By Raffique Shah
June 13, 2026

I had hoped then, as I still hope today, that by the time a new commissioner of police had firmly taken command, criminals would find themselves under sustained pressure from law enforcement, making it increasingly difficult to continue their activities.

Faced with that reality, they would either abandon their criminal lifestyles or persist in making life a misery for law-abiding citizens, risking deadly confrontations with police officers in the process. They appear determined to enrich themselves by any means necessary, regardless of the consequences. For many, it is a reckless pursuit of wealth—either getting rich quickly or dying in the attempt.
Continue reading Criminality in our DNA →

By Raffique Shah
June 06, 2026

Rampant alcoholism is gnawing away at the fabric of this society, carving out and consuming large sections that are fuelling the collapse of productivity. Because of the ease of access and lack of limitations, coupled with indiscipline by most of the public, the mal-effects of alcohol consumption can be detected in our slump in daily activities.

It has become commonplace to travel to any part of this country and see people swaying, staggering and, worst of them all, crumpled by the roadsides in drunken ­stupor or plain unconsciousness. This is how it starts for many people.
Continue reading Alcohol’s intoxicating hold →

By Raffique Shah
May 30, 2026

One of the best experiences one can have is to have made friends with total strangers you encounter along life’s long and winding road. Among the more horrible experiences anyone could possibly have, though, is getting close to another person, ignoring warning signals of him or her being not entirely honest and straightforward.

I went to prison at a very young age. I was 24 years old, which was also the case with most of the other soldiers. I shall not bore readers with stories of having to unmask criminals who are absolutely unscrupulous, who were prepared to taint my character and that of my men.
Continue reading The long and winding road of corruption →

By Raffique Shah
May 23, 2026

The first time I dipped my index finger in electoral ink in my native land was also the first time I voted in any election, and it allowed me to experience one of the more exciting aspects of elections in general—their impact on the politics of a country.

I had been through the voting process for around six elections before I faced the one in 1976. In an uncanny way I found myself, at age four, interacting with a local government candidate whose name was Mandan Dass from Chase Village.
Continue reading The worst will prevail →