Bombay runs on the smoothly oiled wheels of an informal economy. Indeed, the whole country does so, but specially Bombay. When Modi put a spoke in the wheels with demonetization (critics say he did it to help his monied cronies), he tried to fix what was not broken.
Bombay’s tiffin carriers are one example, the Angadias are another. I need to explain what and who they are, to give context to the article I have linked. A lot of small and medium sized traders use cash in large amounts to pay for goods and services they deal in. Due to prevailing corruption in banks, disputes arising from transactions, mistrust of government, avoiding taxes and lack of armoured carrier companies due to congested lanes, these traders use Angadias. These are couriers working in network, with efficiency and total trust. They will carry crores of rupees in ordinary bazaar bags, by foot, on bicycle or by public transport. Few know that the man in native dress carries a fortune. Now this young IPS officer still green behind the ears but extremely greedy already, holds these Angadias to ransom extorting first a few crores and then asking for larger amounts which leads them to make a formal complaint against him. Like the ex Police Commissioner of the city, he is suspended and absconds when arrest is imminent. IPS officers as is common knowledge are highly paid by local standards and enjoy perks of an old British colonial system that was never dismantled. Official car, large living quarters, domestic help and all kinds of perks others in India only dream about. Above all they hold enormous power in the system and this is what corrupts them. Mumbai: Lookout note issued for suspended IPS officer - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-lookout-note-issued-for-suspended-ips-officer/articleshow/91528778.cms Roland. Toronto.
