UP Policewoman Who Arrested BJP Leaders Gets Transferred To Nepal Border

We’ve all learnt a valuable lesson. If a member of the police force exercises their lawful duty to reprimand a politician, there is a very good chance that they’ll be punished for upholding the guidelines that are meant to define our society.

The news surrounding Shrestha Thakur and her recent transfer to the district of Bulandshahar, on the Nepal border, for just doing her job has lifted the already thinly-worn veil of political strong-arming that our government, and society in general it seems, has become far too comfortable with. Everyone knows, or they should, that if you ride a bike without a helmet, you will get fined. BJP leader Pramod Kumar, being a political leader should have had this knowledge of basic traffic rules, as understanding, executing and promoting the law are his essential duties. Nevertheless, that did not stop Kumar from throwing a hissy fit over a INR 200 fine, and calling upon fellow party workers to argue with a policewoman.

Shrestha was not intimidated by the political group’s relentless whining, as they somehow assumed being affiliated with politics makes one immune to the law, and she made an example of them. Five local BJP party member were arrested for creating obstacles in discharging government duties, according to Hindustan Times.

The silverlining of this unsettling act that screams obstruction of justice is that Shrestha has received a boatload of solidarity and support over social media, many calling her a ‘hero’ even, as reported by The Indian Express. Moreover, Shrestha herself has demonstrated extreme professionalism and self confidence in her Facebook post, stating: “Jahaan bhi jayega, roshni lutaega. Kisi chirag ka apna makaan nai hota (Wherever it is kept, it will spread its light; a lamp does not have a home of its own).”

She continue to write in English, “Got transfer to Bahraich, it’s Nepal border, don’t worry my friends I am happy... I accept it as a reward for my good work. You all are invited to Bahraich.”

Let us hope her confident words scaffold a sense of courage amongst others in the police force, who will hopefully uphold the law even in the menacing face of politicians that believe they are above it.

It leaves us thinking, would things have gone any different had she been a man? Was it a matter of a ‘woman’ putting a ‘man’ in his place? Or just plain ego of a person in a position of power that believes they are exempt from all rules? As social media has hailed her the ‘female Singham’, applauding her ‘daring act’, isn’t this what the all law enforcers should be doing, and not a one-off act of ‘bravery’?

While many of us criticize law-enforcers for improper policing in a country that’s bordering lawlessness, it’s saddening to see someone who is living up to their duty and responsibilities getting rebuked in such a ridiculous manner.