‘The system is nasty to whistleblowers'

Y P Singh, a 1985 batch Maharashtracadre IPS officer who cracked many high-profile cases during his 20-year career, says he was forced to quit
Do upright officers get penalised?
Since an upright officer completely frustrates the critical priorities of the political and administrative hierarchy, he is more liable to be shunted out.
Are they demoralised on purpose?
Generally, the political and administrative hierarchy is benevolent and non-vindictive towards an honest officer so long as he is compliant.However, the same hierarchy turns viciously nasty if the officer turns a whistleblower.
Why are officers shuffled with change in government?
Although bureaucracy should be politically neutral, there are officers enormously pliable to the dictates of people in power irrespective of political parties. Those close to the earlier regime are looked at with suspicion.
Did you have any such bad experience?
I was sacked from the CBI when I turned the heat on some people during a critical investigation into disinvestment by an oil company. My phone was disconnected and all perks withdrawn. It came as a shock.
Why did you quit?
I quit when I realised that the existence of a junior officer is subject to wide discretion of his superiors and political masters. The situation kept deteriorating by the day, and then I decided to break off.
Isn't it time the government introduced police reforms?
Creation of an independent body to regulate postings and transfers, through a well-documented policy can only help matters.