The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Shrewd, curious, daring and different: this detective

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Sunday, Mar 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Shrewd, curious, daring and different: this detective

“The most important skill that a detective requires is presence of mind”

— PHOTO: K. Pichumani

A.M. Malathi

Private detective A.M. Malathi, is nothing like those flashy characters on screen. In a conversation with Krishna Velupillai, she says, “Our job is not so ‘filmi’ as most people expect it to be, but we do have our moments.”

Ms. Malathi runs the Malathi Women Detective Agency, run primarily by women for women. She is friendly and accessible, with a face that could easily be lost in a crowd; a feature that has become her asset.

“I was first infected by the bug after watching the Kiran Bedi serial on TV in my school and college days. But, since I came from a family of engineers, I had to become an engineer first,” says Ms. Malathi. But, her craving, “to do something new and exciting every day,” made her start working part time with Star Detective, an agency that was run by her soon-to-be husband. After marriage, she joined her husband in his work. In 1999, she started her women’s agency.

“The most important skill that a detective requires is presence of mind. One has to be able to react to any situation fast. Of course if you know a little bit of martial arts it does help,” Ms. Malathi says. “Yes, there are additional risks in this field. You may be threatened, or someone might send goondas after you, but what field does not have its risks,” she adds.

Ms. Malathi mainly handles cases that deal with family issues. “We look into a lot of cases of missing or eloped children. Increasingly, we are also being hired by spouses to track the activity of the other spouse,” she says. “It is work for me, but I also consider it a service. I have realised how much solving cases can mean to someone. I am humbled by the gratitude that some of my clients show,” she says.

In a still largely male dominated area of work, Ms. Malathi has made her mark. “Both men and women have their strengths. Men are stronger physically, but women are shrewder. They have an in-built knack for the business,” she says.

A mother of two and also an active environmentalist, Ms. Malathi credits her success and ability to handle her many roles to a supportive family. As for what makes a good detective, she feels a primary curiosity is essential. “We read up case studies and update ourselves. No one teaches you. You have to learn on the job.”

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