It was the fag end of December 1990 when an official originally from the CRPF joined the National Security Group (NSG) on deputation and took over as Group Commander 12 Special Rangers Group. The group was tasked to provide ‘mobile security to VIPs/VVIPs and Netaji Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party patriarch happened to be one of such 18 personalities.
Neither an MLA nor an MP: But then Mulayam Singh Yadav was neither an MLA nor an MP and had become a former chief minister of the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. In a way, he was in the wilderness and had a huge bungalow.
No accommodation to NSG: Although Netaji boasted of a massive furnished residence, the elite NSG commandoes deployed to provide security cover literally had no accommodation. However, some of them managed to get housing facilities in the UP PAC lines and had food in the mess on cash payment. Interestingly, they had no Tactical Proficiency Trainer (TPT), forgetting any firing range to carry out target practice.
All problems sorted out: The then Team Commander sent was FM the BSF, with a quirky reputation. During his visit, the official met the DIG, CRPF of the then-newly carved Lucknow range. Thanks to his intervention and the needful, all the problems were sorted out.
The threat of suspension: This official, as AD Establishment-II happened to be with him for a short span of three months and was posted out to 46 Baramulla Unit. Under the pretext of his negative mindset, this official refused to work under him. The, then DG CRPF not only howled at this officer but also warned of suspending the latter.
Refusal not for the first time: In fact, this official had even done so earlier while serving under RCZ at the ISA. Then he was moved out to take Command of 38 Group wherein he excelled in operational achievements. Later, from 38 he was shifted to the Establishment wing with the sole aim of protecting him safe as he had gained the wrath by hunting enough numbers of terrorists. For such a feat, he also happened to be on the ultras’ hit list.
Expert in raising the ire: The officer, by then had evolved into an expert in raising the ire of the powerful. However, this time the Chief had left his puja midway only to meet him. Later the former called on the IG at the UP Police headquarters.
Mai kya karoon? Raked up with the mismanagement at his residence, the officer spoke directly with Mulayam Singh Yadav as the Tempo arranged by the latter on payment was not in consonance with the security drill and instead, be provided with two Ambassadors. Hearing the list of grievances, Mulayam Singh Yadav came up to the officer and beseeched unravelling his predicament: “Aap hee batao, mai kya karoon ..? Mera hukoom hota to , haal behatar hota…etc.”
Cease security cover: Upset with Netaji’s reaction the officer withdrew from the spot refusing Tea and biscuits offered to him. He also made it point blank that he should not be blamed in the case of any untoward developments later. In return, he hit back with a report recommending ceasing the security cover.
Flash call on 1st anniversary: While this officer was enjoying his first Force Anniversary in the last quarter of 1991, the celebrations were marred by a flash call from the top gun. He rushed to meet DG, who took him aside and told the former to rush to Lucknow as Mulayam Singh’s NSG escort was attempted to be intervened by a heavy vehicle at Etawah. A few Commandos were either injured or killed and the officer was entrusted with the responsibility of making all arrangements for treatment at the AIIMS.
By train instead of flight: On coming to know the development the Group Commander 13 SRG advised the officer to catch the train stopping at Etawah and revert by road rather than taking a flight to Lucknow. Taking his hint, he got down at Etawah railway station and was received by his Team Commander, who took him directly to Civil hospital to see the injured Commandos.
Four Commandos badly injured: The sight at the hospital was nerve-wracking as four Commandos seated in the escort Gypsy and following from the rear were badly injured. One had broken ribs; two had their collar bones broken with severe injuries while the Escort Commander suffered multiple injuries.
Oil tanker into the VIP convoy: According to the details made available, an oil tanker driven by Sardar ji, had suddenly traversed his truck into the VIP convoy. Sensing the fatal accident, the leading Jeep driver had avoided collusion undergoing a slight dent. But, the following VIP Ambassador received a hit on its right bumper and mudguard. Looking the scene the Party Commander had sneaked his Gypsy in order to block the truck from hitting the VIP Mulayam Singh’s Ambassador in front of his vehicle.
Gypsy nose dives below the tanker: But, while trying to do so, the Commander succeeded in blocking the rushing truck with his escort Gypsy which nose dived below the long diesel tanker and had thus protected the shaken and frightened Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Civilian driver dies a Heroes death: In the melee and trying to reach the VIP to Eatwah in the remaining two vehicles safely, the Gypsy driver, due to the head-on collision got stuck by the steering. After struggling for a while, he died a Heroes death. The driver was a civilian employed by the VIP.
Reward of Rs 10,000 returned: After inquiring about the health conditions of the badly injured Sub Inspector, the Party Commander of the CRPF and the three Ranger, Commandos of the BSF Assam Rifles and SSB, the officer came to know that Mulayam Singh Yadav had paid a cash reward of Rs 10,000 each to all injured. However, the officer ordered him to return and went to meet the protected person (PP) at the Circuit House to have more details.
Special halt for X-PM: The officer could surprisingly notice former Prime Minister Chandrasekhar and the MP Sanjay Singh along with the rescued VIP. Chandrasekhar expressed sorrow at the turn out of events and consoled while praising the Commandoes. On being told about the plan to shift the injured to the AIIMS New Delhi, Mulayalam Singh Yadav suggested going by the fast train making a “special halt” for the Ex PM at 15.30 hours.
A sight to watch: To the astonishment of the officer, as they moved the injured to the train it turned out to be a sight worth watching and remembering. The hitherto famous Young Turk of the Congress era, Chandrasekhar assisted one of the injured while Mulayalam Singh Yadav helped another Commando in getting into the train. The officer picked up their weapons and types of equipment on his uniformed shoulders.
Loaded with heavy weaponry: At New Delhi railway station the waiting Ambulances rushed the injured to the AIIMS. The officer had set an impression of being stern and ruthless when it came to issuing commands. But when he himself was seen loaded with the heavy weaponry the scene turned emotional with the comrades hugging their leader with tears!
We don’t function for money: Later the officer met his Chief, IPS, father of the SPG who patted the former. And it was on the officer's suggestion, they returned ‘A LAKH RUPEE CHEQUE SENT BY MULAYAM SINGH JI, FOR THE FORCE WELFARE FUND’, thanking him for the generosity. And at the same time emphasise that we of the Uniform don’t function for money but are meant to serve our Mother Land, Bharat, to the best of our ability and verve.
A victim of old war wounds: The officer signs off by declaring: “I m the victim of my old war wounds and injuries...managing all by myself, with the grace of Lord Shiva Mahadeva…”
-Manohar Yadavatti
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