The police force is run by inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables. I want to salute them. The stories in my book have been inspired by real police officers,” said retired IPS officer and author Dr Meeran Chadha Borwankar.
She was speaking at the launch of her second book Inspector Chougle on the last day of Pune International Literary Festival - 2019 at YASHADA Auditorium in the city last Sunday.
Commissioner of Police Dr K Venkatesham launched the book in the presence of Capt C Chitale (Retd), guests and other police and Army officials.
After the book launch, a session was held where Capt Chitale was in conversation with Borwankar and Dr Venkatesham.
When asked why the book has been named Inspector Chougle, Borwankar said, “There was a real inspector Chougle. I met him in Kolhapur during my second posting there. He was very proficient in his work, he was disciplined and would simply perform his duties but he would never talk to me. His silence would speak. I feel he had a gender conflict. At that time, there weren’t many ladies in the force. Over the years, I met many such people. I amalgamated them and came up with the characters of this book,” added Borwankar who has in the past penned Leaves of My Life.
Speaking about the book, Dr Venkatesham said that it highlights the everyday life of a police officer. “In the book, the ‘conflict of an officer’ can be read in various stories. The Army and the police face such conflicts many times. We have great respect for the Army as they live under difficult circumstances, while we live in our homes and with our family. However, our children hardly see us. That is what has been depicted in this book,” the police chief said.
“The book also talks about the relationship between senior police officials and local media in some stories,” the top cop added.
When asked if the police is answerable to politicians, Dr Venkatesham said, “The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been implemented and it is very important to follow it. We are answerable to the citizens.”
Dr Venkatesham also spoke about the difficulties and challenges faced by the police officials. “After going home, sometimes we get a call from work about something and we have to wear the uniform and leave again. Maharashtra is the only place where, whenever there is a serious offence, a senior officer has to go and stay there for a minimum of three days,” he said. On her part, Borwankar said, “Dr Venkatesham is so close to the truth. That is why I wanted him to launch this book,” she said.
