Taunts over tainted cop shame officers

STAINS 0N KHAKI

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: Life for policemen attached to the L T Marg police station has got tougher following media reports over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by their former in-charge, senior inspector Arun Borude, who is on the run. The are facing a constant stream of taunts and sarcastic comments.

Borude’s name cropped up when the Powai police was probing a rape case. Borude went on sick leave soon thereafter and was dismissed from service on November 17. .

“The rowdies, who would never dare to cross police’s path, now come and ask where exactly is Borude hiding. What is our fault? We feel ashamed when even passersby comment on the rape,” said a police constable attached to the L T Marg police station.

“Now, when we go for patrolling, we have to hear taunts and sarcastic remarks. People come and inquire if the news about Borude is true. They even ask our opinion about what penalty must be given to a senior police officer for such a crime. We have no option but to keep our mouth shut,” said another policeman.

Apparently, no policemen had a high regard for Borude, who had recently paid for khaki uniforms for around 200 police personnel. Some police personnel said that it is too early to conclude that Borude had raped the girl. “Let the court decide,” said one.

“Even our family members are asking about Borude,” a constable said, “what should we do? College-going students, social workers, restaurant employees, jewellers and rowdies keep inquiring about Borude. They term him as a pervert. When we reach home, our family members also want details.”

One of Borude’s counterpart said he should appear before the court. “He is on the run and has invited more trouble. He should come and face the case,” the officer said. Another senior police officer said Borude would be busy narrating his stories of killing sharp-shooters. “He would call himself an encounter specialist.”


The Times of India, November 24, 2010