Yesterday evening I was waiting near Hulimavu Gate bus stop for my mother to arrive. I had few minutes with me to observe the routines of the people near the bus stop. It was about 9:15pm. Two policemen arrived on a black bullet. The rider, a constable, alighted and silently approached the tender coconut vendor. The vendor gave him a free coconut. Later he swiftly moved through the other hawkers and collected money. I was there, following him at a distance.
Meanwhile, the pillion, again a constable, was standing near the bike guarding the rifle and the helmet. I think he was new to this profession and could not involve himself in such affairs.
When the rider returned, I asked him – “So, what is it that you took from those people?”
“You must tell me” – he replied.
“It was you who collected it, how should I know?” Silence.
“Don’t you feel anthing?” I asked.
“If people like you give me money, why should I ask them?” he replied. By that time, my mother had arrived and I had to leave the scene.
But on my way back home, I was thinking about all the instances and about all the people this policeman would have harassed and manupulated. Best of all, it is done infront of public. We stand as not just mute spectators but as passive approvers of such acts. Such kind of money collection is sheer abuse of power. Why is it that none of us bother question these policeman? It is such a shame that citizens like us are taken for granted. Just imagine the guts of these people. They engage in such acts right infront of the public.
The reason for writing this article is simple – Why don’t we just question a policeman whenever we catch one committing such acts? It may not change things, but it will send a strong message that public thoroughly disapproves of such acts, at least in Bangalore.
