Down the Memory Lane continues...


On our return, the PM decided to hop in a leading police jeep, which was an old model Willy make with good ground clearance. He along with two PSO’s made the driver take the vehicle on a bullock cart track.

The SPG Chief, myself and other officials were really worried as we did not know where that track led to. None of the other vehicles were capable of driving on that track.

Soon we lost the wireless contact and everyone was worried. We had no alternative but to despatch some men on foot to follow that track and kept repeatedly trying to catch wireless signals of the PSO’s.

The anxious moments almost lasted for half an hour, when Bhadrachlam ASP contacted to tell that PM had reached the main road and he was accompanying him. That half an hour was like several days of tension but finally it was over. I do not know whom to blame but this type of indiscrete decision by advisors of VIP’s is best avoided.

Another event, which will always be etched in my memory, pertains to Patta-abhisekham ceremony help at Sri Rama Temple situated at the banks of Godavari River. The festival is held once in sixty year and Lord Rama is crowned with great pomp and show.

The tribal population and residents of nearby areas gather in large number. The Endowment Minister hailing from neighbouring district wanted it to be a grand affair. The elaborate arrangements were being made. He also wanted an elephant procession to be taken out.

I was against it for two reasons. One the temple located in Bhadrachalam town could be reached through one narrow bridge on the river to be used by vehicles and foot walkers, in the peak summer heat when temperature reaches 45 to 48 degrees Celsius, any elephant deciding to misbehave could lead to stampede. But the minister will listen none of it. My proposal that VIP’s attending the function may be ferried in buses rather than going in their own entourage will lessen the burden on police was also disregarded.


To be continued...