Arrest of a DIG. Recovery of Cash. Properties in India Dubai and Canada forces one to revisit this Story

SAALA CHOR HAI

“So many times, mummy has asked you to buy a TV. You keep ignoring her. She may be feeling insulted,” said the son as he stood in front of his father who was reading a newspaper. He thought he would convince his father to buy a TV and he would be able to watch the 1986 World Cup football.

“Son, buying a TV is beyond my means,” replied the father.

“You are a superintendent engineer of a big construction project. Not having a TV is below your status.”

The father folded the paper properly and kept it to a side. Very pensively, he said, “Beta, just sit down here and tell me what is meant by ‘status’?”

“It is something to be rich where people look up to you as a superior human being.” said the son.

“Suppose I buy a TV; how will people look up to me?”

“When they come to our house, they will see the gadget and they will appreciate it.”

“Son, they also know my means and my liabilities. They will shower all the praise. But the moment they step out of the house, they will say, ‘Saala Chor Hai’ (he is corrupt). So, these things do not increase your worth in the eyes of others.”

“But, Papa, you can always tell one of the contractors, he will be happy to oblige. And this is not bribe.”

“It is a form of corruption. No one gives you anything for free. In exchange he will expect me to extend him a favour at the cost of my organisation.”

“So, we will remain like this?”

“No, whenever I get some extra salary, I will buy a TV. Should I tell you about my bitter experience?”

“Yes.”

“I was 12, when my father got promoted to an officer’s rank. There was a change in our standard of living and my father started drinking. To fund his drinking habit, he started manipulating things. It continued for 2 years. Some irregularity was detected. An inquiry was initiated.”

“Was he thrown out?”

“No, it was a minor offence. But he was under a lot of stress. One day, he asked me and my mother to go to the inquiry officer’s house and plead for a lenient view.”

“What did the inquiry officer say? Was he rude to you people?”

“The inquiry officer was a God-fearing man. He made us sit in his drawing room, served tea and snacks and then gave us a patient hearing. He promised us that he would be lenient. But he also narrated all the wrong deeds of my father which had come to his notice. You know it is killing to listen to bad things about your father. It is very insulting to beg.”

“But your father got away without punishment?”

“He may have, but it took him some days to look into my eyes. After that, he took to a very pious and simple living. But the incident gave me a lesson for life. I can keep your mother and you without a meal or two, but I will never allow you to feel small and insulted as I felt on that day begging that inquiry officer. The injury, insult and pain to the ego of your family when you face such accusations are much more than the happiness you get from the goodies/gadgets which you get through corrupt practices.

A true story by Brig PS Gothra (Retd), received on whatsapp

Note:- Should this be a bedtime story for the children to tell them that everything comes at a cost?