The Nagpur City Police force is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated officers, Head Constable Laxman Shende, who passed away on Tuesday morning after a long battle with health complications. Affectionately known as 'Laxman Major', the 54-year-old officer was a familiar and inspiring figure at the Pachpaoli police station, where he reported for duty relentlessly, even just an hour after his dialysis sessions.
A Battle Forged in the Pandemic
Shende's severe health struggles began with the Covid-19 pandemic. He was the first cop from the Nagpur City Police to test positive during the first wave. He contracted the virus again in the second wave. Doctors later diagnosed him with end-stage kidney failure, which they attributed to the side effects of medicines taken during his Covid-19 treatment. For three years, he fought this condition while managing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and badly swollen legs that made him limp.
Despite undergoing dialysis twice a week, Shende never availed a single day of sick leave. His commitment was such that he would arrive at the police station to work merely an hour after completing his dialysis treatment. His passing occurred early Tuesday at a private hospital in Kamptee.
An Unmatched Record of Service
Laxman Shende's dedication translated into an extraordinary professional record. In just the first five months of 2025, he conducted 54 raids, arrested 64 accused, and seized contraband worth Rs 17 lakh. Colleagues remember him working almost round-the-clock, driven by a pure passion for crime detection.
Not particularly tech-savvy, 'Major' relied on his unmatched ground network and traditional informant system to crack cases. His career, which began in 1998, spanned 27 years and was decorated with a staggering 385 awards. In 2024, his outstanding service was recognized with the coveted DG's Insignia from the DGP office.
The Legacy of 'Major'
The nickname 'Major', a British-era term for head constables, was used by everyone from senior officers to subordinates, reflecting the respect he commanded. Senior Inspector Baburao Raut expressed the department's profound loss, stating, "We have lost a key member of our detection wing. Even when his body was failing, his spirit remained unbreakable. He would drag himself to the station and lead raids himself."
Shende's story is not just one of medical struggle, but of indomitable spirit and unwavering duty. He became a symbol of perseverance, showing up at his crime detection wing room at the back of the police station, battling his ailments, until the very end. The police force has lost an officer whose work ethic and passion set a formidable example for all.
