Kunwar Ranjeet Singh, a self-confessed Michael Jackson fan, is also India’s most fascinating traffic cop. Drawing inspiration from his idol, he ‘moonwalks’ his way through his daily duties in one of the busiest intersections of the city of Indore, in central India.
The ‘dancing cop of Indore’ has actually come up with several routines to help manage traffic on the often chaotic streets, and the moonwalk is one of them. “Instead of walking back I do the moonwalk which sometimes amuses commuters,” he said. “That, in a way, encourages people to follow traffic rules.”
Singh apparently wanted to be a dancer, but chose to become a traffic cop after he lost two close friends to road accidents. He’s been controlling Indore’s traffic for the past six years now, and he’s found a way to incorporate his love of dancing into the job. He believes it’s is a great way to remain stress-free in the midst of chaos, and to really make a difference. “One should leave an impact in whatever he or she does and I bring the same while I am signalling people on the roads,” he said.
Photo: The Hindustan Times
Singh’s high jinks also help keep his colleagues motivated at work. In fact, at least three other traffic policemen have adopted his trademark style at their own intersections under Singh’s guidance. And he’s so popular in Indore that people sometimes drive past his intersection just to get a glimpse of him. He apparently has a huge following on Facebook as well, and is all set to appear on a TV show.
22-year-old Sumant Singh Kachhawa, a junior officer who joined the force recently, is among those who admire Singh. “I used to observe Ranjeet bhai during my college days and wanted to be like him,” he said. “I instantly approached him for some tips as soon as I got my job. It’s real fun to control traffic in that manner and at no point of time I feel bored.”
Photo: YouTube Caption
And Singh’s bosses have no complaints against his amusing behavior. “He is not only an inspiration to constables but for his seniors as well,” said Anjana Tiwari, Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic). “He has been exceptional in sharing his style with his colleagues.” Singh has received 42 awards and 10 citations from the local government as well as private organisations for his commendable energy and skill.
Sadly, there are people who remain unaffected by Singh’s efforts continue to flout traffic rules every day. “There are commuters who don’t wish to follow any instruction,” he said. “Our job is to tell them but in the end it is their choice.”
