‘Moonwalking’ traffic cop turns heads
INDORE: He is inspired by Bollywood and has a Freddie Mercury-style moustache, but it is the Michael Jackson dance moves of traffic cop Ranjeet Singh that grab attention on India’s chaotic streets.
Heads turn and drivers cannot fail to notice when the 38-year-old moonwalks across busy intersections, avoiding rickshaws and trucks in the centre of Indore, a city of two million people.
“I have been a Michael Jackson fan for years and copied his moonwalk step to halt traffic 12 years ago,” Ranjeet said.
“Initially, people were surprised, but it has worked wonders over the years.
“It’s a tiring task maintaining traffic amid noise pollution and reckless motorists, but moonwalking amuses commuters and drivers,” he added, after another tiring day seemingly gliding backwards across the street.
Ranjeet has become a social media phenomenon with nearly 50,000 people following his activities on Facebook, while spectators add videos to sharing platforms each day.
Ranjeet claimed that the number of traffic violations at the high court intersection where he spends most days has fallen over the years.
An Indian university is studying his methods to see if he has cut traffic jams too.
India’s city streets are notorious the world over for gridlock. Drivers, already battling crater-pocked roads and faulty traffic signals, often take out their anger on police trying to keep cars moving and pedestrians safe.
Ranjeet said younger drivers have paid for their recklessness with their lives.
“I have picked up the bodies of over 40 youngsters after accidents over the years and I feel terrible,” he said. “I just want youngsters to stay safe and follow rules.”
Ranjeet’s colleagues were initially apprehensive when he first started moonwalking, but they have since warmed to his unorthodox tactics and he even gives moonwalking lessons to fellow officers.
“My parents are very proud of me for doing my job with extreme passion and an innovative twist,” he said.