‘Police must instil confidence not fear’

ACP Bharat Gaikwad and his wife Moni

When Anand Shirali got a WhatsApp forward early one morning which read: ‘A great thinker was asked, what is the meaning of life? He replied, ‘Life itself has no meaning, it is an opportunity to create a meaning: Good Morning', the Andheri resident knew it had to be from then Senior Police Inspector and lately Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bharat Gaikwad.

Shirali explained, "I have so many WhatsApp forwards from him in this vein, both, uplifting and soul-stirring. That is the kind of man he was: optimism was his middle name. These philosophical forwards were a window to how he thought too."

That is why news reports of Gaikwad's death by suicide, which trickled in late Monday afternoon completely blindsided Shirali. "In fact, I am still in disbelief even as I recall my many interactions with him at Amboli police station in Andheri West, on a couple of matters," reminisced Shirali who is a Dhake Colony resident. "The loss is not just of a senior police officer, the pain is the same sharp sense one feels on having lost a friend," he explained.

Humane face

Shirali said he started interacting with Gaikwad in Andheri on a number of problems in the area. "I do social work and am into activism, so I recall talking to him about some drug peddling outside educational institutions. I saw a spot turn into a veritable outdoor drinking den every evening," he explained. "The senior cop was extremely proactive on both counts."

Yet, it was Gaikwad's sterling traits about making citizens feel comfortable and actually taking time out to explain processes that Shirali said, "shattered some misconceptions about policing, and stressed the humane aspect about the force."

Chai pe charcha

Shirali said, "At one time, a colony resident had made a police complaint against the managing committee. A few committee members, including me, went to meet Gaikwad regarding the complaint. He sat us down and explained that this was a civil case. He also offered us garam chai as he outlined rules and regulations. He assured us that there was no need for nervousness." In fact, his reassurance was outstanding.

Shirali explained, "He would always say: innocent citizens need not be terrified of police stations or cops. As a force, we have to instil confidence, not fear. His cabin used to be next to people arriving for police verification related to passports. They would mistakenly at times, walk into his cabin. When they apologised, some looked frightened. He would always ask them, ‘why so stricken and scared? Daro mat', he would say in a lighter vein."

Imposing presence

On the personal front, Shirali said, "I learnt Gaikwad was a black belt in karate. These persons have a strong mental make-up and discipline. His imposing six-foot-tall physical frame and endearing smile, gave him personality and presence but it was his virtue of putting people at ease that I think will be most remembered." Though reports of those gunshots shattering the serenity of Pune will continue to disturb and evoke the inevitable: 'why, what happened' questions, all Shirali wanted to say was: "Rest In Peace, Gaikwad sir. The years when you were overseeing Andheri were a glorious era."

July 24
Day incident occurred

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