Policeman with a heart
When Sub Inspector Bhanupratap Barge and his team of policemen went about distributing roses to a group of gay pride marchers in Pune in December 2013, he was sending out a message of empathy and support. By this gesture, he wanted to convey that it was time that the police, which have long been accused of callousness and brutality towards the LGBT community, changed its behaviour.
Be it petty harassment, extortion and even rape, the police has shown its worst face to the community. Mr Barge became aware of this when his department handled several cases where the victim or the complainant was gay, lesbian or transgender. Shocked to learn of the abuse regularly meted out to them by the police, he decided to hold workshops for his men to create awareness and sensitivity regarding LGBT issues.
Mr Barge often goes beyond the call of duty. When a young man was ostracised by his family and village after his homosexuality became public knowledge, Mr Barge intervened. He counselled the concerned family and helped the young man find a job.