|
Page 4 of 7 Reality speaks differently. I work 365x7x24 and have zero social hours. I leave home at 6:30 am and return by 2:30 am, if I do." It's a tough life, shrouded in secrecy. Add to that the potential risk factor..."Tell me one profession bereft of any risk," counters Usha swiftly. "Though a private investigator's job is largely unappreciated, we have been able to extend invaluable help in cracking many criminal cases too."
Usha is the first and only female detective to be appointed as Director, in Asia, for the Council in 2002. Something that won her tremendous respect abroad, though not ironically in her own country. So considering that there is no association of private investigators in India, no conventions to facilitate mutual exchange of ideas and laws that impede the modernisation of investigation techniques, how does she stay abreast of trends and changes in technology? "I attend the bi-annual meets of the Council of International Investigators Inc. in the US to interact with the 250 odd members from across the globe and to acquaint myself with the evolving strategies and new equipment," she says. "The exposure is instrumental in honing tactics I employed in the cases I take on."
Though the past ten years have witnessed an increase in the number of female detectives, it is still primarily a male dominated arena. "I have won respect and appreciation of my peers and seniors on basis of my merit. But admittedly, the limitations are many. Firstly, being a woman, all said and done, is slightly physically impeding on some occasions where I have to take on the help of a male counterpart," admits Usha. "Secondly, the Indian law lays down perimeters within which we are expected to function. Like the use of high-tech gadgets is prohibited and we do not have the license, authority or the right to open cases once closed by the courts."
|
