‘Acting tough’ is the only way to neutralise Naxalites: Vijay Raman

“If they claim that they have waged war against the state, we should treat it as war,” says ‘super cop’ Vijay Raman, who was instrumental in hunting down dacoit Paan Singh Tomar and terror mastermind, Ghazi Baba

VIJAY Raman speaks very less, to-the-point, straight-forward -- a perfect fit for an IPS of his calibre. One of the most decorated police officers of India, Vijay Raman has a great deal to talk about. After eliminating Paan Singh Tomar in a 14-hour encounter, after tackling dacoits, terrorists and Naxals; Raman has an

exceptional ability to analyse organised crime.

“Terrorism grows with foreign support while Naxalism, to a large extent, is being run by our own people. However, threat is not acceptable in any form. We should tackle it with tough action,” Raman says. He was on a visit to city to share the experience of his first and the most talked-about counter-dacoity operation -- the elimination of dacoit Paan Singh Tomar in 1981 when Raman was barely 30 years old.

However, for the cop who was instrumental in hunting down mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attacks, Jaish-e-Mohammed Kashmir chief Shahbaz Khan alias Gazi Baba and dacoit Paan Singh Tomar, elimination is not the ultimate solution to a crime.

“Killing one or more persons cannot be the solution to terrorism. Generally, any terror attack comes as a reaction of some incident. We should think about the link and then find some intellectual solution to it,” he says, while stressing that terror cannot be associated with any particular religion.

But if killing is not his solution, why Raman has been involved in some of the most famous encounters? “Well, while policing, you have to think about many aspects and then act. If leaving a criminal alive can be life threatening for my informer or my men, I must shot him dead,” he says, as matter of fact as ever. Raman also supports a proper security system for whistle-blowers as their role is very important in combating crime.
One cannot resist but ask him about the proper workable solution for Naxal menace. “How can I give the solution? I am just one soldier of my country. But, the reality is that Naxalites refuse to acknowledge the state. They claim openly that they have waged a war against the state. Then, being a responsible state, we should also take this call as a war and act tough,” Raman gives a straight and simple answer -- in his signature way.

Life full of achievements

INDIA takes pride in Raman’s contributions to the nation. Apart from successful career with President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, the man has many other achievements to his credit.

Raman was awarded Citation in Guinness Book of World Record and Limca Book of Records for his around the world tour in an Indian Contessa car in 39 days 7 hrs 55 minutes.

“I love driving, so took the challenge. The tour was of about 26,000 miles,” Raman says while giving the credit of his world record to his wife Veena and his well-wishers.

Son of Late Major P V Raman, he was a gold medalist in Law and Physics before he opted for Police services. Raman says, “The present generation is more aware and they have ample career options available.”
“Youngsters are more focused these days. It’s good for all of us,” Raman mentions with pride.

Cutting of the same interview published in The Hitavada on April 19