Culprit cop  WHAT do you do when you learn that a pervert as an Inspector General of Police molests a bubbly budding youngster (a promising tennis player, 13-year old) and then when she protests she and her family are harassed in false cases compelling them to flee before the brave girl consumes poison and dies being unable to bear the ordeal the family face for her bravery? It is obvious that all along — during his power and authority of a police officer — he has been exploiting other hapless youngsters misusing his elevated position as a custodian of law and order, obviously without any protest against his misdeeds, until one girl dares to take the bull by the horns but tragically succumbs to repeated assaults by the culprit. What’s more, not to speak of punishing the guilty, he is even promoted as the DGP, the chief cop of the state. Later, due to repeated media focus on investigations and indiction he is given a six-month ‘academic’ jail term from which also he gets bail instantly. This is the story of a former Haryana DGP whose name we would not take in protest. His criminal misadventure against the brave youngster has shattered the conscience and confidence of people countrywide following constant media blitzkrieg. That’s the sad reality in India where the mighty goes scot-free even after committing heinous and unspeakable crimes. However, people are still hoping that the culprit is handed out exemplary punishment. The Union law minister seems to be acting in the right direction to ascertain that justice is done at last. Albeit belatedly, better late than never.

Tainted tendency  Amidst the fierce competition to have a greater share of income, like in many businesses, advertisers are also seem to be at their wit’s end to attract customers. In the process some advertising agencies are going the wrong way to make a quick buck. Here is an advertising agency that is using a space at an unauthorized place. Their’s is a prominent display at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. To attract a large slice of people, this Guwahati-based agency, a leading one at that, has resorted to display of kiosk boards at the exit route to the airport depriving the authorities of their due share of revenue. Some strict measures need to be initiated by the authorities to curb such activities before these gain uneasy proportions. For, others may also get tempted to take such easy ways of income. Will the authorities wake up and be vigilant against such unscrupulous tendencies?

Designers’ day  Pragjyoti ITA cultural complex at Machkhowa, Guwahati was agog with activity on December 29 as 30 young aspiring designers coming from across the Northeast vied for honours at the CEC Design Champion 2009. The annual event organized by CEC, a leading IT and allied educational institute of the region, in association with Clara International, a top-notch beauty academy of Asia and FBL, a DJ institute of Guwahati, saw fashion designers Dhiraj Deka and Garima Saikia Garg with special rounds on Assam silk and other fabrics. Danseuse Indira PP Bora was the guest of honour in the event choreographed by Sandeep Cherian. CEC deserves praise for offering a platform for the budding designers to showcase their talent.

Simanta / Mridumoloy