Beware: Copland’s fast disintegrating

ACP, Baburao Gaikwad’s suicide this week stunned Mumbai as it put the arc lights, yet again, on the rot that festers in copland. It’s common practice to put the cops in the firing line on the slightest pretext.

But have we ever thought of the conditions under which policemen have to operate? Verily, a wound is best appreciated by the wounded. A depleted force where almost everything is amiss - from work strength, promotions, salary, et al - is not expected to instill adequate motivation. Options left then to vent bottled-up frustration - take to corrupt ways or end your life.

Baburao’s death is a matter of consternation as it underlines the terrible stress the force is being subjected to in its day-to-day affairs. Though the theory of his extramarital affair is being bandied about (and it may or may not be true), I am worried about the larger picture, which is that policemen are gradually cracking up under pressure.

My colleague, Nikhil Dixit, who heads the crime department in DNA, tells me that at least 15 Mumbai policemen commit suicide every year, followed by 25 who die on duty, while there is no count of those who die off duty due to stress at work.

I remember an interview of Maharashtra ex-DGP, SS Virk where he recalled the words of his senior that “the road that leads to the temple of justice goes through the police station.’’

Sadly, the enforcers of justice now stand corrupted. Here too, the political class is the proverbial villain. We know that policemen in the state are posted using political influence and money power.

Efficiency and competence have taken a backseat. Orders are issued from the Mantralaya and the commissioner’s office has been reduced to a lame duck. If a police officer errs, the DGP and CP can’t take action, should the officer enjoy political patronage.

In 1987, the Bombay Police Act was amended and the home secretary was made the head of the police department. Since then, the IAS lobby loved to keep the IPS cadre as its bridesmaid.

Owing to festivals, VVIP visits and terror threats, policemen in Mumbai have not got leave from July this year. That coupled with 24-36 hours of duty, maybe without even a food break!

Data from the police hospital in Nagpada show that more policemen in the age group of 35-40 now complain of hypertension and diabetes.

The question is: Can their ordeals be overlooked? Can Mumbai do without an efficient police force? These are posers for our rulers to ponder over, if they want no more Baburao Gaikwads to say adieu to life.