Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara

Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara (24 November 1877 – 28 March 1941) was the first Indian to become the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Mumbai Police in 1928. He was in charge of the Crime Branch division and was noted for his intelligence network. A decorated officer, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Companion of the Indian Empire (CIE) and awarded the King's Police Medal (KPM). Petigara was also awarded the Imperial Service Order (ISO) and used the honorific title "Khan Bahadur". He joined the police force as a sub-inspector at the CID (Criminal Investigations Department), and gradually rose through the ranks. In 1928, he was promoted to the Indian Police Service rank, one that very few Indians achieved in those days.

Among his accomplishments was his role in foiling an attempt by Indian freedom activist Manabendra Nath Roy in toppling the government. Despite being a staunch loyalist of the British Indian government, he was respected by Indian freedom fighters. When Mahatma Gandhi applied for a passport in 1931 to attend the second Round Table Conference in London, Petigara was cited as one of his references. Imperial Service Order (ISO) 1926 King's Birthday Honours Superintendent Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 1931 New Year Honours Deputy Commissioner Companion of the Indian Empire (CIE) 1933 King's Birthday Honours Deputy Commissioner (Special Branch) King's Police Medal (KPM) 1936 New Year Honours Deputy Commissioner (Special Branch)