Cops pick up umbrellas instead of batons

Anna's arrest cost Delhi police personnel more than just their peace of mind. Cops deployed across the Capital to deal with protestors had to purchase umbrellas and raincoats to stand in the heavy rain. Five companies of around 7,000 policemen were pressed into service to deal with Anna's supporters. Many of them were forced to make arrangements to deal with the rain.

Hads up! Delhi police personnel deployed at JP Park where Anna
Hazare's protest was expected to take place on Tuesday.
PIC/Imtiyaz Khan

These cops were deployed near JP Park, Chhatrasal Stadium, Delhi Police Mess and outside Pragati Maidan. "We are not like senior police officials who roam around in official vehicles and take a constable along who holds an umbrella for them. We bought umbrellas for Rs 300 each.

Many of us have bought raincoats also," said a cop who was on duty outside Chhatrasal Stadium and didn't wish to be identified. A traffic police man wearing a raincoat said the ones provided by the department didn't fit. "The raincoats are of a single size.

Most of the cops get wet in heavy rain. Today it's raining cats and dogs, so most cops had to find ways to protect themselves," he said. A cop, who was on duty near Delhi Police Mess, said he purchased a raincoat soon after his deployment. He said he did not demand an official raincoat as it was too big. "I preferred to buy an umbrella as today we don't have to hold a laathi," said another constable.

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