Goan rhapsody continues…..

I was quick to retort, ‘I am the DGP of the state. When it comes to law and order here, I am free to do what I want. I don’t need anyone’s permission.’

My abrupt reply seemed to have the desired effect, and I could feel the minister squirm in his seat.

Meanwhile, the CM walked in. He seemed to be in a happy mood and inquired, ‘I hope the matter has been resolved between you two?’

‘Not in the least. The DGP is not relenting,’ the minister lamented.

The CM, pointing to the minister and his aide, said almost pleadingly, ‘DG sahib, he will do exactly as you want him to do. We all want a smooth conduct of the match. Please take him to your office. He will give you a written commitment to comply with all your terms and conditions. But please, withdraw the email you have sent to the BCCI. The minister’s fair name is at stake.’

There was no need for me to press the point further. The minister and the secretary of the Goa Cricket Association accompanied me to my office. I spelt out the police’s requirements and they were willing to meet all   of them. They asked me to draw up a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Goa Police and the Goa Cricket Association, which I promptly did. They agreed to the printing of tickets—strictly as per the availability of seats in the stadium—under police supervision. Limited numbers of parking labels were to be issued depending on available parking space, and so on. Most importantly, the association was to cooperate with the police at every stage. The minister and his secretary signed the MOU without demur and I withdrew the email sent to the BCCI.

On 3 April 2006, as the match was in progress, I was happy to note that things had gone as per plan. Spectators had been seated without difficulty. Vehicles were parked in predesignated parking lots. No overcrowding or traffic bottlenecks were reported. Our arrangements had been successful.

To be continued……..