Retiring Chennai police chief credits city's people for three decades of deep bond

A senior police officer who first arrived in Chennai in 1996 has described how the city forged a deeper emotional connection with him than any place where he had lived before, crediting its people for the bond that grew over nearly three decades of service.

The officer, who has retired after holding multiple key positions including Commissioner of Police and Director General of Police, told his story through a first-person account, reflecting on the affection and trust he received across different phases of his career.

Ground-level policing to top command

He rose through Chennai's police hierarchy, serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police for Flower Bazaar, DCP Traffic, Additional Commissioner for South Chennai, before becoming the city's police chief and eventually DGP. He recalled his early years as DCP with particular fondness, when he worked closely with his team on the ground.

"Those years involved immense hard work, but every challenge was more than compensated for by the warmth, trust, and affection of the people," he said.

Pandemic resilience shaped his view

The officer singled out Chennai's response during the COVID-19 crisis as an extraordinary moment that revealed the city's character. While cities worldwide struggled with the unprecedented health emergency, Chennai's residents displayed a collective spirit that stood out, he observed.

Chennaites reached out to one another, shared essential supplies, supported those in need, and showed compassion and humanity during that difficult period, according to his account.

Diversity and compassion define the city

Summing up what Chennai represents to him, the officer described it as a place where diversity becomes unity, challenges bring people closer, and compassion is woven into everyday life. "Over the years, the city has become a part of me: and I remain deeply grateful for the affection, trust, and memories it has given me," he said.

The account was narrated to Sangeetha Kandavel.

Source: The Hindu