Even after three days of DK Ravi's unnatural death, the intensity of the shock and sadness refuses to go away. At the age of 43, and after seeing so many natural & unnatural deaths, and postmortems, death doesn't jolt me. But, this did.
Is it because, I know him and interacted with him? I used to smile to myself when I used to read about his raids, his courage and his defiance, and think that this guy will shake the system!
Of course, few did say that, one should concentrate more on the understanding and eradicating the deeper causes of corruption than the symptoms. But, then, I was in full support of what he did, as I believe, that raw courage is the foremost quality of a civil servant, when he is dealing with a system that is perceived to be bad and begs for change. If you don't have that courage, you can never question the status quo that needs to be changed. This raw courage also has the salutary effect on other officers and common man.
And he symbolized that raw courage! That raw courage, dipped in honesty and simplicity, made him so lovable and adorable!
Why did he die? How did he die? These are questions that are best left to the Police and Courts. I would not want to hazard a guess. But, yes, one hopes that the investigation happens with utmost efficiency and sincerity, and the reasons for the death are disclosed to the public, who love and adore him so much!
Who should do the investigation? The state CID (Criminal Investigation Department) or the CBI? To me, it doesn't make much difference expect that, one works under the state and another under the center. The officers are the same! Police officers from different states get posted in CBI. Indeed the present Additional director of CBI, Mr RK Dutta is a police officer of Karnataka cadre. So, there is not much difference between CID and CBI. If in one case the CBI does better, in another case, the CID may do a better job!
However, in this case, for whatever reason, there seem to be more trust among the public on the CBI. In such circumstances, nothing shall prevent anybody from handing it over to the CBI.
Being a servant of the state government, I can't question the wisdom of the state government. In a democracy, the govt is the repository of public hope and trust. It's wisdom is the wisdom of the people. I am nobody to question that! With that caveat, and if there are no other bonafide reasons, the investigation should be given to CBI.
Whatever may be the outcome of the investigation, it won't anyway alter the love and admiration I have for him. His pristine smile will live in me for very long time. I hope his legend lives and inspires many to join the civil service, work with honesty and passion, and change this country for good, a dream that he lived for.
May his soul rest in peace.
(P Manivannan is an IAS officer of Karnataka cadre)
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