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Inspector Ram was leisurely reading the newspaper since no processions or protests were slated for the day. On hearing a click of heels, he looked up and saw constable Lakshman. Giving a smart salute, Lakshman said, “Sir, my daught-er’s wedding is fixed next week and I need to go on leave.” Ram got angry and asked, “Are you telling the truth or planning your leave as a part of police protest?”
Lakshman immediately took out a wedding invitation from a bunch and handed it over to his boss. “I know one can print invitations for a mere Rs 100. Your leave is rejected,” said Ram. Lakshman touched his boss’ feet saying, “Sir, why should I lie? Send anyone to my native place and ascertain the truth.” Ram did not budge and said, “You may talk to my bosses and get their permission.”
The next day, the jurisdictional DCP summoned Ram to his office and shouted, “Are you not capable of handling your subordinates? Do you think your DCP has no other work but grant leave to your constables?” “Sir, I was directed not to grant leave to any one during the proposed police strike. When I refused leave, Lakshman has you.” The DCP was placated. On his return to the station, Ram gave a mouthful to Lakshman and forgot this episode.
The next morning, a surprise awaited Inspector Ram. Except two head constables everyone had reported sick. Ram called a HC and sought the reason. “As a protest against your inhuman attitude towards Lakshman, all our colleagues have absented,” said the HC. Ram asked the HC to alert the higher ups.
Within an hour, Ram was summoned by the Joint CP and was served the order of suspension for not handling his subordinates tactfully. A dejected Ram went home and explained the situation to his wife, who turned furious.
The next day, a woman was ushered before the police commissioner in his office. Without much ado, the lady asked the reason why her husband, Ram, was unjustly suspended. The commissioner lost his temper and told her that she cannot interfere in departmental matters. Upon this, the woman said, “I can’t tolerate such injustice to my husband. I shall commit suicide and declare that you are responsible for it”.
In a matter of seconds, she took out a bottle, emptied its contents in her mouth and fell down. The commissioner was aghast. He got the lady shifted to a nearby hospital and within minutes he revoked the suspension of Inspector Ram.
A beaming Ram came back to his police station the next day. As he started his day’s work, Lakshman approached him again and sought leave. This infuriated the inspector, who shouted at Lakshman and asked him to get out.
Hearing this, Lakshman took out a bottle and, declaring that he was disgusted with his life, poured kerosene on himself – and before anybody could stop him – lit a match stick. Very soon, Lakshman was rushed to the hospital. Inspector Ram was suspended again.