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Diary of a dynamic cop

Mukund Kaushal’s Sailing on My Own Compass is a captivating account of the writer’s adventurous journey as a police officer — taking general readers on a roller coaster ride while also serving as a guide for the new crop of police officers

Diary of a dynamic cop
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Ordinarily, general public doesn't seem keen to read an account authored by a serving or a retired police officer lest the reader is made to grapple with any dry anecdote, a gruesome police encounter, or some morbid detail robbing the reader of the very pleasure of reading a light-hearted book for mild entertainment or recreation. However, the book under review, by Mukund Kaushal, is totally a different cup of tea. From page one, or from the word 'go', till the end it is gripping and the reader is unlikely to leave the book midway. This is no exaggeration as this 250-odd-pages book contains very captivating narration by the veteran police officer Mukund Kaushal, who enjoys an excellent reputation as a wonderful cop of yesteryears, and is also a very fine human being.

The policeman's diary presents a scintillating first-hand account of his journey as a police officer from the early 60's till his superannuation. Kaushal's actions, decisions and busting of complex problems, particularly during his stint in Delhi Police, make for an extremely interesting read. Author's dexterous handling of complicated cases — whether it be solving the abduction case of an antique dealer in South Delhi, or resolving a communal problem in West Delhi in 1971 — is worth a read. Readers must find out for themselves the manner in which the book reveals the modus operandi employed by Kaushal, which is simply fascinating. His skill in perfectly handling vexed man management-related problems is a sure guide to the new crop of police officers, especially those posted in capital Delhi. Delhi because, being the power center, it has innumerable political "push and pulls" which only an officer of Kaushal's calibre could handle without compromising the ethics of his profession. He has candidly mentioned about his intelligent and tactful ways of taming the wily politicians, and apart from what is mentioned in this book, Shri Kaushal enjoys the reputation of being a successful and a complete cop, not failing to rise to any challenge posed before him. Again, the present-day IPS lot or the future Police aspirants must emulate what the author practiced nearly half a century ago. This is precisely because such "ropes" are not in any curriculum or in the mandate of the National Police Academy (NPA), or for that matter in any training institute.

Other than his rich experience which he has shared with the readers in his diary under review, his tenure in Goa is also of immense interest, meriting a read. Furthermore, readers are strongly recommended to absorb what Kaushal writes in his memoir about his stint in this CRPF, his role as a successful negotiator in dealing with a wide range of anti-India groups like the underground Nagas, Kashmiri terror groups, the Gorkha separatists etc., which present a very interesting read. The list goes on and on, whether it is on Harshad Mehta, the Trade Union problem or his innovative acumen. All are a must to soak in. Moreover, when you read the book and discover by yourself the real worth of it, then only you will sail on your own compass.

The writer is a retired IPS officer, a prolific reader and an occasional reviewer of books of all types. Views expressed are personal

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