An exceptional leader

Vijay Shankar

For KPS Gill, being a police officer offered a much larger canvass than just being one who fought terrorists. 

Once I asked him whether he would like to be remembered as the Punjab Police chief who crushed terrorism. His clear reply was: “When I write my account, Punjab stint will only be a chapter.”

An exceptional leader, he knew he could not accomplish the task all by himself. He created a team by picking up young officers to head districts. Successes were that of the team he headed. No wonder, maximum awards went to his team members.

Mr Gill was frank and a tall figure, literally or otherwise, who did not shy away from saying what he thought needed to be done, and not many could stand in his way. — The writer is CBI ex-chief

Obituaries: 

• Super, and controversial, top cop
• He stood by his men, say former colleagues
• Modi recalls Gill’s service to nation
• An exceptional leader
• He cared little for means, but still deserves credit