Encounter specialist Rajbir Singh's son follows father's path, becomes ACP

GURUGRAM: ACP Rajbir Singh, who was allegedly shot dead by a property dealer in Gurgaon in 2008, was the face of counter-terrorism operations in the capital and is remembered by all. Rajbir's son Rohit Yadav then decided to follow his father's footsteps and cleared the UPSC exam to become ACP now. Rohit was 15 years old when he lost his father.

On March 24, 2008 encounter specialist Rajbir Singh was shot dead shocking the entire team of Delhi Police.

Rajbir had over 50 kills to his credit and was also the man instrumental in cracking the attack on parliament in 2001 and the Red Fort in 2000. Rajbir was the only officer in the police history to be promoted to the rank of ACP in just 13 years.

And now after 9 years, Rajbir's son Rohit has become an ACP to fulfill his father's dream. He has also added Rajbir's name in his name: IPS Rohit Rajbir Singh.

Everything shattered that night

I was home on March 24, 2008. I was 16 years old then and was studying for my class 11th exans. Like everyday we were waiting for our father to come back from work. Then around 11 in the night suddenly a few staff members from the police came home. They told us about him and we were shattered. We couldn't belive our ears. We rushed to the hospital to know that he is no more. The responsibility of my grandparents, mother and younger sister suddenly came on me. I was broken from inside but had to stay strong.

Decided to follow father's footsteps and become IPSC

After his death, I started to feel lonely. His dream was that I become IPSC and so I decided to work hard and become one. I wanted to fulfill his wish. My grandfather Mamchand Yadav retired as CRPF's commandent. My family supported me throughout. Rohit completed his schooling from DPS RK Puram and then pursuaded mechanical engineering. I could have made my career in the same but for him I decided to give UPSC exam.

Mother is proud of me

I used to study for my UPSC exams for 15-18 hours everyday. My father's dream became my strength and I kept working hard. When I saw my name on the result list I couldn't belive it. I went to my mother to take her blessings. She couldn't control her tears. Everyone in the family was proud of me. I wish papa was alive to be a part of my achievement.

All coincidences in one direction

I have seen a lot of coincidences in life. I have always made my positive thoughts as my strength. It is difficult to get selected in civil services at one go but it happened. I got the same posting in the department where my father was. All of these coincidences were going in the same direction.

Focus on crime against women

When I returned from IPSC Hyderabad training, my first posting was in Patel Nagar. When I first wore the uniform, I missed my father a lot. I became ACP in Patel Nagar station on September 5. My first and last moto will always be 'Devotion to Duty'. My first focus will be on crime against women and then on street crime. During my training, I solved a murder mystery and two attempt to murder cases.

My mother wants me to be careful

My family stays in Gurgaon only. Whenever my mother calls me she tells me to be careful. My only focus right now is my job.

(Credit: NBT)