Tuesday, December 16, 2008

LAME BEGGAR AND CRUEL COP!



Although it is the month of December, the sun is quite hot here. I was walking on the Market Road from High Court Junction towards Broadway. The funny thing about Broadway is that it is one of the narrowest ways in Kochi. May be it was the broadest way many, many decades back.

As I reached the Syrian Catholic Bishop’s House, I saw a crippled beggar moving on his haunches inch by inch in the sweltering heat. For every inch he had to cover, he put in enormous amount of effort and the entire weight of his body was supported by his hand. His face was contorted with pain. He had a tin box for alms which he dragged along with him with a loud sound. He did not ask any one for alms. But just looking at him was enough to move even the hardest of hearts. Many people gave him money without thinking twice. I also gave some money and walked forward.

I walked a few steps feeling sorry for him and suddenly I heard a loud, rough voice behind me: ”Come on! Move fast! Don’t crawl like a worm! Fast, fast!” I stopped and turned back to see if some one was shouting at me.

In front of the Bishop’s House is the Police Armed Reserve Camp and a policeman was standing guard. He was shouting at the lame beggar. Again he yelled, “Don’t take your own sweet time! Move fast! VIP is coming for inspecting the camp. Don’t block the way!” The beggar had tears in his eyes. The maximum speed he could move was only an inch at a time. When the cop saw me standing there and staring at him, he quickly walked inside the compound.

After a few seconds, when he thought I had gone, he came out again and started yelling at the beggar again waving his big lathi( stick) . At that time I could click a photo.

Is this the height of cruelty to a disabled human being? What a heartless brute! Barbarian! He deserves two slaps on his face!

The Kerala police vans and jeeps have these words painted on them—WE PROTECT, WE SERVE.

Big joke!













15 comments:

Jules said...

Such a sad post Joseph -the police should be helping this poor man not tormenting him. It is a sad state of affairs isn't it and as you say, so close to Christmas. I gather you have no social security in India so this man has little choice but to beg.

Unknown said...

Hi JP Chettan, Itz great that U have captured the photo. May be that cop was trying to send him away from the main gate as a senior official or a politician may be visiting their camp. Usually these people come in red light cars at high speed and even wont see a lame beggar near the main gate.

CIELO said...

I have something for you on my blog... come get it! ;)

cielo

Mel said...

Oh, wow, Joseph. I'm so sorry that happened. It's sickening what we do to each other. May God humble the hearts of those who treat their fellow human beings with such cruelty.

Paramveer said...

;(

Elle said...

That is a heartbreaking story. The injustices of this world are astronomical and they bring my soul pain. For the police, of all people, to be cruel to those who cannot exceed thier limit, to shun them and turn them away in disgust is... barbaric and disgusting. But it is in the Lord's hands and he holds the judgement. I will pray for that man and keep him in my heart...

Linnea

FCB said...

Hi Joseph,
In the last few posts it appears the police are in dire need of some humanity. I'm glad you were there to shame this police officer. As you described this man's struggle just to move, it seems absolutely heartless that this "public servant" would be so harsh. So disturbing.
God bless,
Fred

Elle said...

thank you! I will do that. I told my friends and teacher about your story, "Lame Beggar and Cruel Cop", and they said that that was a heartwrenching story. I truly agree...

Linnea

roentare said...

A very interesting version of Christmas here

Manivannan Sadasivam said...

It's so saddening... How cruel men have become.

Beggars are there to remind us that one day even we could become like them. We never knew their story, their dreams and what made them to this position. And truth is anyone could become a beggar.

So if possible we should help or move away without disturbing. BUt this is atrocious. Height of Ego, Blinded by power.

Well written Sir. Let's pray for humanness.

Maria said...

Unknowingly, but I think I love the city best with some frequent escapes to the countryside :))))

Danielle&Hannah said...

Wow, sometimes people can really forget their own fragility! We should always treat others as we would like to be treated.
Sometimes amidst the rush and demands of society we can forget the reality of it. I am sure that that man felt your watchful eyes and that gave him some confidence in humanity.

"If we stand for nothing, we could fall for anything"

It is good you can keep reality and humanity in perspective!

:-)

SkyJuice said...

Hi Joseph,

It pains my heart to read this story. I believe what goes around comes around.

Have a good weekend and God bless. :-)

ramesh sadasivam said...

I hope the police men and many others like him will realise their mistakes one day.

Femin Susan said...

hey
often i had seen such things on the road.And i think what you have is very significant .
Keep raising your voice against the such things......