Meet 53-year-old Chandrabhan, Adilabad’s first Adivasi Sub-Inspector

Mesaram Chandrabhan (left) being congratulated by Adilabad District SP Vishnu Warrier

Ever since his elevation as the Sub Inspector from the ranks of Assistant Sub-Inspector, 53-year-old Mesaram Chandrabhan’s phone has been buzzing constantly with congratulatory messages from his community members.

Chandrabhan is the first Adivasi Sub-Inspector in Adilabad district in Telangana. His story is nothing short of inspiring, considering the challenges he has faced to achieve what he has.

In a phone interview to TNM, Chandrabhan who belongs to Pardhan community from Bazarhathnoor mandal says that he’s extremely happy about the appointment. He says. “I never realised that it was extraordinary. Only lately I’ve come to terms with the fact that this is an achievement.”

Although proud, Chandrabhan rues that there are very few members from the Adivasi community who have joined the police force. “Many of our community people don’t continue with their education, hence don’t get through the exams,” he says.

“A few of them face discrimination at the selection process, and therefore don’t get through,” he adds.

Early life

Chandrabhan’s father worked as a watchman in the Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC), and worked hard to ensure that all his children went to school. “My father realised the importance of education and ensured that all his children were well educated,” he recalls.

“Just like my father, I also ensured that my kids – two sons and a daughter – are well-educated. They are doing good, I’m happy about it,” Chandrabhan says.

Chandrabhan completed his Intermediate and joined the police force at the age of 20 in 1985. He recently underwent the SI training, and is now being deputed as SI in the District Special Branch.

While he is happy about his elevation, he however laments the fact that he couldn’t immediately rise to higher ranks due to his poor educational background.

Which is why, in his individual capacity, Chandrabhan wants to eliminate the problem of illiteracy in his community by setting up schools post his retirement.  

Escaping Naxals

Chandrabhan’s first brush with fame came when he won the state gallantry award – Mukhya Mantri Shourya pathakam in 1987 – for escaping an ambush attack by the Naxals in Allampalli during a police combing operation.

In the attack, 10 policemen including two SIs died; Chandrabhan suffered grievous injuries on his hands, legs and chest. However, he escaped from the Naxals after pretended to be dead.

“After the attack, they (Naxals) collected the ammunition from the dead. They ensured that everyone was dead. They kicked me, but I pretended as though I was dead and survived the fateful day,” he recalls.