Gurjot Singh Kaler is posted in Mohali. His first book, New India-The Reality Reloaded – was launched last month. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

A young Punjab police officer, Gurjot Singh Kaler, 29, always had a passion for writing. He cleared Punjab Civil Services examination in 2012 and was inducted as Deputy Superintendent of Police. Currently, with the Punjab Police’s intelligence wing, Kaler is posted in Mohali. His first book, New India-The Reality Reloaded – was launched last month. Kaler was also honoured by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh during a function at Ludhiana. Born and brought up in Chandigarh to a doctor couple, Kaler spoke to Chandigarh Newsline about his book, cyber crimes and community policing.

What is the theme of your book – New India – The Reality Reloaded?

I always wanted to become a writer. But my destiny brought me into the police force. I cleared my civil service examination in the first attempt and became a police officer, after completing my training. Since writing had always been my passion, I kept writing on various subjects. It took me about two years to complete this book. In this book, I have written on 40 core issues that are the biggest concerns for our nation in the ongoing times.

In your book, you have described “New India” as the most dangerous place for women on earth. Why? 

I mentioned in the book that the women have to suffer right “from the womb of the mother to the tomb of the graveyard”. The Indian woman has to bear constant torture, humiliation, stress, embarrassment and physical and emotional pain throughout her life. I think, it is high time that the mindset of people of this country need to be changed.

As a writer and a police officer, what is your take on #MeToo campaign?

I am a strong supporter of this campaign. There are women who never talk about their sufferings and harassment. It is every where, in every profession and every field. I feel no workplace is free from it. It is a menace. As far as
police force is concerned, women do speak up because they are more aware on legal aspects and their rights. I also believe that the process of redressing the crime against women must be totally  transparent and prompt.

There is also a chapter on “VIP”culture in your book. It is most prevalent among the police officers. How do you take it?

Yes, it is a fact that this VIP culture is prevalent across the country. Punjab police, ofcourse, is no exception. That is why, I dedicated a complete chapter on this subject, in my book. As far as I am concerned, I do not use any beacon on my official or personal vehicle. I believe in the principle of practise what you preach. VIP culture creates a gap between police and common people which, I feel, is a major drawback in connecting with the masses. For a police
officer, it is very important to be connected with the ground reality, with the common people. Then only, we can redress their problems effectively.

Your book also mentions about increasing crime rate in the country. Can you elaborate it?

There is no doubt that crime rate is on a rise in the entire country. It is quite challenging. I feel that only police can not be held responsible for controlling the crime. I believe in prevention of crime. Thus, I am a strong believer of community policing. The states of Assam and Kerala have successfully implemented the concept of community policing. I must say that without public support, no police in the world could tackle the rising crime. People sometimes say that merely increasing the strength of police force could help in tackling the crime, but I do not feel so. Unless, we educate and make the community aware, rising crime can not be curtailed.

What steps need to be taken to curb increasing Cyber crime these days?

I have written a lot about cyber crimes. Making people aware about various kinds of cyber crime and the latest frauds being committed by the fraudsters has always been my priority. When I was posted as DySP (Detective) in Barnala around two years ago, I used to go to the educational institutes, interact with students and make them aware about the cyber crimes. I believe that if we educate the young generation, the message travels faster. Not only, they themselves become cautious, but they can then also educate their parents.

Drug addiction is a big problem in Punjab. How do you think, this menace can be curbed?

Well, indeed it is a big problem. As a police officer, I feel that the problem could not be solved merely by registering criminal cases. I feel that the entire society, especially the religious leaders from all religions should take responsibility of making the youth aware about the ill-effects of taking drugs. I personally believe that the change will not happen overnight, but it will happen gradually. I think there is a need of communication. As a police officer, I often meet youngsters and try to convince them to focus more on sports and education.