By Sunil D’Cruz
Mumbai, May 1, 2026: Julio Francis Ribeiro, the fearless former police chief who inspired confidence in policing and struck fear in the underworld, communal rioters, and terrorists, turns 97 on May 5.
Born in 1929 in Cavel, between Kalbadevi and Girgaon, Mumbai, Ribeiro rose from modest beginnings to become one of India’s most respected police officers.
After studying at St. Xavier’s School, he earned a commerce degree from Sydenham College and a law degree from Government Law College before embarking on a career that would shape Indian policing for decades.
Early career and rise in policing
Ribeiro began his career as a sub‑editor with National Standard (now Indian Express), where he worked for two years before joining Crawford Bayley as an article clerk.
In 1953, he entered the Indian Police Service. Posted out of Mumbai at the age of 24, he served in various districts of Maharashtra before returning to the city at 40. From 1973 to 1979, he was on deputation to the Central Reserve Police Force, serving as Deputy Inspector General in Hyderabad.
He later became Deputy Police Commissioner in Pune and then Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai’s Zone 3, which included Shivaji Park. In 1982, he was appointed Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, a post he held until 1985.
His rise continued with appointments as Director General of the CRPF in Delhi and Director General of Police in Gujarat during communal riots. His success in restoring order led to his appointment as Special Secretary in the Home Ministry.
Within six months, he was sent by the then Prime Minister Rajov Gandhi to Punjab as Director General of Police at the height of terrorism in the state.
Operation Black Thunder and national recognition
As DGP, Ribeiro oversaw Operation Black Thunder I, conducted from April 30 to May 1, 1986, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The National Security Guard apprehended 122 suspected extremists, bringing him into global focus.
In 1986, he was named India’s “Man of the Year” by The Telegraph and Frontline. International publications including The New York Times, Time, and Newsweek highlighted his role in combating terrorism. He received the Padma Bhushan, India’s the third-highest civilian award, in 1987.
On October 3, 1986, Ribeiro survived an assassination attempt by Khalistan Commando Force militants at Punjab Armed Police headquarters in Jalandhar. Disguised as police, the attackers opened fire, killing two sentries. Ribeiro sustained minor injuries, while his wife was hospitalized.
He later became advisor to the Punjab governor when K.P.S. Gill took over as DGP. In May 1988, Operation Black Thunder II forced extremists to surrender after nine days of isolation.
Diplomatic service and later challenges
After retiring from policing, Ribeiro served as India’s ambassador to Romania from 1989 to 1993. In August 1991, he survived another assassination attempt in Bucharest, where gunmen identified as Punjabi Sikhs attacked him.
Known for his disciplined service, Ribeiro inspired confidence by treating citizens with respect and dignity. He engaged in dialogue with his police force, political leaders, trade unions, and the judiciary, reasoning with clarity and purpose.
Having lost his father, Assistant Postmaster General of Mumbai, at the age of eight, Ribeiro was self‑made. He married Melba on April 25, 1959, at Gloria Church, Byculla. After 63 years of marriage, he lost her on October 31, 2022, at age 84.
Life at 97 and continuing legacy
A sports enthusiast since childhood, Ribeiro played cricket and hockey at Oval Maidan and continued jogging until age 60. Today, he remains fit at 97. A vegetarian and practicing Catholic, he attends church weekly and alternates Sunday lunches with his daughters, Anna Saldanha and Nina Engineer.
He continues to write regularly for The Tribune and has authored two books: Bullet for Bullet: My Life as a Police Officer (1998) and Hope for Sanity: Selected Writings of Julio Ribeiro 2002–2021 (2023). His writings reflect on policing, governance, and civic life in India.
Committed to community service, Ribeiro has long been associated with charitable organizations. An avid cricket enthusiast, the ironman cop continues to inspire -— and may well bat on to 100 and beyond.
(Photo supplied)