Bihar Diaries

1. Amit Lodha's journey from an underachieving IITian to a determined IPS officer

"From one of those 'six-point someones' in IIT, I became a member of one of the most prestigious and elite services of the country, the Indian Police Service."

Transformation through determination. Amit Lodha's journey from a struggling IIT student to a successful IPS officer is a testament to personal growth and determination. Despite his poor performance in engineering, Lodha found his true calling in civil services. He worked hard, cleared the UPSC exam, and joined the National Police Academy, where he developed the skills and confidence needed for his future role.

Overcoming personal challenges. Lodha's transformation included overcoming his shyness and lack of confidence, particularly in social situations. His experiences at IIT and later during his training helped him develop into a more confident and capable individual. This personal growth was crucial in preparing him for the challenges he would face as an IPS officer in Bihar.

2. The rise of Vijay Samrat: From small-time criminal to dreaded gangster

"Vijay had built up a legend around himself. His barbarity knew no bounds. He also loved creating a spectacle out of his killings."

A path of violence. Vijay Samrat's journey from a small-time goon to a feared gangster was marked by increasing brutality and a growing reputation for violence. His ruthless tactics and willingness to commit heinous crimes, including murders and massacres, helped him establish dominance in the criminal underworld of Bihar.

Political connections and influence. As Vijay's power grew, he developed connections with local politicians and became a kingmaker in the region. His ability to influence elections and intimidate opponents further solidified his position. This combination of criminal activities and political influence made him a formidable adversary for law enforcement.

3. The brutal massacres that shook Bihar and the need for justice

"The floor of the wedding pandal was smeared with blood. Ranjan and his constables were horrified by the sight. The first body was headless."

Shocking brutality. The massacres committed by Vijay Samrat and his gang, particularly the ones in Mannipur village and during a wedding, demonstrated the extreme violence and disregard for human life that plagued parts of Bihar. These incidents shocked the public and highlighted the urgent need for effective law enforcement.

Catalyst for action. The brutality of these massacres served as a turning point, pushing the government and police force to take decisive action against Vijay Samrat and his gang. It became clear that bringing Vijay to justice was not just about enforcing the law, but also about restoring faith in the system and providing closure to the victims' families.

4. Innovative policing techniques: Using mobile technology to track criminals

"Mobile phones then weren't as advanced as they are now. My clunky Nokia and Samsung handsets were the most popular phones at the time."

Leveraging technology. Lodha's innovative use of mobile phone tracking and call observation techniques played a crucial role in locating and eventually capturing Vijay Samrat. Despite the limitations of technology at the time, Lodha was able to:

• Analyze call records to identify key contacts
• Use parallel listening to monitor conversations
• Track tower locations to narrow down search areas

Overcoming obstacles. The challenges included dealing with fake identities, multiple SIM cards, and the criminals' awareness of police tactics. Lodha's persistence and creative problem-solving helped overcome these obstacles, demonstrating the importance of adapting policing techniques to keep up with criminal strategies.

5. The power of persistence: Overcoming setbacks in the pursuit of Vijay Samrat

"I knew I was very close to finding Vijay's exact hideout. I just needed to find his locality. I had a radical idea. But somehow, I was certain it would succeed."

Resilience in the face of challenges. Throughout the pursuit of Vijay Samrat, Lodha faced numerous setbacks, including:

• Initial lack of leads and information
• Betrayal by corrupt police officers
• Premature media exposure of operations

Despite these obstacles, Lodha's persistence and unwavering determination kept the investigation moving forward.

Innovative thinking. When conventional methods failed, Lodha devised creative solutions, such as the daring plan to locate Vijay through honking patterns. This willingness to think outside the box and take calculated risks ultimately led to the breakthrough in the case.

6. Building a network of informants and allies in the fight against crime

"Loha hi lohe ko kaat sakta hai (Only iron can cut iron)!"

Cultivating sources. Lodha recognized the importance of developing a network of informants and allies to gather crucial information about Vijay Samrat and his operations. This included:

• Former gang members turned informants
• Suspended police officers with valuable knowledge
• Local residents with inside information

Balancing ethics and necessity. While working with informants, Lodha had to navigate ethical considerations and potential risks. He carefully weighed the benefits of information against the potential compromises involved in working with individuals with questionable backgrounds.

7. The final chase: Outsmarting Vijay Samrat and bringing him to justice

"I dialled Vijay's number. This time, he picked up the phone immediately, as if he had been waiting for my call."

Psychological warfare. In the final stages of the pursuit, Lodha employed psychological tactics to unsettle Vijay Samrat, including:

• Making cryptic phone calls to create paranoia
• Spreading rumors of betrayal within Vijay's gang
• Manipulating Vijay's movements through clever communication

Coordinated effort. The successful capture of Vijay Samrat was the result of careful planning and coordination between Lodha and his team. The operation required precise timing, clear communication, and quick thinking to adapt to unexpected developments during the arrest.

8. Personal sacrifices and family support in a police officer's life

"I thank God for her."

Balancing work and family. Throughout his pursuit of Vijay Samrat, Lodha had to manage the demands of his professional life with his responsibilities as a husband and father. This often meant:

• Long hours away from home
• Missed family events and milestones
• Constant worry about the safety of loved ones

Importance of support. Lodha's wife, Tanu, played a crucial role in supporting his career and providing stability at home. Her understanding, patience, and encouragement were essential in helping Lodha maintain his focus and determination throughout the challenging investigation.

Last updated: January 22, 2025