My objective is to ensure free and fair elections: Vivek Dube

Hyderabad: From heading the investigation into the sensational Bilkis Bano case in Gujarat while working in the CBI to handling militancy in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the CRPF to fighting Naxalites down south in undivided Andhra Pradesh, retired IPS officer Vivek Dube has done it all.

Mr Dube said his aim as special police observer was to ensure that the voters exercised their franchise without fear.

 Excerpts from the interview:

As special police observer, how has the going been so far in West Bengal?
I keep reviewing the situation with senior police officials and talk to different political parties. My objective is to ensure free and fair polls. If voters are able to cast their vote without fear and pressure, it will be a great success and all our efforts are in that direction.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is at loggerheads with the Centre. Is the WB administration cooperating with you?
There is full cooperation from everyone in the district administration. Whenever I am receiving complaints, the officials concerned are asked to inquire and submit a report. We do our job and nobody comes in our way. I have been having meetings with the district administration on a daily basis. It is entirely a smooth affair and there is complete cooperation. Everybody is doing their duty.

As an IPS officer who has worked on many high-profile cases, is being the special police observer in a high-stakes state like West Bengal a more challenging job?
Well, I am doing exactly the same job I used to do as an IPS officer while in service.  It is no different. The only aspect is that my job is very hectic and I keep moving from one place to another by a helicopter.

Yesterday, I was in Murshidabad, today in Kolkata and tomorrow I will be leaving for Coochbehar.