( a Synopsis of the book containing memories of Singam I P S compiled by his sons- a delightful read)
His name
was Singaravelu but was known as Singam, because he was a conscientious and
bold police officer who believed in the power of innovative reforms. A lion
both inside and outside his den`. This description appearing on the back cover
of a book of memoirs of Mr Singaravelu IPS, a popular police officer of his
time, sums up the essence of the man. The book has been compiled by his sons
Shivaram and Suresh almost three decades after their father passed away based
on a number of articles and notes that their father had left behind. The book
portrays policing issues of the decades prior to and post independence and in
some cases the novel methods adopted in those days.
Born on 17th
March, 1915 Singam graduated from Madras University and joined the erstwhile
Madras State as Sub Divisional Police officer on 23rd December,1937.
During the
war he served as Petrol Rationing officer, at Madras, Air Raid Prevention
Officer in Coimbatore and as Deputy Civil Defense Officer at the Madras Port Trust. On the day of
independence he joined as ADC to Rajaji who was then the Governor of West
Bengal. At intervals he held special assignments in Delhi- as ADC to the
Governor General at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Joint Deputy Director in the
Intelligence Bureau, Joint Director (Security) Railway Board, and as the First
Inspector General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
As Madras
Police Commissioner in 1965 he had to deal with the Anti Hindi agitation. At
the fag end of his service, following the Marxist`s agitation, he was posted as
IG Kerala, a job which he accepted with reluctance because Kerala was known to
be a `graveyard for many a reputation`. But it is in Kerala that he introduced
many innovative reforms which made him a very popular police officer among both
the public and the government. Among the
nearly 72 different reforms he introduced to revitalize the police in Kerala during his two year stint as IG, the
opening of the First All Women police Station at Calicut, first of its kind in
the world, by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the First Police
Hospital in Trivandrum by V V Giri the then President of India stand out. These
got Singam a lot of laurels from
both the Government and the police establishment.
After 37 years
of police service and another stint for six years as Member, Union
Public Service Commission he retired from service at the age of 65. After
retirement he became busy as the Founder editor of the Police Digest which
tried to build an enduring bridge between the Police and the public. A gifted
writer both in English and Tamil his pen was as mighty as his baton. Both as a
person and as a writer he was known for his sense of humour.
A widely
travelled man, his hobbies included golf. He was also a regular contributor of
articles to leading newspapers and magazines of the time. He passed away on 10th
September, 1994.
Let me share with you some interesting anecdotes
from the book.
Immediately
after graduation, while he was working
in the office of Sri Krishna Iyer, formerly secretary to the Legislative Assembly
and a friend of the family that Singam was persuaded to apply for the job of Deputy
Superintendent of Police. Based on tips given to him he had gone for the
interview well prepared.
`After the
other members of the interview committee had their turn, the Chairman took up
the thread and asked, “Why do you want to join the police?”
“Sir, I can
give you no better reason than what is inscribed on the King`s police medal”
“ What is
inscribed there?”
`To Guard My
People”
Though he
had not seen the medal Singam had read a
news item in the Hindu which had reported a speech by Sir John Anderson the
then Governor of West Bengal in which he
had exhorted the officers and men to follow the motto `To Guard My People` as
inscribed in the medal. The answer impressed the interviewing committee. His
final interview was with Rajaji who was then the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Singam was
later to recall that both the interviews were examples of model interviews,
especially the one with Rajaji, who had conducted it with great decorum, deep
understanding and in a deliberate un-hurried manner, sparing an uninterrupted
thirty five minutes. His telephones had not rung even once to disturb him and
no officer or peon walked in to distract him.
After
spending the first year as a Probationer in `Andhra Desa` Singam was posted as
ARP ( Air Raid Prevention Officer) Coimbatore between 1938 and 1941. One day, when the Governor who was on a visit with his
wife , was inspecting the parade along with the Collector of the District in
his capacity as the ARP Controller of Coimbatore District, complimented Singam
on the impressive strength and enthusiasm of the participants. When he enquired
about the strength of the parade he did not have the statement ready nor could
he plead ignorance and spoil all the kudos earned for the organization. So
Instinctively he told him 1123. Singam later reassured himself that there are
occasions when untruth could avoid an embarrassing situation and it is no crime
to resort to it. However since that incident he always ensured that he had all
the statements ready as it was an essential requisite according to Drill
manual.
In the next
posting at Mangalore Singam had an interesting encounter with Rajaji who had by
then resigned from Congress. He was
visiting Nileshwar, 40 miles away where he was to address a meeting. Singam was
asked to supervise the arrangements. Rajaji had already begun his speech when
Singam tip toeing occupied a folding wooden chair. Rajaji had the gift of being
informal even on a formal occasion. To the surprise of the audience he abruptly
stopped his speech and pointing his finger at Singam remarked,` Young man, I am afraid, you are
too heavy for that flimsy chair.” The entire audience burst into friendly
laughter. This remark of Rajaji had a sly reference to Singam`s official interview
with him immediately after recruitment when he was weighing only 120 lbs. as
against the 200 lbs. at that moment. Later in the evening at the rest house
Rajaji posed a simple question to him. “Young man! Where is it that you think
that our country is heading a few years hence?” As a lay man Singam responded
that it would probably have to face the growing menace of the Muslim League. Rajaji
differed and said, “ Do not worry about the Muslim League; but remember our
country will have to face communism of an extreme type” Events have proved his
prophecy. Gandhiji would repeatedly say that Rajaji always saw six months ahead
of him. In this case he was seeing ten years ahead.
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In his next
posting at Salem, in January,1947, there was trouble in the Police lines
between Caste Hindus and Harijan constables in drawing water from a well. The
SP who asked Singam to conduct an
enquiry had mildly hinted as a devout Hindu he would not like the well to be
thrown open to the non Hindus and that
Singam`s imminent promotion depended on
what he recommended. As it was a human problem he sent a report to say that
since it was a government well, there should be no discrimination and suggested
that the well be thrown open to all the constables without discrimination.
Though no orders were passed by the SP based on his report , Singam soon found out that his immediate
junior had been promoted and he had lost his promotion. While this demoralized
him greatly, Indian independence in August,1947, came to his rescue resulting
in mass promotion and the restoration of his seniority. While he was getting
ready to take over as the SP of North Arcot,
the ruling SP told him that he was not going to North Arcot but to
Calcutta to take over as ADC to Rajaji, the first Indian Governor of West
Bengal.
It is
obvious that Singam had the greatest admiration for Rajaji as can be inferred
from the following passage from the book;
`I little
imagined that I was destined to join a One Man University…. The subjects
prescribed in this one man university were numerous. The main topics were the
conquest of anger, probity in administration and financial integrity. Among the
subsidiaries were the art of concentration and the evil of courting
popularity…….His life was a perfect example of simple living full of decorum
and high thinking leading to accomplishments, earning the country`s
approbations. He placed truth on the highest pedestal. He was always for the
right unmindful of consequences`
Rajaji also
had great regards for Singam as can be seen from the following incidents;
Just prior
to independence when Lord Mountbatten had to go to London to attend the
Queens`s wedding for a duration of three week, Rajaji acted as the Governor
General for those weeks and as his ADC Singam also accompanied him to Delhi.
The swearing in of the Governor General was fixed for 12 midnight. When
Mountbatten`s Military Secretary showed
the programme to Rajaji it was indicated that the British ADC would announce
the arrival of the Governor General to the VVIPs assembled in the Hall. Rajaji
scored this out in a red pencil and told the military secretary that `The
honour of announcing the first Governor General who is an Indian should go to
Singaravelu`. Singam had to rehearse over a few times practicing to announce
`Shri Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari`. The function over , sipping coffee, Rajaji
tickled Singam`s pride by telling the
family members and the staff, “ You know, the honour of announcing the first
Indian Governor General to the world went to Singaravelu”
`Rajaji was
generally averse to travel in special planes because he felt that passenger
planes are regularly serviced and considered them safer. After Mahatma Gandhi`s
assassination when Rajaji had to rush to Delhi a seat was reserved for Rajaji
on the regular morning flight with great difficulty. However his family insisted
that they should also go with him. Rajaji told me, “Singaravelu, you are coming not because I
want you but because the family feels that I will be more secure in your
company”
While at Calcutta
Raj Bhavan, Singam happened to see off the British ambassador and his consul in
the lift. Out of courtesy as he was about to close the self operating lift, the
Consul inside closed it a moment quicker as a result of which Singam`s index
finger was chipped off. While he was being attended to by the Military Secretary who was also a
surgeon, hearing of the incident, Rajaji walked in and asked if he was alright.
Singam told
him, “with the bit of the finger lost I am feeling lighter”
“Oh! You can
also be humorous in a moment of pain` said Rajaji. Later whenever he had to
introduce Singam to his colleagues or friends he would remark “ Singaravelu had
even shed blood for me”.
When Rajaji
was acting Governor General, Mrs
Sarojini Naidu happened to visit Rashtrapathi Bhavan. He showed her the throne
room and other rooms including the spacious bed room. As he entered the bedroom
Rajaji observed, “Look what a huge bed for such a small man?”. Not to be
outwitted, she sweetly replied “ Rajaji, I have no objection to give you
company.”
There are
many such interesting anecdotes relating to Rajaji in the book.
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The first
challenge that Singam faced as soon as he took over as the Police Commissioner
in Chennai was the transport strike by the transport drivers. His deft handling
of the situation with minimum force received appreciation from the then chief
minister.
Introduction
of Mobile Courts to deal with petty offences on the spot received appreciation
from Mr.Parker, Los Angels Police chief who was on a visit to Madras. He called
it an innovation and even posed for a photograph in front of the Mobile Court
vehicle.
The next big
challenge Singam faced was the Anti Hindi agitation by the school and college
students. On 27th January,1965, as a mark of protest against
imposition of Hindi all the schools and colleges in the city staged hartal and
marched towards the Secretariat as though to capture it. They were stopped at
the war memorial, 200 yards away. It was by now 4 pm. Playing on the psychology
of the students, word was sent to the students that if they wished to return
home, police vans would be available. Students could not believe it. Since
there was an underlying fear that the students might damage the police van or
even set fire to police vehicles, a police constable was sent with the van.
About 50 boys got into the van and they were dropped at the Triplicane bus
stand. Since the van returned safely
more vans were deployed to clear the
students. As the vans were moving the students started chanting, `Down, Down
Hindi, Up, Up Police!` A very tense situation on that day was thus tactfully
handled.
Gradually
trouble spread to the districts . A whispering campaign started to say that
certain top officials had been arrested. All the urchins from the slum areas
moved into main roads, stopped passing vehicles and stoned them….Over 3000
urchins were rounded up and kept in the compound of the Police Commissioner`s
office… Lest the police should be accused of adopting third degree methods,
after giving them a talk they were
assembled in `twos` facing each other. They were given a cane each and one boy
was asked to give 12 cuts to the other and there after the other boy was to
return those 12 strikes. Then they were sent home with their parents who had
come to collect them. A British woman who had come to collect her cook`s son
remarked, “Well, the police are not beating them. So they cannot be accused of
adopting third degree methods.” She also agreed that those urchins deserved that
treatment.
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During
Singam`s tenure in the Intelligence Bureau in Bangalore his problem was to
locate a house. The then IG of Police was a consummate gentleman. He found him
a house on the prestigious Infantry road in front of the office of the Deputy
Commissioner of Police ( Traffic). After he had inspected the house and
approved it, one of the ministers of the Mysore State cast an eye on it. But
later Singam gathered that the IG of Police sowed the seeds of superstition in
the minister`s mind saying that it was a haunted house and that policeman alone
could live in it. The minister`s family gave up the idea of occupying the house
and Singam got it.
A good
friend of Singam, Sundaramurthy owned a rich library. From experience he had
found that loaned books had a way of never returning. One day he told Singam
that he had invented a method against
friends borrowing his books`
” Even you, Singam,” he observed, “will refuse to accept, if
I lend you one”. When Singam checked the books he found that all of them had
been rubber stamped `This book is stolen from the house of Mr.Sundaramurthy!`
Though he
was reluctant to take over the job of I G of Police, Kerala at the fag end of
his police career, it is in that job that he held for two years that Singam
made a huge impact on the people. His innovative ideas were appreciated by both
the government and the public.
His first act after taking office was to appoint
a Deputy Superintend of police as the Public relations Officer. It helped bring
the police and the press closer.
Four weeks
later there was a land grab agitation by the Marxists led by A.K.Gopalan. After
making all the arrangements Singam went in his civilian dress and mingled with
the crowd to watch `Operation Land Grab`. The police had a tough time to keep
the surging crowd under check. Often they had to push the front line and appeal
to them to go backwards. On one occasion Singam who was in the crowd also had
to step back. The Press obviously had noticed it. Next day all Malayam dailies
carried the headline,` I.G.obeys a constable`
The Marxists
were extremely anti-police. It was difficult for police officers in uniform to
travel alone unless they did so in numbers or escorted. Singam found an
opportunity to improve declining relations. One day the Marxist leader
A.K.Gopalan rang up Singam to complain about some matters of importance. It was
a loud and angry voice at the other end followed by incessant coughing. When
Singam enquired the leader about his health he replied, `You know I have heart
problems and if I have to go to your office, I have to climb stairs.” Seizing
the opportunity when Singam offered to visit the leader in his home, he
couldn`t believe it. That evening when he visited the leader`s home he was
received warmly. The leader also registered his complaint with Singam. The
prompt action that Singam took in the matter made the Malayalam papers report
with the headline` I.G.calls on ailing Gopalan and takes prompt action on his
complaint`. This had a marvelous effect on the Marxist workers and sympathizers
who started feeling that the police after all is not that bad. It was a
deliberate effort in therapeutic functions.
Inspired by
the success story of Maryland police who
sent Xmas greetings to the citizens in their area and found the response from
the public very encouraging, Singam decided to implement a similar idea in
Cochin. With the help of a business man he put up banners with the message
`Kerala Policemen wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year` in all
important junctions of Cochin. On
January January,1st among the first to see them was the Chief
Minister of Kerala whose reaction was quick and favourable. This idea was
repeated during Onam and later on Id Day conveying Id greetings.
During his
stay Onam festival coincided with the Independence day. Having learnt that the
all the Superintendents of police had been mainly preoccupied with departmental
enquiries to the neglect of their other important day to day functions, Singam
decided on the eve of Onam that year to declare amnesty to all those cases
except those involving corruption and moral turpitude. Over 2700 enquiries
ranging from buttons not polished to overstaying leave were closed to the
relief of large number of personnel many of whom had been under suspension for
periods varying from six months to one year. Not only the News papers but
political leaders also called it `I.G.`s ONAM GIFT`
As already
mentioned the starting of the All Women Police station, two months before he relinquished
office was Singam`s single biggest contribution to the Policing in the country.
Considered to be first of its kind not only in India but perhaps in the world, the
police station was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Cochin.
All Women Police Stations had counselors attached which encouraged women to
visit such stations with their problems. Another reform , greatly applauded by
the public was the manning of the
traffic points by attractively attired police women. These police women were trained
in batches in the local hospital not only in First Aid but also to attend to
emergency delivery cases.
Post
retirement from the police force Singam spent six years as the member of Union
Public Service commission where also he left his indelible mark.
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The book is
published by Creative Workshop based in Chennai as a hard cover edition which
is available only for family and friends. However, the paper back edition of the
book for the public is expected to be available soon.
(Published in the Madras Musings issues
in March,2022 in two parts.)
