Additional Director-General of Police Himanshu Roy had an enviable track record as an officer and the affection of the men working under him.
Roy graduated from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, in 1985, passed his chartered accountancy exams, and then became an Indian Police Service officer in 1988. His initial postings included the communally sensitive Malegaon where he was posted from 1991 to 1995; he was tasked with handling the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition.
High-profile postings
He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I, Mumbai), then Commissioner of Police (Nashik) from 2004 to 2008, after which he was transferred back to Mumbai. He served the rest of his career in the city, as Additional Commissioner of Police (South Region), Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Inspector General (Police Housing Board) and Additional Director General of Police, Maharashta Anti-Terrorism Squad.
As head of the Crime Branch, the most high-profile case Roy handled was the Indian Premier League betting scandal, investigated jointly in Delhi and Mumbai in 2013. Several prominent players were arrested during the course of the investigation, including actor Vindoo Dara Singh and Chennai Super Kings owner Gurunath Meiyappan.
Unflinching support
Police personnel who worked with him spoke fondly of his accessibility and the unflinching support he gave them. “He never stopped us from approaching him directly but would also tell us to respect the hierarchy because it existed for a reason,” an officer said. Another officer recalled how Roy had answered a midnight call then mobilised local help for him in a remote location by 2.30 a.m.
An officer, who was part of the IPL investigation, said, “Sir told us to not be intimidated and to simply do our jobs. He would be present with us at every hearing and field questions with inspiring confidence.”
Roy had been treated for cancer in 2000, and had a relapse in 2016. He had been on sick leave since then until his suicide. He is survived by his wife Bhavana.
