Apr 15, 2004 09:03 PM
3877 Views
(Updated Apr 15, 2004 09:04 PM)
I thought long and hard about whether I should really write this review, but then realised that I can only die once. What the heck !!
It's been a long time since this happened. I had recently shifted to my place at one of the upcoming suburbs, which is filled with call centers. I received a call from a friend, who wanted to return a book. Now, the friend being a ''she'', and the time being 12:00 at night, I decided to go walking and pick it up. the place was at a distance of 10 minutes, and after taking the book, I was returning home.
Suddenly, 5 guys in a old fiat stopped me and tried to steal my cell phone. I managed to run away, but they caught up with me before I could reach a safe place. After a scuffle of almost 15 mins, they managed to bite my thumb and take it. As they ran off, I started running behind them. Seeing a police van parked nearby gave me hope. I narrated my story to them, and therein started my tale of woe.
The police van guys were very helpful, and announced on their systems that there was a car filled with 5 occupants fitting the descriptions I had given, and that everyone should be on the lookout. We missed catching the guys, and at 1:00 am, I finally reached the police station.
The inspector-in-charge was livid with the van guys for announcing it, because the news had reached the control room, who had asked him to file an FIR. He made me wait till 3:00 am, and the best part was, he even described the guys to me as soon as I told him about the car. Obviously, they were known criminals. I was hopeful. I was wrong.
He berated me for going out at 12:00 am, which I accepted. He cast aspersions on my relationship with my friend, which I resented. he did not allow me to call up my home. He refused to file the case, saying that it must have happened in the adjoining area. I had to go with a constable and confirm the area. That good guy took me to my place, ad pleaded with me not to tell the big guy that he had done so.
I learnt that 2 officers were supposed to be on duty at that very spot. by this time, the ACP had called to enquire what was happening. Finally at 4:00 am, I was allowed to go home. After 2 days, I was called and told that there was a suspect who was a petty thief. he was unknown to me, and I said so. I was told clearly that I should just say that it was him and take my cell. The FIR had been modified to represent 2 thieves instead of 5. I refused to sign, and was admonished for that.
Again I was called after a couple of days, and again I was asked to testify against that same petty thief. I has to bring pressure from the top to stop it. After a month, another call came, asking my dad to send me to the station, and threatening that I would be taken there by force, if not voluntarily.
I had had enough. I called up my uncle, we both went to our dear friend the corporator, with him to an ACP we knew, and a strict warning was issued to the police to leave me alone. I wonder why the thieves were not arrested even after everyone knew who they were. I am not sure I want to know.
I don't know what happened to that petty thief. Someone must have testified against him to get a cell back. If this is how a man who has gone for help is treated, I wonder who would not want to take law into their own hands when the opportunity arises. JAI HIND !!
