Ten-year-old Sadiq always wanted to catch thieves and uphold the rule of law. He dreamt of sitting on the Police Commissioner’s chair at his desk, sign important files, and give instructions to the orderlies. On Wednesday, all his dreams came true.

Clad in a well-ironed police uniform, replete with medals, honorary badges, shiny shoes, and belt embossed with the insignia of Telangana police, Sadiq assumed Hyderabad Commissioner’s office.

Files were brought and kept on his desk for signatures. It was a day to remember for Sadiq who hails from Peddapalli, Karimnagar, and is terminally ill.

Hyderabad Commissioner, M. Mahender Reddy, sportingly asked the child to sit on his desk and work as a Commissioner, albeit for a few hours. When asked what would be his priorities, in jest, Sadiq replied, “I will catch the rowdies.”

My other priorities would be to make city peaceful and address its traffic issues, he said.

Before assuming office, Sadiq was given a ceremonial welcome by the police when he arrived at the Commissioner’s Office. As the child walked inside the building, the staff lined up to catch a glimpse of their ‘new commissioner’.

Later, Sadiq walked into the chambers of Police Commissioner, M. Mahendar Reddy, and took the chair.

While interacting with press persons, Sadiq said serving the nation was in his blood. “My three uncles are serving in the army while two work in police department in Karimnagar,” he said.

It was a bittersweet moment for his father, Mohd. Raheemuddin. “My child dreamt of becoming police officer. But it appears life has something else in store for him,” he rued.

Sadiq’s family came to know about the ailment five months back and since then he is undergoing treatment at state-run MNJ Institute of Oncology.

Later, the family came in contact with ‘Make a Wish Foundation’, who decided to fulfil the child’s dream. “We are glad to get an opportunity to fulfil a wish of a terminally boy,” Mr. Mahendar Reddy said.