Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara

The statue of Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara (), dressed in the traditional Parsi attire, stands on Jagannath Shankarsheth Road, near the Metro Adlabs theatre. However, he is better remembered in the smart uniform of the Imperial Police. A highly decorated police officer, Petigara became the first Indian to be appointed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, in 1928. In fact, he was put in charge of the sensitive Crime Branch, thanks to his legendary intelligence network.

The long list of titles heaped on him is evidence of his achievements. Petigara was awarded the Order of British Empire, Companion of the Indian Empire, honoured with the title Khan Bahadur, and was decorated with the King’s Police Medal. Among his biggest accomplishments was foiling a conspiracy to overthrow the government by MN Roy.

Despite his allegiance to the British government, Petigara was held in high regard by the freedom fighters. When Gandhi applied for a passport in 1931 in order to attend the second Round Table Conference in London, he cited Petigara as one of his references. Gandhi was granted a passport, but it isn’t known whether the government checked his credentials with Petigara. Chetna Mahadik

Jagannath Shankarsheth Road, near Metro Adlabs theatre, opposite Kayani & Co.

Photography Poulomi Basu.