Now basking in the warmth of his native Pathardi before accepting his new post, 29-year-old Mahesh came into the limelight when he exhibited extraordinary courage in attacking a terrorists' hide-out in the midst of heavy firing.

Posted as assistant superintendent of police (ASP) at Imphal, the capital of terrorism-stalked Manipur, the young officer was instrumental in nabbing two members of a dreaded group of extremists, and one of them was wanted in connection with the murder of a Manipur Peoples' Party member in Manipur Assembly and a DySP.

Mahesh completed his primary education at Pathardi and moved to S.P. College and Government Engineering College, Pune. After completing his masters degree in civil engineering, he worked as a project officer of the Western Ghats development scheme till December 1992. He then served as a community development engineer of the human resource section of Telco. He was selected for the Manipur cadre of the Indian Police Service in 1995.

Preparing for his first assignment as an IPS officer, besides rigorous training, Mahesh tried to adhere to his commitment to society, which he had decided upon during his stint as a community worker, he recalls.

During his year-long tenure, Mahesh launched a drive against smuggling and flesh trade. He succeeded in closing down at least 15 centers of flesh trade in the area where the cases of AIDS were on rise.

A successful probe of misappropriation of rice and wheat worth Rs 17 lakh, meant for weaker section, by a supply contractor was another feather in his cap, he said.

Mahesh played an important role in extinguishing the fire at the main church in the State. The saving of the church in time had saved many other troubles for the administration. His role was appreciated by his senior officials and DGP L. Jugeshwar Singh honoured him with a commendation certificate.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Mahesh expressed his willingness to serve in the Naxal-infested areas of the State. ``Everyone fighting against terrorism lives in the shadow of death. I have seen death and I don't mind serving wherever the threat persists,'' he remarked.