Micheal Phelps was arrested last week by the police in his home-town at Baltimore for driving fast after drinking. The superstar who brought honour to his country and glory to world sports has been banned for 6 months and dropped from 2015 world championship. More penalty will follow after his trial in Nov. Phelps stature did not get him immunity nor did it dwarf or diminish the offence. On the contrary, his accountability was considered to be greater due to his stature. And no one interfered. What an act of exemplary law enforcement!
In our country, grave offences are overlooked or brushed under the carpet for several reasons – bribery, celebrity status, for being a politician’s kin or a party worker. If the offender does not receive favour at lower level, the minister or MLA of the constituency intervenes to spare him, release him and close the matter. What a contrast!
When will our authorities learn to do things the right way? And when can we expect to see the kind of ‘law enforcement’ that happened in Phelps case?
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
