To Trinath Mishra, with respect and wistfulness

Trinath Mishra, a distinguished member of the Indian Police Service, passed away on October 1. He was a part of the 1965 batch and was known for embodying the virtues of an ideal police officer. Mishra's career was marked by his impeccable integrity and dedication, which set him apart from many of his peers. He was among the first batch of a residential school in Netarhat, where he developed a love for austerity and a quiet sense of self-belief.

Throughout his career, Mishra served in challenging districts of UP and played a crucial role in eliminating the dacoity menace in the state. He later held significant positions such as the director of the Special Protection Group, CBI, CRPF, and CISF. Mishra's most notable achievement was his authorization of searches on the premises of a powerful corporate house as CBI director in 1998, an act that led to his removal despite no impropriety being found.

This transfer was seen as a badge of honor by many. Mishra's career serves as a testament to the vulnerability of honest institutions and the importance of institutional loyalty and personal integrity.