Khakhi: In the line of duty

Watched the 30 minute NDTV show "Khakhi: In the line of duty". Stories of unarmed constables, some of them the only breadwinners of their families who were killed by sophisticated weapons without so much as a fighting. That said, some of them died as they rushed to stop the terrorists, sometimes on foot. One constable was killed trying to protect his inspector. The most moving story has to be that of Tukaram Omble, who was involved in the capture of the terrorist now in custody. Tukaram rushed towards the terrorist who was still alive (the other had been shot dead moments before). Knowing that the other constables with their service rifles did not stand a chance, grabbed the barrel of the AK-47 even as the terrorist emptied rounds into him. He just held on to the barrel and wrestled the terrorist to the ground, in the process creating a shield for his fellow constables who then overpowered the terrorist. Tukaram had just been promoted a month or so ago to the rank of Assistant Inspector. Just bizzare.

There is a contrast to others in the force whom we usually encounter ... like the constable at the Koramangala police station who demanded money from me after he cleared my passport application. Or the stories of so many corrupt cops who are gangsters in uniform.

I have to say that the newer stories have simply opened my eyes to the world of the better lot.

As for the senior officers Karkare, Kamte, Kalaskar ... all names which have become legends in their own rights. Kamte was a Stephenian and a Xaveiite ..... Karakare was a scholarly Engineer .... Salaskar was among the few untainted encounter cops. ... all of whom who joined the force for ideals of their own.

The three senior officers were killed as they rushed to the scene of the crime at an hour at which most people return home to a dinner and a TV soap. They were killed in the same vehicle in which they reached Cama hospital, the scene of the second shooting. When I first heard about it and while talking to a friend, we wondered what the three most senior officers were doing travelling together ... couldn't they have sent others in... couldn't they have taken different vehicles for safety? In the first few hours of 26/11 when this news filterted in, my friend wondered if these three officers were trying to be heroes. In the light of all the facts and now knowing their backgrounds. ..... I feel humbled and ashamed at my armchair analysis... I did not deserve to be questioning their actions or judgements .... I just don't belong in their league... they were just so much better than me. As for my friend, he realises as well now ... they were not trying to be Heroes ... they already were Heroes, based on the choices they had made in their lives. Choices they knew would never bring them money or glory, just satisfaction of having believed and acted on what they *felt* was honourable.

They may have made an error of judgement that fateful night, but they reacted as they knew they should.... with bravery.