Courting death

For us cops, no life could be more glorious than one that ends on the altar of duty. Not everyone is so lucky, of course. But for those cops who love sports, a playground too is a fit place from where to say adieu to the world.

For us cops, no life could be more glorious than one that ends on the altar of duty. Not everyone is so lucky, of course. But for those cops who love sports, a playground too is a fit place from where to say adieu to the world.

At least three IPS officers 8212; two from Punjab and one from Andhra 8212; literally ran into death, when shot dead by terrorists/Naxalites, while they were jogging in the morning. I know of two IPS officers who have died of heart attack on the golf course 8212; one at Chandigarh a few years ago and one at Indore last year. A perfect 8216;golfing out8217;, one could say.

Somewhat similar was the exit of a former DGP of Gujarat, whose passion for sports matched his obsession with policing. Add to that his natural flamboyance and you had a hero. Not surprisingly, many a young officer took to him. Like a rock he stood by them when others found fault with their rookie recklessness.

He could wield a hockey stick, tennis racquet or cricket bat with equal finesse. But it was to badminton that he was particularly addicted. Ever willing to push himself to the limit, his refrain was, 8220;I wish to die on the field or on the sports ground.8221;

But when was it easy to tempt fate or death? So, apart from some teeth that he had lost early in his career, when hit by a stone while tackling a riotous mob, he survived his long years of sharp end policing in one piece.

However, overwork and the reckless pursuit of sports had taken a toll on his body. So, when he retired, his doctor advised him to avoid badminton. For once, he heeded. Instead, he picked up golf. But he could not say no to an occasional game of his favourite sport.

He was nearly 60, when one January day eight years ago, he got drawn to a singles bout of badminton against a much younger player at the Ellisbridge Gymkhana of Ahmedabad. As the match progressed, the old cop felt tired and out of breath. Sensing this, his opponent offered to call off the match.

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But the fighter inside the aging body was still young. He went on fighting till at last he collapsed on the court like an old warrior. He greeted death with a racket in hand. Like a worthy opponent!

For P.K. Dutta, the match had not ended. It had just begun.