A Novel Cop

GANTINAPATI Mohan Rao, 42, was aware that his transformation from lathi-wielding cop to novelist would not be received well. But the head constable in Tenali, Guntur district, certainly didn't foresee the extent of the reaction that his novel, Khakila Bathukulu (The Plight of Khaki), would spark off in the state police.

The controversial book, released five months back, revolves around the story of Rao's late father, Prakash Rao, who retired as head constable. What's upsetting the powers-that-be is that its main theme is the atrocities perpetrated by lower-rung police officers. His immediate superiors promptly slapped a show cause notice on Rao for violating Rule 13 of APCS (Conduct) of 1964, which says: "No government employee shall, without the previous permission of the government, publish any book which is not purely of a literary, artistic or scientific character. While applying for permission to publish a book, he shall submit to government a manuscript copy thereof...." But Rao contends that his work is purely literary and doesn't violate the rule. "Have those of my IPS ranking superiors, who are engaged in writing, taken permission? If not, how can there be different rules for different people in the department?" he asks.

 The several IPS officers who have already published books include Sadasiva Rao (now with railways) and K. Aravinda Rao. The latter, a DIG heading the Grey Hounds, a special anti-Naxal outfit, recently published Naxalite Terrorism—Social and Legal Issues which talks of how the dreaded People's War Group Naxalites are 'terrorising' the people. Going against the norm extracts its price. District SP Rajeev Trivedi has given Rao transfer orders. The new posting is to the CID branch of the SP office in Guntur where Rao will have to look into Naxalite activities in the area. "One cannot afford to allow indiscipline in a disciplined force like the police," says Trivedi.

But Rao does not plan to give up. He has succeeded in getting a stay from the AP Administrative Tribunal, the statutory body which looks into the grievances of government employees. The next step is the battle to receive his pay that was stopped by his superiors. "I know their action is illegal. I shall be the ultimate winner," he says confidently. The confidence has much to do with the fact that Rao is well acquainted with the relevant laws—he has himself translated the IPC and CrPC manuals into Telugu. His translated works include AP Police Law Guide and

Indian Evidence Act. Rao was inspired to try his hand at writing when he read the Telugu translation of Uncle Tom's Cabin—the celebrated novel about Black slaves in America—by well-known Telugu novelist Ranganayakamma. "I was moved by the novel especially as similar incidents have taken place in this part of the state." Rao, who is a school drop-out, is now preparing to obtain a post graduate degree.

All his works are brought out by Prathyusha, his publishing firm which is named after his wife. "When I approached some leading publishers (with the manuscripts), they turned down my request. Obviously, they feared the wrath of the government and senior cops. Some insisted on removing certain paragraphs. I got vexed and started my own publication firm," says Rao.

The release of Rao's novel coincides with the 50th anniversary of Independence. "Not much has changed since we attained Independence. Particularly for people like us belonging to weaker sections (Rao belongs to the Dalit community). The same old practices are put to use—ordinary cops against the people and yielding to the force of politicians. Like the colonial rulers, our own people prefer to persist with rules that make the cops the target of the people," says Rao.

The police should instead become more people-friendly, feels Rao. He argues that the police manual is outdated and needs to be recast. Moreover, he says, the constabulary all over the country needs a platform to ventilate grievances. "Why shouldn't an upright policeman question his superior's diktat, if it is wrong? Why should he be allowed to be used as a tool by politicians or his own superiors?" he asks.

The first part of Khakila Bathukulu is only the tip of the iceberg. What is getting Rao's superiors most jittery is the prospect of the release of his second book. This, according to its author, will further expose the system and may force a public debate regarding the need for a major change in the rigid law enforcement system that was inherited from the British. "I will feel proud if my writings help correct the system, if people who matter give a serious thought to correcting the system," says Rao.

In the process, however, cops like Rao may lose their source of livelihood.