Madam Commissioner: The Extraordinary Life of an Indian Police Chief By Meeran Chadha Borwankar
Madam Commissioner presents a compelling memoir chronicling the illustrious career of Meeran Chadha Borwankar, one of India’s most unwavering police officers. Graduating as the sole woman in her 1981 batch from India’s National Police Academy, Meeran’s journey unfolded with a series of high-profile cases, marked by her resolute stand against crime, corruption, and discrimination, guided by an unyielding commitment to integrity. Her remarkable achievements include being appointed as Maharashtra’s inaugural female district police chief and later, as its first woman police commissioner. She held prominent positions at the Central Bureau of Investigation and Mumbai’s crime branch, culminating her career as Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development and the National Crime Records Bureau. Throughout, Meeran fearlessly critiqued the country’s criminal justice system, challenging even the highest authorities to ensure the primacy of the rule of law.
This candid narrative of her thirty-six years in Indian law enforcement is punctuated with the sensational cases that defined her tenure. From the Jalgaon sex scandal to high-profile heists, communal riots to brutal crimes, Meeran’s account offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of maintaining law and order. As the head of state prisons, she adeptly managed formidable media and governmental pressures while overseeing significant events, including Sanjay Dutt’s incarceration and the executions of Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon. These experiences vividly illustrate both the gravity and complexities of wearing the khaki uniform.
‘Madam Commissioner’ stands as a testament to Meeran’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the Indian Police Service. It is an indispensable narrative for those keen on understanding the challenges and triumphs of a woman officer in the uniform and, indeed, for concerned citizens at large.
About Dr. Meeran Chadha Borwankar – IPS | Author | Motivational Speaker | Advocate
Dr. M. C. Borwankar served as an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS). She serves in the Maharashtra cadre of the prestigious IPS from 1981 till 2017. She completed her Doctorate on Organisational management, and Bachelor of Law (LLB) from University of Pune. She is a post graduate in English Literature from GND University, Punjab. She is a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow with University of Minnesota, USA, and completed Executive Development Program from University of New England, Australia. She has several dozen publications in the form of articles in national and international journals, research reports on Investigation, Gender, law enforcement, E-governance, Human Rights and Community participation.
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