Any issues, call 'bade bhai', Mumbai's top cop tells force

Whom do you talk to when you have a problem at home? Your big brother, naturally. Now, the city constabulary too has a “bade bhai’s” shoulder to bank on when they face any tough time.   

Mumbai police chief Arup Patnaik has spread the word that he wants everybody in the force to be fearless. Come what may, they should not get bogged down by any pressure from law-breakers.

To ensure this, the top cop has passed on his cell phone number to the lower rung of the force. He has told them in no uncertain terms that if someone tries to throw his weight around and create problems in their duty, then they should immediately make the law-breaker speak to “bade bhai”.  

On Friday, Patnaik and other senior officers were present at the police parade at the Naigaum police headquarter at Bhoiwada.

Interacting with constables and inspectors, the police chief asked them about their problems in day-to-day policing. Around 400 policemen were present at the parade. 

“The police force is a family and I head this family. Instead of treating me like a senior, you should consider me your elder brother. If you have any problem which you think should be brought to my notice, you can come to me anytime and seek my help,” Patnaik said.  

A constable, who was present at the parade, said, “Several lower-level policemen complained to the commissioner that there have been instances when they faced problems from seniors and some people who throw their weight around and drop names of influential people. The commissioner then announced his mobile number and said that if someone tried any such thing, then the policemen concerned can call on his mobile number and make that person speak to their bade bhai.”