Real homage to the other face of a Police Officer

Television News channels on 20 September 2008 were busy flashing the live telecast of the funeral of Late Mohan Chand Sharma, the braveheart Police Inspector of Delhi Police who died the day before, 'leading from front' his team of police personnel in a frontal battle with the terrorists in Jamia Nagar location of Delhi. The wounds Sharma received proved fatal and finally 'Delhi Police lost an experienced and brave officer' who was also a 'specialist in handling terrorism related cases.' News reports further reported that the funeral was attended by leading politicians like Sonia Gandhi and Lal Krishna Advanavi, senior police officers, even officers from the Information Bureau (IB) and a large number of commoners who were shouting slogans at the top of their voices in reminiscence of their beloved Shaheed Police Wala. Someone, who even did not caring for his son being treated in a hospital continued to be on duty and met a martyr's fate. So far, so good. For once, this incident is in stark contrast to the known public image of police in this country. All and sundry reports of police atrocities in police stations, lock-ups, and fake encounters (which human rights activists and the civil society keeps protesting) came to this mind. And, the thought that – look here was a police officer so different from his fellows. He, who was known for his real good work. At least that's what is revealed from the boisterous public presence. The senior police officers were busy recalling the virtues of their departed colleague and were also liberal in showering words of honor on Sharma. The politicians, from their very presence made clear their solidarity with the family members of the departed soul. Now a question: When was the last time when we witnessed such a show? Some of us may and some of us may not, recall any incident immediately, but the truth is that this not the first time when such a police, public, politician or a defense, public, neta conglomeration had occurred and gathered wide spread media attention. Many did get similar honors while departing. They were even promised largesse from the system they worked with, alongwith the usual political hyperbole in front of the press that such and such assistance would be given to the family of our brave fighter. And yet, after say a year or two the same media channel would come up with a story on how the grieved family members are running from pillar to post. Their files & applications for seeking legal dues & relief (leave aside the largesse and hyperbole) would be gathering dust in some office before some nondescript clerk or worst would 'not be traceable.' Then, the Officers who were at one time, eager to make big announcements in front of the people would either 'not be available' or like to make 'no comment' or would 'feign ignorance' of any such application / file pending in their offices. Then they would not have time to talk about the issue as they would be getting late to go for some important meeting. The politicians would snug away their responsibility on the officers & the system and even may not refrain from promising again to 'see that the rightful dues are made available.' And, the people who were shouting slogans before the camera would be busy with their lives. Leaving the family to fend for itself and find out its own ways of survival in the meanderings of administration and officialdom. We have seen this happen in past and as the levels of apathy increase by the day we may see it again. The best homage from all of us would be to see that such a situation does not arise and the dues are paid to the dependants without hassle and unnecessary running around from one office to the other. That's also important to our men in the forces who would feel motivated. Or else we may not find many takers for loud claims made to catch public attention. Satya Mev Jayate!! (Photo of Mohan Chand Sharma from www.telegraphindia.com)