‘Nobody is indispensable in this job’

After several attempts to reach Vasant Dhoble — just transferred and in a new role — Gitanjali Dang recently had a chance encounter with him on her way home from work around midnight. Here he answers some questions and also asks, in his typical style, what she was doing out so late
I have some questions for you.
Vasant Dhoble: I’m not allowed to give any interviews.In the event of a request, I’ll have to notify the police commissioner through a letter. The interview can be given only following an approval from him. But I’m happy to talk to you.
Following the transfer, what does your regular day look like? When we met last evening, were you asking illegal food stalls to push off? Are you planning to carry out similar drives in this area?
I am the divisional ACP here. My job is to maintain law and order and take legal action against illegal activities.
Were you disappointed when you were transferred?
Nobody is indispensable. This is a transferable job; it happens all the time. Each posting has a specific period and that’s all there is to it.
How do you respond to the criticism and reports that appeared in the media?
I wasn’t following the media. Nobody trusts the media anyway.
That’s a bit harsh. Are you saying you never looked up the news?
Actually, I did. I was always interested in knowing if they’d carried a good picture of me. Incidentally , what were you doing around those parts at midnight?
I stay around the corner.
So were you out to eat something at the corner stall?
I was on my way home from work.
Okay.