The 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer pens a detailed account of the infamous Lucknow 'state guest house incident' of 1995, where BSP supremo Mayawati found herself allegedly besieged by Samajwadi Party supporters amid a power struggle between the two alliance partners, in his memoir titled "Crime, Grime & Gumption: Case files of an IPS officer."
This memoir, which dedicates an extensive chapter to this contentious episode, offers a glimpse into the experiences of the officer throughout his distinguished career. Born out of Gaya in Bihar, he retired from his illustrious service in January 2020 after serving in various capacities, including heading two central forces, the CISF, and the NDRF, during his remarkable 37-year tenure in the police force, a tenure remarkable for its length even by IPS standards.
In the memoir, titled "Tsunami Years," he reflects on the "indecorous" political spectacle that unfolded during the guest house incident, remarking on its profound impact not only on the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh but also on the broader political discourse in the country.
The narrative provides a detailed chronicle of the events that transpired on June 2, 1995, the day he assumed office as SSP (Lucknow). Recounting a tumultuous atmosphere marked by power outages and communication breakdowns, the officer narrates the chaotic scenes that unfolded at the guest house, where Mayawati, then residing in suites one and two, found herself amidst a gathering of BSP MLAs amid speculations of the BSP withdrawing support from the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government.
Amidst the chaos, he directed officials to ensure heightened security for suites one and two, a directive met with sudden commotion and subsequent police intervention. The officer remained at the guest house until order was restored, but the aftermath of the incident saw him suspended by the newly formed government the very next day, June 4, 1995.
The memoir delves into the subsequent repercussions of his suspension, describing how he was ostracized by his peers and treated as an outcast, particularly highlighting the lack of support from his senior officers. Despite facing multiple FIRs and being portrayed as the "villain" in the narrative surrounding the incident, he was eventually reinstated by the government, albeit after enduring months of uncertainty and hardship.
Reflecting on the incident, the officer recalls a poignant encounter with Mayawati years later, where he sought clarification on his treatment during the tumultuous events of June 2, 1995. However, the encounter left him without the closure he sought, underscoring the enduring impact of the incident on his career and personal journey.
The memoir also offers insights into other significant events during his tenure as DGP, including the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in 2019, the general elections of the same year, and the implementation of the Police Commissionerate system in 2020, showcasing the breadth of his experiences and contributions to the field of law enforcement.
Additionally, the officer commends Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership style, underscoring his commitment to public service and governance.
The narrative also delves into the officer's earlier assignments, including his role in combating Khalistani terrorism in the 'Terai' regions bordering Nepal and his experiences as SP of Lakhimpur Kheri district, where he found himself on the "target" of terrorist elements, offering a comprehensive portrait of his illustrious career in law enforcement.
