For 49-year-old Ashok Mahadev Takalkar, his faculties are his best friend, as it was with the help of these that he has achieved what would earn any sleuth his pride.
With the judicious use of his eyes and ears, Takalkar, a police constable, was able to give tip-offs to his seniors, which helped the Pune police crack 39 cases last year. Takalkar, attached with the social security cell (SSC) of the crime branch, gave the highest number of tip-offs last year.
Out of the 53 cases registered under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, last year, Takalkar had given tip-offs in 39 cases. His dedication saved the lives of innocent girls and helped bust several sex rackets.
In most cases, the girls were forced into prostitution by the traffickers, who lured them into a trap on false promises of job or marriage.
Takalkar joined the Maharashtra police force in 1983 after completing his BA from Hutatma Rajguru Mahavidyalya in Rajgurunagar.
He originally hails from Takalkarwadi in Rajgurunagar taluka and has been living with his family in Pune for 30 years.
Asked about his strong network, Takalkar told DNA, “I developed my networks during my posting at different police stations, and it is helping me now. It is difficult to maintain your network, as you need to make an extra effort to meet them. Besides, we also need to help them when they are in trouble.”
He said building a new source is a tough job, as you have to spare time from your routine work. He developed sources also in other cities of the state.
Senior police inspector Bhanupratap Barge told DNA, “We motivate our policemen, and it shows in the results.” Takalkar has received 70 awards from the city police.
