Bengaluru: Ramesh K, after the tenure of deputation with the Special Protection Group(SPG), was repatriated to his parent Department, i.e., 5BN CRPF Guwahati in Assam and posted in a company which was deployed in the Chief Minister's official and private residence. Another company was deployed in Jan Kalyan Bhavan, the Chief Minister's office cum secretariat, while the remaining four companies were deployed in the disputed border area between Assam and Nagaland.
Dy SP martyred: The Naga insurgents and Bodo militants were very much active in the disputed border region, and the CRPF companies were independently performing law and order duties. Ramesh K was also posted in this troubled terrain for a brief period. It was no doubt a sensitive area and a challenging task for the men in uniform. One Vijay Singh, a Dy SP, succumbed to death as the CRPF force couldn't reach in time to shift the severely injured officer to a nearby hospital.
Thanks to the stint in PM's security set-up: For having had an experience in the Prime Minister's security set-up, the CRPF Commandant had posted Ramesh K as in-charge of the Assam Chief Minister, who had his official and private residence in the capital complex, Dispur. Again, for precautionary reasons, Ramesh K's quarters were very much adjacent to the chief minister's house. The former visited the CM's house to greet him on the eve of the New Year. The chief minister was very happy to feel secure and was kind enough to convey the same to Ramesh K.
Department declines to spare his services: After taking charge of the responsibility of security, Ramesh K found out the necessity of a good number of things, including immediate action and improvements. All such urgent measures were attended to and immediately led to noticeable positive developments. Happy at the changeover in the personal security situation, the Chief Minister took the case for the deputation of Ramesh K into the services of Assam Police. The deputation also meant elevation of one rank up, i.e., from an Inspector to the Deputy SP. However, the CRPF quoted administrative issues for not being in a position to spare his services.
Gatecrash to the CM's residence: A few months later, civic bodies went to the polls, and even the Chief Minister's wife was also elected, changing the security at the former's official residence. It was literally like a gatecrasher situation for anyone and everyone desiring to enter the house. The piquant predicament was such that all those wanting to call on only the Chief Minister's wife were also accessing the Chief Minister's office without any formal appointment. As a result, the CM's official work was hampered, thanks to the Assam Police, who were in charge of the CM's security.
Take control of the security: It so happened that once, when Ramesh K was having dinner at his residence, a personal assistant of the CM rushed in, suggesting he meet the CM immediately. The CM expressed his displeasure over the handling of his security arrangements by the special branch of the Assam police and ordered Ramesh K to immediately take over the security protocol of his official and private residences. He also complained of being unable to carry out his office duties, as the special branch personnel were letting all sundry people into the office.
Changeover in five minutes! However, Ramesh K pleaded with the CM to get necessary orders from the CRPF top brass as well. The CM instantly called Ranju Das, DGP CRPF and informed him that Ramesh K will be handed over control of the security and suggested he pass whatever orders necessary in this regard. Within five minutes, the CM's PA received a call from Goswami, DIGP Assam Security, subscribing to the CM's orders. In the next hour, Ramesh K took complete charge. Thanks to the several measures initiated by Ramesh K to overhaul the security system, the CM was very pleased. The CM also directed Ramesh K to take over the security of the Jan Kalyan Bhavan(Secretariat) as well.
Assam DGP didn't bother to visit the CM's residence: During Ramesh K's tenure in Guwahati, Assam, Beant Singh, the then Punjab Chief Minister, was assassinated in a bomb blast in the secretariat complex on 31st August 1995. Following the tragic incident, the whole country was on high alert as far as the security measures were concerned, and Assam was no exception. However, Ranju Das, Assam DGP, reviewed the security measures in all the sensitive areas of the state, but didn't bother to pay a visit to the CM's residence. He felt that the setup of the security system was foolproof, not warranting any formal visit.
Assignments at crucial locations: Ramesh K joined the CRPF on 27 December 1984 after completing graduation in Commerce, and completed basic training in November 1986 at Avadi, Madras/Chennai. Thereafter, he was posted to the 5th Battalion CRPF, Ferozepur, and further posted in the company for operational duties in Jalalabad.
Notorious for terrorist activities: Jalalabad is a village near the India-Pakistan border state of Punjab. Then, this region was notorious for terrorist activities. Babbar Khalsa, Khalistan Liberation Army and other anti-national outfits' activities were at their peak. Ramesh K performed duties for nine months before the entire battalion was shifted to Rajasthan.
Stint with the Security Academy: In Rajasthan, Ramesh K got an opportunity to serve in the Internal Security Academy of Mount Abu. He also served in Jodhpur and Ajmer Central Jail, where Operation Blue Star detainees/terrorists were kept.
Over to the SPG: While performing operational duties, Ramesh K was nominated for selection to the Special Protection Group(SPG) in New Delhi, which was basically meant for the security of the Prime Minister and immediate family members.
On deputation for six years: After completion of physical test, psychological test and subsequent verification by the Intelligence Bureau, Ramesh K was selected for the SPG and relieved from the SPG in 1994 and sent to deputation for a period of six years.
Allowed to sleep for only one hour a day! He underwent Commando training for three months, including an outdoor camp, where they were allowed to sleep for one hour a day. He was posted at 7 Race Course Road(RCR), now Jab Kalyan Marg, in shift duties of 06-06.5 hours a day and performed duties of access control points, reception, control room, escort, as Personal Security Officer(PSO), advance security, and liaison, etc.
Duties with four Prime Ministers: Ramesh K had an opportunity to perform advanced security liaison duties during visits of the then Prime Minister, P V Narasimha Rao, to London, Edinburgh, Zurich, and Davos. During his six-year deputation period, he had an opportunity to be associated with four prime ministers, Rajeev Gandhi, V P Singh, Chandrasekhar and P V Narasimha Rao.
-Manohar Yadavatti
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