The maverick cops

Tough cops are back. Not on-screen but off it. When ACP Vasanth Dhoble began his crusade against erring nightclubs and hookah bars in Mumbai, the knee-jerk reaction was to slam him for his brand of moral policing. But a more thoughtful and calmer reaction is now surfacing. Is Dhoble wrong? Is he not just doing his job and unapologetically pulling up those breaking the law? In the face of myriad anti-Dhoble protests in Mumbai, various organisations have come out openly in support of him over the last few weeks. Several resident organisations have also sided with the cop. They say he is only cleaning up the muck created by bars and clubs in residential areas.

When things go wrong, most of us blame the system. But a system is made up of its people. And when some within the system stand up for what they believe is right, they deserve commendation, not condemnation.
In this cover story, TSI correspondents meet and profile bold and daring cops from across the country who have fought and continue to fight all odds in their quest to administer the rule of law, without fear or favour. Some have incurred the wrath of their political and bureaucratic bosses for their pluck and their career stories are a sordid saga of frequent transfers and insignificant postings; others have been lucky and braved the storms caused by their defiance. But one thing remains common among them all. A redeeming fervor to rise way above the compliance and nepotism that dogs India’s bureaucratic labyrinth.

Ours is by no means an exhaustive list. There may be many more such unsung champs in the forces. What we do know that they are a growing breed of real-life cops emulating reel-life heroes. And they are showing the way to countless silent spectators within the system who although upholding similar ideals, never had the guts to speak up or stand out.