This cop can cut you into pieces

An assistant inspector with the Mumbai Police is the first and only policeman from the department to participate in the International Magic Convention held at Matunga on Sunday. He has mastered over 3,000 magic tricks and illusions, including cutting a man into several pieces.

Subhash Dagadkhair, 50, who works in a small Police Notice Department office within the headquarters at Crawford Market, has a passion for magic. He has performed for six former Maharashtra chief ministers and seven former presidents, including APJ Abdul Kalam at Raj Bhuvan.

“I have been crazy about magic since childhood. It’s a different feeling to see people shocked and baffled by the tricks. ‘Magic’ is something that anyone can perform through regular practise, but there is nothing called ‘miracle’. I have seen people who believe in godmen and consider magic as ‘miracle’. Magic helps people come out of superstition and blind faith,” he says.

This has earned Dagadkhair a lot of respect from his colleagues and seniors. Constables and new recruits are seen coming to his office and requesting him to teach them some tricks to impress people.

“Although my work schedule is very tight, I never refuse anyone,” he says.

He also uses his magic for social causes. “I had collected Rs2.5 lakh for the tsunami victims by performing shows. I also hold workshops for children of policemen and teach them tricks during holidays. Like any other professional magician, I can hypnotise a viewer and also cut a man into pieces and then get him out of the box whole,” he adds.