The new generation of police officers in Kolkata Police force is indeed supremely talented in subjects of diverse interest. We are so used to seeing them in uniform, managing traffic or solving criminal cases or maneuvering security in the high profile events, we often tend to overlook the ‘other’ side of these tireless officers in the police force. Not only are they committed and disciplined to their job, but also they possess many remarkable traits of character and personality which conspicuously reflect their social responsibilities in our complex world of material lust and selfish ambition. When it involves passions or hobbies, these police officers stand up to the occasion, surprising people around with their depth of knowledge and execution. Siddhartha Chatterjee, the Additional OC in Charge, Bowbazar Police Station is one such example who is indeed very special with reference to the depth of his depth and variety of creativity.
Call it special love or expertise, Siddhartha Chatterjee is a different person altogether with a camera in hand. In spite of his hectic schedule, whenever he manages to plan a vacation, he never forgets to take his all important camera with him. In his own words, “ I prefer to capture the very special which are unique and universally appreciable. There are ample occasions I remember; the frames have given me different perspectives. I have been to Kerala, Rajasthan, Kashmir and Sikkim. Not only the locations I am referring to, but also to some simple but inexplicable frames which gave me immense inspiration.” Siddhartha Chatterjee, a dynamic youngman is not only limited to still photography but is equally adept with the movie camera, which is indeed rare considering his prolific career in the forces. Interestingly, he came up with a unique initiative regarding the existing tenancy laws. “In the last two decades, there have been an increase in awareness among landlords in Kolkata, to be aware of the whereabouts of tenants, their past profile and specific details concerning any criminal background. In our ‘bit meetings’ in local police stations we have realized that there is still a wide communication gap which has created vital loopholes concerning security scare with the tenants. At that juncture of time, I felt, that I can do something innovative in audiovisual format, which can help to make common people understand the need to be aware of profiling tenants or domestic helps,” he reflected upon with utmost concern. In view of that, in August 2014, Siddhartha Chatterjee came up with ‘Porochorcha–Awarness pays’, a documentary which he directed and also played an important role in it. The documentary was exhibited at the Kolkata Short Film Festival as well as the Delhi Short Film Festival. Not only that, it was also exhibited in the competition category in the Delhi Short Film Festival. The documentary has drawn the attention of the general public irrespective of status and profession.
It would be a misnomer to say that photographer Siddhartha Chatterjee has eclipsed the writer Siddhartha Chatterjee. Right from his school days, he has been a keen reader and has contributed for so many magazines. Definitely, he plans to have new surprises coming up with his writing venture. “ I am indeed looking forward to pen down asocial thriller which will be very different from the detective genre which is prominent at present in most recent Bengali films. Being in the police force for more than two decades, I have come across so many interesting cases and I am indeed motivated to unveil the mysteries with relation to crime and punishment”, says Siddhartha Chatterjee. Philatelic collection is also something where the name Siddhartha Chatterjee is special. His name is featured in the Limca Book of Records and he is keenly interested in the tribal culture, special stamps highlighting Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa. He is an environmentalist and promotes healthy living. In 2016, on the eve of International Language Day, he travelled 450 kilometers from Kolkata to Dhaka on cycle with 12 other associates. They were greeted with much love and respect by people in Bangladesh.
A keen admirer of Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, Siddhartha Chatterjee doesn’t miss any East Bengal match. Even if doesn’t make it to see the home matches in Kolkata, he definitely keeps a close tab on the results of the matches of the Red and gold brigade. He himself acknowledged, “Football is something very close to me. In my school and college days, I used to play as a goalkeeper. A perfect team game– whether in the field or in the office, this is something I have learnt from my experience. You may reflect your flashes of genius and rise to eminence but never forget that your success eventually calls for a team game. ” In 2016, this efficient police officer Mr Siddhartha Chatterjee was awarded ‘Garia Manobik’ at the Rakhi Bandhan Utsav in Garia. No doubt, people of his caliber are rare and in the complex scenario the society looks forward to the service of more and more police officers like him who are a fine blend of duty and commitment to the society at large.
