01 June,2011 06:52 AM IST | | Ketan Ranga
Mumbai's police department bid farewell to its cops yesterday as they cross the designated age of 58 years. MiD DAY spoke to the veterans about their experiences and their plans post-retirement
After having spent most of their lives in their khaki uniforms, 232 cops retired from the city's police force yesterday, after reaching the designated retirement age of 58 years.
Many of the veterans have served the city for a minimum of 30 years, and in course of their years in service, coped with great changes in the city's law enforcement mechanism. Most of the retiring cops expressed happiness at finally having the leisure of superannuation.
An overwhelming majority of the retiring policemen want to enjoy quality time with their families, something they claim to have missed while in service
While some expressed hope of spending more time with their families, others shared their anticipation of leisure back at their local villages.
The policemen unanimously agreed that their commitment to their duty had kept them from their families. They all intend to make amends now.
The retiring veterans were felicitated at the function, and gifted bouquets, shawls, certificates and special cards which identified them as erstwhile members of the city police. The presentations were made by Home Minister RR Patil.
At the event, Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said, "We are proud of these policemen, who have selflessly served the force for such a long time. It is an honour to felicitate them today."
MiD DAY spoke to these policemen at the event.
ACP Jalindar Khandagle:
Served department from 1975 to 2011.
Khandagle has been in service since 1975 and has served the force from various police stations. He was last posted at Trombay. In course of his career, he was associated with the bomb disposal squad, and defused over 50 bombs along with his staff. In one such case, he had defused a bomb at Vile Parle Station in 2003, saving many lives.
The Commissioner also awarded him last year, for solving the rape and murder case at Tilak Nagar area. He said, "I am privileged to have been able to serve the force for all these years. BDDS was a special department that I was associated with. I will also remember how we solved the murder of one Sudhakar Lone in Byculla, going entirely by circumstantial evidence, in the absence of eye-witnesses."
Traffic constableu00a0 Uttamraghuu00a0 Tupe:
Served department from 1973-2011
Tupe served the police department for 38 years, spending nine years with the Mumbai city police, and the reminder of his career with the traffic police department. He said, "I am quite satisfied with my service, as there haven't been too many upheavals. But I have witnessed a lot of changes in the workings of the departments over the years."
Tupe expressed concern about the efficiency of the present generation of traffic policemen saying, "They can't regulate traffic. I agree that there has been a manifold increase in the number of vehicles, but there has been a simultaneous development in technology. We never had that kind of infrastructure or equipments at our disposal, but we managed somehow.
The new breed of traffic cops is not as sincere as we were. Needless to say, they are more educated and well-versed with technology, but they need to be more receptive to advice from their seniors who have years of experience at their disposal." Asked about his future plans, he said, "I am going to return to my village, relax, and spend time with my family."
IPS officer Madhukar Gavit:
Served from 1983-2011
The only IPS officer to retire yesterday, Gavit has always stayed away from the limelight.
He was last posted with the Special Branch. A taciturn man, he expressed happiness at retiring from service. He said, "I am happy that I have seen so many changes in the department. We have advanced arms and equipments at our disposal today. I am happy to have been associated with this department. The entire experience has been enriching."u00a0
