We read a lot about victims who are addicted to smoking. Me too, a victim in a different way. It was September 24th 2007, the day when India took on Pakistan in the World Cup T20 finals. I had traveled from Panjim to Vasco to board a train to Bangalore after covering Senior National Swimming assignment for Deccan Herald. After reaching Vasco railway station, I informed my colleague Vivek Phadnis that I would be back in few minutes, came out of the station and found a petty shop selling cigarettes, after buying a Gold Flake Kings, I started puffing away along with other smoking fraternity who were all around me.
Just a few more drags remaining, when I felt a hand on my back. Not patting, but trying to hold me. I was shocked to learn it was a cop. On asking him what's the matter, he promptly said that I am smoking in the railway station premises and asked me to accompany him to Police Station. I was sure I had come well away from the premises and was smoking near the same shop that was selling the cigarettes, and among scores of other smokers. But why me?
In police station I was made to wait for the Inspector who was to a take call whether I should be produced in the court or not. This, after I bragged about my PRESS credentials to the cop. The irony of my fate was such, I was made to sit next to another offender in the Police station. His offence? pissing on the railway station wall!
I was happy to learn that Inspector was a Kannadiga posted in Goa. But my happiness was short lived. This officer promptly told me that he is under pressure to produce at least two such offender to the Court on daily basis, and was in no way to help me out. Later, I was taken to the court that was very close to the railway station. The cop who caught me in the act, tried to make me comfortable by saying that it would take only few minutes for the honorable Judge to pronounce the verdict. "Oh, my god, verdict, will I be jailed, will I miss my train?". The train of thoughts already started sending alarm signals in my head. Since my mobile was asked to switch off by the cop, my colleague Vivek never had an idea about my disappearance.
Inside the court hall, a divorce case was on. The Judge was trying frantically to hear out the case and post it to further date, which took almost 40 minutes. But, those punishing moments looked like 40 hours for me. When the honorable judge was ready to hear our case, the pisser was the first one to stand in the box. Judge slapped him fine of Rs 100, but since he had no money with him, the verdict was, Pisser was to spend one night in police lock up and clean the premises before Police set him free. He was a local laborer and had to agree to the verdict. I was the next one to go to the accused box and face the Judge. I confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty (of smoking) as advised by the cop. Then came the verdict. For a moment I thought my whole world would go black, instead, I was urged to jump in elation, which was not allowed inside a courtroom. I was slapped a fine of 50 Rupees by the Judge before setting me to freedom. That was it. I came out of the Court, made sure I was nowhere near to any public place, purchased a cigarette and puffed happily, without the fear of getting caught. Because, now I was smoking near a Bar & Restaurant. With a cigarette in my hand, I feel like a Man.Anyone remember this song anymore? My colleague Vivek's anxiety turned into unstoppable laugh riot after he listened to my experience. I had no problems in catching the train and also the news of India winning against Pakistan was a welcome news to forget the sour experience. Oh, Sreesanth was not fixed to drop that famous catch, that enabled us the victory. For Pakistan what a MIS-BAH.
I decided to post this experience today because 31st May is
World Anti-Tobacco Day. It's been almost 7 months now that I have stopped smoking. And yes, Without a cigarette in my hand, I still feel like a Man!!
Just a few more drags remaining, when I felt a hand on my back. Not patting, but trying to hold me. I was shocked to learn it was a cop. On asking him what's the matter, he promptly said that I am smoking in the railway station premises and asked me to accompany him to Police Station. I was sure I had come well away from the premises and was smoking near the same shop that was selling the cigarettes, and among scores of other smokers. But why me?
In police station I was made to wait for the Inspector who was to a take call whether I should be produced in the court or not. This, after I bragged about my PRESS credentials to the cop. The irony of my fate was such, I was made to sit next to another offender in the Police station. His offence? pissing on the railway station wall!
I was happy to learn that Inspector was a Kannadiga posted in Goa. But my happiness was short lived. This officer promptly told me that he is under pressure to produce at least two such offender to the Court on daily basis, and was in no way to help me out. Later, I was taken to the court that was very close to the railway station. The cop who caught me in the act, tried to make me comfortable by saying that it would take only few minutes for the honorable Judge to pronounce the verdict. "Oh, my god, verdict, will I be jailed, will I miss my train?". The train of thoughts already started sending alarm signals in my head. Since my mobile was asked to switch off by the cop, my colleague Vivek never had an idea about my disappearance.
Inside the court hall, a divorce case was on. The Judge was trying frantically to hear out the case and post it to further date, which took almost 40 minutes. But, those punishing moments looked like 40 hours for me. When the honorable judge was ready to hear our case, the pisser was the first one to stand in the box. Judge slapped him fine of Rs 100, but since he had no money with him, the verdict was, Pisser was to spend one night in police lock up and clean the premises before Police set him free. He was a local laborer and had to agree to the verdict. I was the next one to go to the accused box and face the Judge. I confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty (of smoking) as advised by the cop. Then came the verdict. For a moment I thought my whole world would go black, instead, I was urged to jump in elation, which was not allowed inside a courtroom. I was slapped a fine of 50 Rupees by the Judge before setting me to freedom. That was it. I came out of the Court, made sure I was nowhere near to any public place, purchased a cigarette and puffed happily, without the fear of getting caught. Because, now I was smoking near a Bar & Restaurant. With a cigarette in my hand, I feel like a Man.Anyone remember this song anymore? My colleague Vivek's anxiety turned into unstoppable laugh riot after he listened to my experience. I had no problems in catching the train and also the news of India winning against Pakistan was a welcome news to forget the sour experience. Oh, Sreesanth was not fixed to drop that famous catch, that enabled us the victory. For Pakistan what a MIS-BAH.
I decided to post this experience today because 31st May is
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