Remembering Radha Vinod Raju: A Rare Security Expert, Fine Professional

 July 27, 2017,

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Radha Vinod Raju, founding Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and key member of the special investigation team which probed Rajiv Gandhi assassination, would have turned 67 today. Born on July 27, 1949 in Kochi, Kerela, Raju joined the Indian Police Service in 1975 as Jammu and Kashmir cadre batch, and from the very start of his career in police, he was handed over the baton to fight terror in India.

In J&K, Raju acquired a formidable reputation, where he served as Senior Superintendent of Police in Jammu, Deputy-Inspector General of Anantnag, Inspector-General of the Jammu zone and Vigilance Commissioner.

The high point came, in 1990, after the first terrorist attacks in Jammu, where he succeeded in tracking down the main suspect on the basis of the thinnest evidence, as he was bestowed with an unusual knack for dogged investigation in the most adverse circumstances. It was indeed an exceptional piece of detective work.

On 19 January 2009, he was appointed as the first chief of India’s National Investigation Agency. Though, he died young, Mr. Raju was a boon for the police fraternity across India as he played a vital role in shaping the minds on young police recruits who got a chance to work under his able guidance. The break-thoughs police garnered during his tenure are relevant till date, lest we forget the transnational terrorism-related investigations in the wake of the 26/11 attacks.

Today, on his 67th birthday, Mr. Raju’s colleagues remember him as a soft-spoken and an exemplary officer par excellence.

A former colleague, Dr Ashok Bhan, IPS said: “ My tributes to Raju sahib… a friend and a singer who spoke out his heart in his renderings like a small boy”.

Farooq Ahmad, retired IG, while remembering Mr. Raju said that “Raju was a leader, mentor, teacher and above all a friend. A good human being, a commodity very rare these days . It is very difficult to forget his memories for those whose life he touched in some way.”

Sh Sabharwal, ex-DGP J&K police said “Raju was unforgettable, and irrepressible soul, and he will always remain in our minds and thoughts. J&K police family will always remember his exemplary conduct and deeds”.

“Mr. Raju” tells a close friend and ex-Dgp of Jammu and Kashmir police, Mr Gopal Sharma,  “was soft spoken, ever smiling, caring, thorough professional and a person who could stand by what is right. He was an epitome of simplicity. He came out of his comfort zone as special director CBI and strived tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the NIA. Still remember the last breakfast at Sarvanna Bhavan, CP before he chose to leave the mortal world.”

“Mr. Radha Vinod Raju was a great personality and a perfect police officer as well. His contribution to my development has been immense… A man with a great heart, he inspired me and stood by me always. Happy Birthday wherever you are, forever grateful!” shares Mr. Loknath Behra, DGP Kerela, who worked closely with him at NIA.

“A great human being. One of the humblest and affectionate persons I have known. So full of life. He will continue to live in all of us.”, said SJM Gillani, Director, JK Vigilance, who worked with Mr. Raju during his deputation to CBI.

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To Sir, With A Prayer…

MARCH 31, 2016  DEATH AND LIFE, 

I met Shri Radha Vinod Raju IPS for the first time during a friend’s wedding almost a decade ago. Being from the same state, I spoke to him delightedly in Malayalam , to which he responded warmly. I was a rookie probationer in the Indian Administrative Services, he was a very respected senior IPS officer whose name was known by anyone familiar with the murder investigation of Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Besides, his brilliant stint as a CBI officer in Kerala had inspired superhit movies in my state, like Oru CBI DiaryKuruppu (From the diary of CBI), and for any aspiring civil servant, he stood as an epitome of   brilliance, dignity, grace and incorruptible integrity and inspiration.

I met him again in Mussoorie during a training stint years later, when he charmed everyone around with his fine articulation (he knew almost six languages) and charismatic personality. He remained etched in my memory as what an officer should aspire to be- a  personality to remember as a role model,  when one gets depressed by cynicism and selfishness all around.

And then came the news of his untimely demise at the age of 62, when he was heading  a prestigious assignment at the NIA. He had passed away due to lung complications as per the news reports. Why do God call the best and finest so fast back to his abode, I remember wondering that day.

Today, I read an article in my mother tongue by a revered oncologist and Vinod Raju Sir’s college mate, Dr. P.V.Gangadharan who treated him, about the humility of this officer who sat waiting outside the doctor’s chamber like umpteen ordinary patients, without ever trying to send in a paper of introduction, even as he headed a top agency of the nation. He writes about the contrast shown by many people who barge their way inside , demanding immediate treatment and consideration. The cancer specialist, famed for his career as a compassionate care giver and leader in his field, reflects on the finer qualities of humanity- that which respects another’s rights as much as those of his own self. Why are we teaching self centred behaviour to our children,  he asks, when such personalities too lived amidst us, showing the way?

http://digitalpaper.mathrubhumi.com/764272/Trivandrum/MARCH-31,-2016#page/22/2