Garlands of Roses and Chappals

As Sales Officer in Charge of Coimbatore Sales Area of HPCL in early 1990s, I had 4 LPG Dealers and 16,000 LPG Customers under me. Those were the days of LPG shortage, malpractices and we were the focal point for any complaints. My hands were full with Complainants. 2 of my Dealers were rogues, one more so than the other. They used to give illegal connection, divert domestic LPG to Commercial Users, did not do Door Delivery and Domestic Customers at times had to wait for nearly 2 months to get a refill. I discussed with Regional Office. They were indifferent as it was the norm. I warned the Dealers, documented their malpractices but stopped short of suspending the Sale as that would involve massive logistics issues of arranging an alternative. Finally, I had enough. Situation was getting out of control.There were cases in the Consumer Court and HPCL were a party to it. Doubts were cast on even my Character. I barged into Regional Office, Cochin & told I am going ahead with suspending the dealer. Dy Manager LPG was very honest, he having once been in a Seminary He backed me to the hilt and both of us fought for 2 days to get the permission. We also created a rock solid backup plan. Phone calls were made to higher ups as the Dealer was a powerful Congress Ministers relative. He was young and actually a nice guy, always very polite I came back, gave order in writing for another dealer to take over, who rented a showroom quietly. I swooped down one morning at 8 am, did an inspection and suspended the existing Agency.People came to know and rushed to the showroom. They were very happy. I was surrounded, garlanded at least 14 times, and they praised me no end. I felt great having done a good deed. Supplies were arranged on a cash and carry basis with Rs 2 discount, and I explained to people why we cannot do door delivery. We worked in coordination with our filling plant and ensured 300 cylinders were made available every day, and cleared the backlog in 16 days. I personally sat and managed the operation in the upcountry location.Situation was controlled, people were happy. Except those who had bought LPG Connections illegally from the Dealer. They agitated. I personally confronted them and told them they were in the wrong too but stood my ground that I will not supply them.RO asked me to regularize those connection. But I put my foot down and said nothing doing. There were friction and some, at the prodding of the suspended dealer, went to the Consumer Court. 10/n Dealer met me many times, I told him to reimburse all the money he had collected from illegal consumers as a precondition. But he had invested in a Pandiarajan film that bombed and was broke. But he moved his cards politically In the meanwhile, I was hauled up by the Coimbatore Consumer Court and lot of unpleasant queries were asked. It was made out as if Dealer was innocent but me and HPCL were the guilty party. My lawyer did a good job telling the Court how I corrected a bad situation. But the Political Appointee in the Bench, a DMK Lady, was very nasty, till I had to use the then Collector, a professional acquaintance, intervened and had a quiet talk with her. Collector was very close to Karunanidhi. Things were under control and going on smoothly, when I got a call after 10 months from my Regional Manager.He was very apologetic and embarassed. He told me that the Suspension was revoked at HQ level due to Political Pressure & HPCL has decided to reinstate the Dealer I asked them what happens to the illegal connections as that issue was not resolved. No decision was taken on that. Just go back and reinstate the Dealer was the order. Regional Manager was kind "I can understand if you dont want to go back and reinstate him. I shall send the Dy Manager from RO" I told him "Dont bother. I am a professional. I argue my side till a decision is taken. But will go ahead and implement whatever the Decision is" The Dealer who was substituting for 10 months was furious. He refused to come with me. I could understand him. I went alone, was 27 years old then. The old dealer had kept the Showroom open. Word had got around that he was being reinstated. An angry mob of about 50-75 had gathered. I parked my Ambassador Car and got out. They surrounded me and abused me, my father, mother, family, HPCL for nearly 2 hours, with the choicest of words. I just leaned back on my car and heard it out. Didnt react, didnt explain. I had no explanation. One guy made a garland of Chappal and put it on me. I removed it calmly. The dealer did not come to my rescue. Finally, word got to the Sub Collector, who was a friend, and he came down with a Police Force.He spoke to the Crowd, explained I was just doing my job and should be left alone. They dispersed still shouting at me. I thanked him, walked in to the showroom and gave the letter handing over the Dealership back to the Dealer. I sat for an hour and left, called Regional Manager and told him "Job is done" . He just said Thanks RM, my Manager, Dy Manager came to Coimbatore after 4 days, didnt dare visit the Showroom but asked me whether I am alright. I just smiled though I was scarred badly