed in encounters and promotions were given to those who arrested and killed Naxalite leaders in encounters. It was then the Naxalite leaders and rebels started surrendering to the police. The surrendered Naxalites expressed their interest to jointhe mainstream. A conducive atmosphere was created for the surrendered Naxalites by speaking to the government andannouncing a policy for the rehabilitation. Scores of Naxalites were attractedto the policy and the movement was weakened. Also, several armed dalams were wiped out and Naxalites lost scores of weapons while many othersjoined mainstream due to which the movement was badly damaged. Having no other option, the Naxalitesmoved away from Andhra Pradesh to other parts of the country where they were safer. All this could happen only because of the supreme sacrifices made by scores of policemen and officers. Most of those who laid down their lives were very young and had families to support. They just began their lives with dreams of having a better future, but all dreams shattered when they fell to the bullets and bomb blasts. It is heartrending to see their families, living in eternal grief and misery. Due to their supreme sacrifices, AP Police today has earned so much respect from the people. Police personnel of all ranks worked as a team and achieved results quickly.It is truly a miracle that a 40-year-old atrocious and violent movement has completely been wiped out.I pay my respects to all those police personnel who made sacrifices in the line of duty. (The Author is former DGP of AP)

Buchi Reddy

The fearless “B

eta… We are here to protect the lives of the civilians. If we worry about our own life, how will we be able to save their lives? How can we discharge our duties fearlessly?” These were the words that Buchi Reddy uttered when his son asked him about Naxal threat to his life. And when the crunch time came, Buchi Reddy was not found wanting. He took the Maoist bullets on the chest and breathed his last in the camp office. “That was November 6, 1986. It was about 8.45 PM. The Naxals attacked my father in a stealthy way,” recalls Buchi Reddy’s son Ashok Reddy. Buchi Reddy hailed from a family of farmers that had little education, but gave a portion of their home to house a primary school. He did his postgraduation before joining the police. “My father was a conscientious police officer. He was always posted in sensitive areas and was never found wanting in the discharge of his duties. He was always known as a tough officer,” Ashok Reddy recalls. “When criminals were arrested, he used to first counsel them. He used to explain to them what would befall on their families. This brought a change in the criminals. Many of them shunned the wrong path and got reformed,” says Ashok Reddy. As Peddapalli DSP, he had fought the Naxal violence. He eliminated 11 Naxalites, five of them eliminated in one shootout. “My father’s driver used to alert us about the lurking danger of Naxal attack. But, my father always brushed those threats aside. For him, call of duty was more important than his own life,” says Ashok Reddy. Buchi Reddy was born at Faizabad in Medak district on June 2, 1934 and died on November 6, 1986. In between, he led a life of dedication, dexterity and determination.

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Country needs a collective will to fight terrorism

Unfortunately, there is lack of commitment, not just at the political level, but even at the national level in the fight against terror. This is compounding our problems. There is a need to build national consensus in the fight against terror.

believe to optimize everything what is within my limits. The need of the people of Hyderabad in particular and AP or Telangana in general. In view of the repeated occurrence of terrorist incidents, is what can we deliver to them with whatever we have today. That means to what extent we optimize ourself. I would like to focus my discussion to that part of it and rest of the things like policies and structural changes that required are heard from my seniors from this dias just now. I believe take care of pound and then penny will take care of itself. We have resources with us, we have problems with us let us try to analyze whether we have the capacity to handle this situation and whether we are prepared or not. Our police has the capacity to face this kind of challenges. I agree with that. Then my next question to that on behalf of the public to the police that whether our preparedness is enough or not. We have the capacity but whether we are prepared or not. Concerned citizens have been interacting with me and have been spitting their venom on the police action. Sometimes rightly and sometimes in an exaggerated manner. But they probably failed to structure their thoughts to two factors to why is it happening and why incidents are occurring repeatedly. And is it occurring in spite of the best efforts of the police and the government or otherwise. That is the question. Well if you look into this I am

A.K. Mohanty not trying to list out the for and against the points. Nevertheless, it is important to some understand the factors that are responsible for such type of incidents and what is the remedy there of. I would divide the factors that are responsible for any incident to be occurring and recurring to some internal factor inside the police and administration and also some external factor. I will not hesitate to mention some points which may sound that I am in defense of none. Well, there is no need to defend anybody for that matter. Only you have to defend and come to the rescue of the public and the public interest, rule of law and the spirit of the Constitution. I think we should defend that alone and nobody else. When I make that stand clear I have no hesitation to admit that there have been inadequate performance by police has been marked in the adequate level. Adequate level is very dynamic concept. It goes on changing but in the present context let me say without any hesitation that level of police effectiveness , level of impact of

policing needs to be increased to a great extent. Are the police resources enough to meet the challenges. I am not mentioning this point in defense of police but then reality must be accepted and corrective measures have to be found in that context. I would say that the requirement of policing has not been adequately met in terms of resources, logistics, policy support and the finances. it has not been. Therefore when we come to the corrective measures these need to be addressed. We want to play safe on two points often - accountability at the higher level and the police leadership. These are very delicate issues. And when we try to define police leadership at various levels everybody tries to justify that leadership has been very inspiring. If leadership has been inspiring then why performance is not equally inspiring. That is one thing as a police officer I keep on introspecting myself. I think the leadership needs to rise above many petty things and become inspiring for the force so that policemen at every point of time can optimize themselves. When I come to the point of accountability there is hardly any accountability fixed even for very extraordinary happenings in the society on the senior police officers. I do not want to make it personal for anybody and I am telling in general. If I am there and I have failed, I need to be punished and told ‘look you haven’t done this and therefore you don’t deserve this place’. Accountability has to be fixed very dispassionately and in an effective manner. Having told about accountability and the leadership, there is another important inadequacy. As a police officer I witnessed several types of crises of this nature and different nature. I am sorry to say that a specialized agency is not required and one particular agency can look after that job adequately. Will there be some ground in saying that a particular existing unit of the police can be strengthened to meet the

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emerging challenges. But if you look at it very closely and assess the performance of each unit, I strongly feel that there is a need for dedicated and a specialized expert unit under one roof which can handle this kind of situation with a single minded devotion. When I say that I refer to one organization that was created called Octopus - Organization for Counter Terrorist Operation in Andhra Pradesh police. I strongly believe and have reasons to justify that the extraordinary situation has to be met with the extraordinarily capable agency. And it should have a single minded devotion for that. It should have the operational unit, it should have intelligence unit, it should have investigation unit, it should have training, logistics unit, it should have a data analysis and interpretation unit. When I say that I don't mean to say that these activities are absent in the existing police organization. They are there, but when I am saying that you need to create and activate organization like this, I only want to emphasize though it is there, it has not lived up to its expectation. There is shortage of time to explain this concept and network all these activities to prove that are equally effective. But it should be sufficient to mention to this audience that this is a necessity and I agree with it that this should be created and since the institution is existing to meet this challenge in Hyderabad, it needs to be activated and made full fledged forthwith. When I come to external factors, I would like to say, which is very common and we try to dodge, that is the politicization of police and political patronage of police officer and political intimidation to the police officer. I am going into the ground level discussion what is true because then only we can correct ourselves and then only we can deliver a better service. If you are not patronized your are intimidated. I think I don’t have to

repeatedly say that. It is existing and all of you know about it. So these external factors need to be neutralized. The administrative and financial resistance to police proposal is age old in government. No sooner I say that I need 30 patrolling vehicles, immediately objection from the finance is t that how were you managing all these years. For instance, if I want to construct a over head tank for drinking water, a strange logic comes from the finance that how were you managing without drinking water for all these years. You can always object to any proposal because in the back of mind of administration a feeling has crept in that the more you give to the police, it will become more powerful and the administration will become less powerful. Therefore, I have to go round and round of decision makers to beg for four policemen here, one vehicle there, one light there, one sentry post there. This is what is going on and this is also severely affecting the police efficiency. Another important external factor which is very important here. I will not say political will, but I will just take it little beyond. I will say there is no national will to put down terrorism. We need to arise a national will for this. We have been talking in terms of public cooperation. That is fine. But we need to create a national will to fight terrorism. It is not the problem of any particular a city alone. No doubt state owes a great responsibility to stop this kind of activity in urban centers. We can certainly do it if we commit ourselves and to the cause. But why are we not doing this? Having said this I also suggest measures that are supposed to be translated in the ground level right today so that people feel safe and secure and have confidence in police. We have been saying to people that you come forward and help us. It is not enough. I must first deliver. People must get convinced that I have optimised myself and cannot deliver any further.

Then only they will come forward and it is right at that level to come forward and help the police. Let us strengthen all of us, strengthen basic and fundamental policing in every location. Make it difficult for the criminal to operate to ensure prevention. How will you do that? Very simple. Make the patrolling and beat service effective. Make the police visible. If police is visible, any criminal will find it difficult to operate at his will. Frequently conduct surprise checks, frisking, anti-sabotage checks using dog squads on a regular basis, not as a symbol or token after the incident. So, strengthen basic and fundamental policing for which we don't have to wait for anything. Other support mechanisms are necessary. I have already talked about the politicization and political intimidation and I don't want to dwell upon that. But I would certainly try to say that accountability is another important thing works in the minds of many people. What do you mean by accountability? One incident had occurred and ‘X’ should be suspended is not accountability. It has to be viewed in the context whether the responsibility and the resources that are available with a particular officer have been optimized or otherwise. If not then he is accountable. If you start fixing up accountability at the leadership level keeping in view the various levels of leadership, I am sure the force will get activated and do their best. And when I said that don't dilute my demand for strengthening the police force in this country. Challenges are many and I need to be strengthened, need to be enabled to do better policing. And every one of us should stand by their proposal. So, give the resources and give strength and thereafter ask the questions. (Shri A K Mohanty is Former-DGP of

AP, This is jist of Shri Mohanty’s address at a seminar organised by APUWJ at Hyderabad on 21st March, 2013)

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Heroes don’t live for eulogies!

The only light of hope in the entire gloom was a band of few committed officers and men, who were willing to carry guns on one shoulder and coffin on the other. They always hid their pain with a veil of smile and salute. Are they not scared of death? May be not. They didn’t appear like that. Only loyalty mattered for them. Where do we find such priceless loyalty?

October is the holy month for all cops. So I can afford to speak from my heart. I am not the one who had obsession to wear uniform in my early life. I joined police by chance, not by choice. There were moments, even when I regretted my decision. Strangely, the more I wanted to shed khaki, the stronger it stuck to my crust. This September, I have touched the milestone of 18th year in my expedition! I had absolutely no idea about peaks and valleys in this mission while I was preparing for civil services or during training. Only the pride of being an IPS officer, carrying a gun, being saluted by people and other little perks kept me going initially. Honestly, I didn’t have clear idea of the real purpose. Nor was I mature enough to search for meaning in life. But, the cold-blooded massacre of 16 constables in a pre-dawn raid by the Maoist insurgents in Khammam district in 1997 made me realize how perilous is the world of policemen. It did not take much time to realize that leadership is not just an ornamental noun, but a verb loaded with massive responsibility. Was I cut out for this task? I wasn’t sure. I took a step back. This was not

DR. RS. PRAVEEN KUMAR

the life that I dreamt for, after a grueling preparation. None of the victims in the raid was my blood relative so as to seek vengeance. I could have led a comfortable life of scientist in the green houses without dying like these hapless men. Many such thoughts encircled me for quite a while. My trainer sensing my mood counseled me to not to waste this great opportunity. Instead work on “adapting to adversity” and “stay focused”. May be his words had a deeper purpose. So I clung to khaki, unwillingly though. It was during my tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bellampalli in Adilabad district that I was struck with blandness of the challenge, desolate terrain, and coupled with rickety atmosphere. But the incident of gruesome killing of constables, Seshaiah and Sanjeeva

Reddy in the market of Bellampalli by the killer squad of insurgents barely five minutes after they left my office deeply impacted my attitude towards my men. It was not the grief of their sudden death, but the resilience of the families that left me flummoxed. It gave me the access to the impermeable world of our constabulary. How is that these people are so spirited that even death is not able to distract them? Honestly, their resolve left me ashamed. These are not the men who are enthused by accelerated promotions or packets of cash reward we give them for ‘good work’. There is something else. That curiosity made me burrow deeper. In Warangal, another epicenter of conflict, I was maddened by the vengeance and violence that pervaded the myriad lanes, black granite boulder hills, and cotton fields. The only light of hope in the entire gloom was a band of few committed officers and men, who were willing to carry guns on one shoulder and coffin on the other. They always hid their pain with a veil of smile and salute. Are they not scared of death? May be not. They didn’t appear like that. Only loyalty mattered for them. Where do we find such priceless loyalty? I rarely cried after I grew as an adult. Policing further hardened my emotional identity. Even my father’s death couldn’t shake me, but death of my buddies like Sanjeev and Wesley in action suddenly demolished the iron wall I had built against such surge of emotions. What is common to all of us? May be the same tribal instinct of collective unconscious passes through all our neurons. It is recklessly sadistic to hurl abuses at the policemen. More hurtful is hanging them to the hook for their ‘turnout’ and ‘gait’ everyday when there is deluge of fear all over. We should always ask ourselves when we take their salute, whether we deserve such selfless

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respect and unwavering loyalty. Salute is not a mere everyday gesture that can easily be ignored, even if one has no time. It is a live thread through which the trust shuttles at a lightening speed. Irrefutably, this trust is the core to the police conduct in society. Similarly it takes no time to take potshots at policemen, but if one goes to their homes and takes a peek into their hearts, he would then understand the pain. Policemen deserve gallantry for facing every odd in their personal life. Congested accommodation in Erady type cubicles (thank goodness, they are now demolished!), children not doing well, wives turning neurotic, peer pressures, trying to be conformist in the subculture, unrealistic expectations from the families in the village, lack of social support, being on call always, staying in the ring, invasive media, crises and the endless list of woes afflict police life. It takes no time to abuse policemen on the streets, in the tweets, and in the posts of Facebook. Let’s not forget, for every hundred people who feel secure because of a policeman, one child in the police lines is robbed of his parental affection. Be cautious next time when you recklessly brand police children as ‘spoiled lot’. Every time you reach home early and your property is recovered intact or a murder case is detected, policeman runs the risk of death and divorce much earlier than all of us. It is enigmatic to me, even today as to how men in uniform, jump into action despite being abused by everyone. May be it is a tribal instinct that is innate to the policemen to react to a dangerous stimulus. May be it is the faith that their bosses would take care if something goes wrong. Perhaps, this is the reason why we have more policemen willing to die on duty than any organized body of employees of the state in the world. The phrase ‘unsung heroes’ sounds very weird to me. Strangely, unlike many, policeman doesn’t crave for any recognition. I took part in many funeral processions of policemen (including those ill-fated 36 who met watery grave in Balimela, Orissa) who died at the altar of duty. In every procession, sadly I found very thin civilian presence. Barring a few exceptions, no statues are erected for police martyrs and no streets are named after them. Even if it happens, it is only a police affair. Herman Goldstein, the famous police thinker says no free society is comfortable with the people who enforce law to safeguard its being. Police understands this axiom better than anyone. Not surprisingly, the police families are unfazed by this utter lack of concern of society. They simply digest the grief and localize it to “the lines”. Shockingly, many ill-fated families do not even know why their sole breadwinners never returned to home again. Heroes don’t live for eulogies. (The author is Senior IPS Officer of AP Cadre, Presently working as Secretary, APSWREIS)

Krishnaprasad

The Braveheart Cop

t was November morning in 1992 and colder days were just setting in. Additional Superintendent of Police Krishna Prasad was about to have breakfast when he received a phone call. Despite being a diabetic, he decided to forego breakfast and left for office telling his wife that he has to go. Around 2 pm she called him up to enquire whether he had his grub. She also asked him whether he took medicines. Krishna Prasad replied in the affirmative and said he had an important assignment. He also told her that he might come home late. The important assignment was to nab Kashmiri terrorists who were taking shelter in a hideout in Brindavan Colony in Tolichowki. The hideout was identified on the basis of the inputs given by two suspected terrorists nabbed a day before. He took his team to the hideout. While few men were with the nabbed terrorists who pointed at the hideout, he and his gunman Venkateswar Rao, knocked at the door. The terrorists, who became alert, sent their female associates to open the door. The female associates tried to prevent Krishna Prasad and his gunman from entering the house, to enable the terrorists load their automatic rifle. The terrorists opened fire and head constable Venkateswar Rao was the first to receive the bullet wounds. He slumped down. Krishna Prasad returned the fire. The women associates rushed out of the house raising false alarm. The courageous soldier that he was, Krishnaprasad stepped in only to be greeted by an unfriendly and indiscriminate firing. . He went down fighting. They were rushed to Osmania Hospital only to be declared brought dead. However, his sacrifice did not go in vain. The female associates of the terrorists, who also came to Osmania Hospital for treatment, were nabbed and the entire module was busted. During subsequent years, the terrorists who killed Krishna Prasad and his gunman were killed in exchange of fire with security personnel in Kashmir. (The Author is Senior Journalist)

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

fter Jagtial, my third posting was as Assistant Commissioner of Police, Saifabad in Hyderabad City Police. As Assistant Commissioner of Police - Law and Order, Saifabad subdivision I had a vast jurisdiction encompassing from Sanathnagar industrial area to Golconda fort, covering Rajbhavan, Chief minister's bungalow, Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, most of the State level and Central Government offices above all vulnerable localities, prone to unpredictable communal clashes. A Deputy Commissioner of police now heads this sub-division. Nostalgically, I recollect the speed, alacrity, firmness, with which police officers of yester years rendered higher level of service to people with utmost respect, dignity and comradeship, with out the present day facilities of science, technology, transport, communication and wonderful IT support. I can assertively say, it was because of dynamic, effective, honest leadership of senior police officers, and willing response at all levels, clear cut accountability, respect for Rule of law and professionalism of all ranks down the line and particularly because of less or no political interference in the day-to-day police administration. An Incident I recollect even today after 42 years of occurrence and 20 years of my retirement with great pride and honour is the rescuing of an enchanting "Damsel in Distress". The incident would have pushed the historic city of Hyderabad into wide spread communal turmoil, had there been slightest deficiency in handling this highly sensitive and explosive situation in 1962. A charming young married Bora Muslim lady was abducted in broad daylight on the very busy Goshamahal main road around 4 in the evening in summer months of 1963. The attractive and elegant Muslim damsel

G. Raghava Reddy Retd. Police Officer who was very innocuous to her charm bewitched a Rajput -who ironically belongs to a clan known for their chivalry to women and valour. This inhuman and ruthless man had the unassuming lady abducted. He got her physically lifted by five hired notorious hoodlums to Uppal a suburban town and hid her in a hut near his open agricultural well. This monstrous, abominable, sensational abduction spread like a wild fire in the adjoining localities, endangering peace in large areas of the city. There was imminent threat of communal clashes all over. As the concerned Assistant commissioner of police law and order I rushed to the spot, organized a "Dragnet" with great alacrity, swift deployment of men and officers of good professional skills to apprehend the desperados. As I reached the place of occurrence, the relatives of the abducted lady with her only child of one year old and a highly agitated crowd gathered, demanding the production of the victim lady in captivity. The situation was charged with high emotional tension putting every body on tender hooks. Thousands of students took out rallies, obstructed traffic, unsocial elements spread wild rumours, and the entire city police was alerted to maintain communal harmony. Immediately I secured the elders and

the leaders of the Bora community and assured them that the lady would be safeguarded. It naturally became a big challenge and a decisive test for my professional competence and efficiency of the city police, and prestige matter for the police Department and for that matter to the Government. As this confusion was going on, my eagle eye fell on a boy aged around ten years running away from a motorcar workshop on seeing the police team arriving there. I coolly asked the inspector of police to talk to the boy, as the normal tendency from lower ranks would be handle him roughly. Inspector Padma Rao, who is no more, was an eminent police officer known for his professional competence and impeccable integrity. On talking to the boy, we were surprised to see a small piece of paper in his hands on which he noted down the number of the vehicle, hardly expected of the child of that age. The vehicle was a taxicab. I then put sub inspector Yadagiri Reddy, in the Taxi driver's garb and asked him to incognito watch for the taxi, which normally would return to the stand. As good luck would have, the taxi came back and was being parked; Yadagiri Reddy obtained the vital clue. With this excellent lead, we rushed at break neck's speed and located the hut in which the hapless lady was held captive in the interior agriculture fields near Uppal town, in the out skirts of the city. She was in a shock and crying in distress. As Inspector Padma Rao was trying to rush in to the hut, one muscle man by name "Kavva Pahelwan" unpredictably attacked him with a spring knife, but an alert Head constable with a great alacrity and presence of mind pushed the inspector down allowing the stroke of the knife fall on the ground, thereby saving the precious life of the inspector. What a providential escape for an inspector who was highly revered police officer? In the process of saving the inspector, the young Head constable himself lost balance

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

and fell in to a 40 feet deep dry open well, sustaining multiple hip fractures becoming incapacitated for a lifetime. On one side, we had to save the honour of the lady and on the other; we had to pull out the groaning head constable from the well in pitch darkness. At that stage, I was focusing the headlights of my van on the hut and on the hoodlums who were pelting stones. As it was pitch dark, I had to open fire continuously with my service revolver to keep them at bay. The operations were carried out swiftly with great alacrity and determination. Our team was able to overpower all the five hoodlums one of whom was heavily drunk and from whom imminent danger of outranging the modesty of the victim lady in captivity was apprehended. Finally, we were able to save the "Damsel in distress" and bring her out without any harm whatsoever. What a relief to the hapless lady in captivity and to our police team under tension of handling a sensitive task of great public importance? At the place of occurrence, the anxious relatives and the unruly mob became restive and started attacking the police, but my message of successful operations brought the tense situation under control. I rushed to the scene with the abducted lady and presented her, with her charming countenance, a cynosure of all eyes. It was an unbearably pathetic scene when she grabbed her one-year-old child and uncontrollably cried and joined her husband with great honour and pride. The crowd jumped in over whelming joy and gave us a royal reception. Well, the Press paid glowing tributes and the rich businesspersons of the Bora community offered a big amount as a reward to the police team, but I got it awarded to the child witness, who I understand availed it wisely for his higher technical education and settled down abroad. My action of getting the handsome amount of gift awarded to the child witness was highly appreciated by everybody and became a standing example in the city police of Hyderabad. The normal practice in the police Department was to snatch away the credit of subordinate officers, a reprehensible conduct on the part of the senior officers. On the injured Head constable, side the picture remained very gloomy. He was permanently incapacitated for a lifetime though suitably rewarded. He remained an unforgettable role model in city police of Hyderabad. Had not this young head constable exhibited such valour and extraordinary alertness, this episode would not have been so written today. Perhaps, the unusual and sensational task I handled is the real hallmark of my success as a police officer. Well I considered a deed well done was in itself an elixir, a new motivation and an unforgettable experience of great professional importance. I take pride in narrating this heart¬rending incident, which gave me a chance to serve the society and say with head high that the "Police job is a Noble profession".

HEROES OF HYDERABAD

The list of police martyrs is countless and the gallantry endless…Every time there’s a challenge, a new story of bravery is etched and at every road turn, there’s a milestone of a martyr’s sacrifice. The State capital of Hyderabad too has its share of martyrs.

ACP Sattaiah, on duty in the narrow bylanes of the riot-torn Old City of Hyderabad, fell to Quadeer’s bullet. The blood that flowed out from supreme sacrifice added to the ochre of the skies at the dawn. That was December 12, 1990. A year later, brave ACP Krishnaprasad died battling dreaded terrorists. He breathed his last, but not before busting a whole terror module.

On 12, 2005, a powerful bomb explosion ripped through the office of the commissioner of the task force in Somajiguda, barely a 100 metres from the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s official residence. Home Guard Satyanarayana, on duty at that fateful moment, died on the spot.

On May18, 2009 home guard Balaswamy was on duty at Nagulabanda in the Old City. They were regulating the traffic and keeping peace. Suddenly, fanatic Viquaruddin and his accomplice came on a two-wheeler and fired indiscriminately. While constable Rajendraprasad suffered grievous injuries, Balaswami succumbed. Wily Viquar founded extremist organization Tehrik e Galba Islam and was fomenting communal tensions in the city.

On May14, 2010, Viquar struck again, this time in Khilwat area of Old City. There was heavy police deployment in the Old City on the anniversary of Mecca Masjid Blasts. Constable Ramesh, a native of Madanapalle, was deployed at Khilwat. A masked Viquar came on a bike and fired at the police picket. While two of the constables had a providential escape, Ramesh wasn’t lucky enough.

These are no mere names and the dates are no mere footnotes of history. They tell the story of the continuous saga of supreme sacrifice. Their memories should be perpetuated and their exploits should be told and retold for the posterity. The police martyrs commemoration day is a solemn occasion to recall their sacrifices and pay our humble homage.

Sri Nayini Narasimhareddy, Home Minister, Telangana

Tafseer Iqbal, IPS

Sri Anurag Sharma, IPS

Sri Venugopal Rao

Sri C.V. Anand, IPS

Sri Lingaiah, Inspector, Saroornagar

DGP, Telangana

Commissioner, Cyberabad

DCP, LB Nagar

ACP, LB Nagar

SAROORNAGAR SUB-DIVISION POLICE

WE SALUTE OUR POLICE MARTYRS

Homage to the Patriotic Warriors

Everyone should remember that even police are human beings. They do have their families. They have their share of troubles and tears. A police officer's family will have the same kind of sorrow if he dies in duty like any other family in the society

n 1959 October 21st Aksai Chin, a place of hot springs, at 18000 feet above sea level, is a part of Ladakh in Indian border. Like every day Indian soldiers were on their routine. But that day was different. The guards, who are keeping their mother land under strict surveillance, abruptly confronted Chinese intruders in large numbers. Despite their limited strength, Indian CRPF combatants didn’t move back. They geared themselves up to attack Chinese intruders with full vigor and courage. Warfare of equals went on in which 10 CRPF warriors lost their lives. They sacrificed their lives for protecting the country. Puran Singh, Sharwan Das, Hang Jeet Subho, Iman Singh, Dharam Singh, Shivnadh Prasad, Norbu Lama, Makhan Lal, Beg Raj, and Nonbu forfeited their lives in that gruesome incident. This uncompromising war by 10 warriors filled the policemen across the country with indomitable moral fibre. Together this unpleasant war also packed the hearts of crores of Indians with gloominess. By fighting an unbending war in the process of prohibiting rival soldiers intrusion, they have not only stood as role models to fellow soldiers, but also as a source of inspiration. And this class of warriors only could publish the greatness of India and safeguard the country’s self-worth. In a meeting of Police Inspector Generals' of all states, which took place in January 1960, it was decided that on every October 21st, homage should be paid to policemen who lost their lives while performing duties in

the memory of those 10 soldiers who lost their lives at Aksai Chin. Since then, October 21st of every year is being observed as “Police Martyrs Commemoration Day” Several policemen are sacrificing their lives every year in the throes of protecting peace in the country. Unfortunately majority of people are not recognizing such prized and valued sacrifices. But common public express sympathy for them who die in natural disasters like hurricanes or earth quakes. Similar case with the soldiers who forgo their lives in wars. But not evincing any sympathy on policemen who lose their lives in duty is definitely atrocious. Everyone should remember that even police are human beings. They do have their families. They have their

Palle Anjaneyulu share of troubles and tears. A police officer's family will have the same kind of sorrow if he dies in duty like any other family in the society. Policemen are not immune to pains or pressures. Such families which lose the breadwinners in duty will have to go through a number of troubles and hassles. If a policeman, who puts his life at stake to give a peaceful living to common people, dies in duty, everyone should have compassion and empathy towards his families. If a police passes away while trying to protect law and order, such demise is not just a loss to his family but to the system. It is quite awful to find that the society which comes down heavily on any mistake committed by police personnel stays indifferent and apathetic when it comes to recognizing the grand sacrifices made by them. Forget about praising such sacrifices, an iota of recognition of such forfeitures is missing. But for the police personnel, whatever the kind of criticism they face from public, they should conduct their duties without any prejudice and get due honours from common public. It is our minimum responsibility to commemorate the great souls, the police, who keep all the pleasures aside. Let us pay the reverence in the memory of their services by expressing our gratitude and respond to their families sympathetically. Let us rededicate ourselves the sacred police profession. (The author is Palle Anjaneyulu, a journalist)

Sri Nayani Narasimha Reddy

Sri Anurag Sharma, IPS,

Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Home Minister

DGP, Telangana State

Smt B. Sumathi, IPS

Sri T. Venkanna

N. Venkateswarlu

MEDAK DISTRICT POLICE

SP, Medak district

Addl. SP, Mediak District

Dy. SP, Toopran