Dec 4, 2006 - Monday updt
ABHI RELEASED: DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS IN COURTROOM
By staff writer: swash2
Reuters: In a dramatic turn of events, a chief witness's deathbed confession made possible for accused businesswoman Abhinaya to be acquitted of all charges against her.
The news of Abhinaya, fondly known as Abhi by most and Habbi by her chief enemy, being remanded in jail for the double murders of Upendra, a prominent dancer whose fame reached the shores of California, and Prabhu, the chief inspector who was in charge of handling the investigation of the murder of Ranjani, Upendra's ex-wife, is well known to all.
All evidences pointed to Abhi being the mastermind or rather mistress mind behind these murders and 3 noted thugs, Mari and group had confessed to getting orders from Abhi to kill Upendra. Then in another dramatic turn, the same Upendra managed to show up in person inside the court premises where he was knifed down in front of all including Chennai's finest by a few gang members. It was also rumored that Abhi's goose was cooked as the only witness died without any confession. But today the judge after hearing arguments (none, in fact) from both sides said that the court had one important piece of evidence to present. And it was the deathbed confession of Upendra. This makes Abhi perk up with anticipation and trepidation and an insouciant look from Dhilla aka Thillai Rajan and the public prosecutor.
Flashback revealed by the judge: Upendra, shown to the audience as being dead was actually alive and the doctor assures the judge that there was pulse and then Upendra, straining with each word, says this is a true confession and that he is cognizant of his surroundings and in sound mind and is voluntarily giving this statement. Upendra further says that he and Ranjani fell in love, got married and due to differences later, got separated. Meanwhile, Ranjani was about to marry Basker and Upendra went to the wedding hall the previous night and confronted Ranjani. He begged, cajoled, threatened Ranjani to get back with him. Ranjani's negative response unleashed a fit of fury in him that he knifed her down and killed her. The judge pauses and there is a collective gasp in the court and a small relieved smile from Abhi with tears. Anandhi also shows a relieved expression. (one down, two to go)
Next the judge continues: Upendra then says that he spent 6 months in Mysore jail for some petty robbery and then came back to Chennai to kill Basker, who he thought was instrumental in the death of Ranjani. If Basker hadn't decided to marry Ranjani, then Upendra wouldn't have had to kill her. But Inspector Prabhu was on his tail and managed to confront him. During which, in a moment when Prabhu's concentration wavered, Upendra says he managed to get hold of Prabhu's gun and shoot him to death. He also had to kill another witness who happened by. Another gasp and teary smile with relief from Abhi and an inscrutable expression from the opposite parties.
The judge goes on: Upendra then says he broke his leg in a lorry accident and went to Pondicherry to recuperate in Agasthiyar Ashram where he saw Tholkappian. In Pondy, Prabhu's wife and son saw and identified him (how, he doesn't know) and then Thols cornered him. So, he managed to beat up Thols and tried to escape from the country to Australia via Sri Lanka. While getting ready to escape, a gang of rowdies managed to find him and tried to shoot him. Thols, the savior came just then and like an avenging angel/saint, saved Upendra from those bad elements. Finally, Thols with his words of wisdom and actions, taught Upendra to come clean and save an innocent victim. Upendra then gasps that it was he who killed all 3 due to his uncontrollable rage and Abhi had nothing whatsoever to do with these murders. Abhi is innocent of any of these crimes and should be saved and should not be punished for his crimes.
Flashback done and judge continues that it is now clear that it was Upendra who committed all these 3 crimes that Abhi is charged with and hence, it is proved beyond doubt that Abhi is innocent and all charges against her are dropped. Abhi cannot contain her tears or smile. Judge says that he recommends strict actions be taken against Mari and gang who perjured on the stand and that the police strongly question their involvement. Mari sobs a bit and looks down. He dismisses the court and Abhi thanks him and comes down to take Anandhi's hands. Anandi says that she is very happy and then Abhi faces Thillai. She just stares at him and steps beyond him.
Outside the courtroom, one of the reporters rushes and informs that Abhi has been cleared and released due to Upendra's confession. Abhi comes out to be surrounded by reporters and questions, but Anandhi stalls them and says Abhi has been grilled enough and Abhi says that dharmam vendradhu or something to that effect. She then questions Anandhi where Thols is. At Ganga's, replies Anandhi. Abhi says she is going to meet Thols first but Anandhi says, come home to meet mom and rest, who will be waiting. Abhi insists that she needs to see Thols first..natpu before sondham...and takes off alone. Anandhi wisely gives Abhi her cell phone to use and watches proudly as Abhi takes off, followed by reporters.
(I thought the above scene was long awaited and deserved such a lengthy detail)
Adhi's office: Adhi is anxious that he is not being able to reach Dhilla as his phone has been switched off. Minister comes in and Giri and they talk abt the impending party. Giri informs that all his business acquaintances have been invited. Adhi is tense and minister says he was delayed because he had to put in some extra work now that he has joined the opposite party..so much for politics and saving the country. Dhilla comes in hesitantly and Adhi nearly climbs over him in excitement - is it capital punishment, or life sentence - if life, how many years? only God will know how long Abhi lives, so why this question. I thought life sentence implies as long Abhi is alive. Dhilla says all their eagerness is for vain. Abhi has been released. Adhi is like a rabid dog and attacks Dhilla. Dhilla says that Upendra had survived enough to give a deathbed confession. Adhi bites but how, you told me he died without saying anything. Dhilla says apparently not so, he had fessed all to the judge and now Abhi is free of all 3 murder charges. Adhi is possessed and now Giri funnels him some more. He says though he didn't give the reason for the party, the invitees had sort of guessed and how will Adhi face them now? Adhi voices the same and says his reputation has gone down now and what will his business counterparts think of him now? Isn't this crazy, so his business folks know that Adhi framed abhi is gloating abt her impending punishment, all in open?
Minister calms him down and tells Adhi all is not lost; the fact that they made Abhi stay in jail for sometime is victory for them and they can do some more damage. Now, they will work on stripping her of her assets - human assets that form the life support of her personal and business life. They will make her dear and near her own enemies and the minister will stand hand in hand with Adhi to achieve that. Adhi again bites that yes, Habbi, I will destroy you, I will get you and not make you live in peace. I will finish you...grrrrrrrrrrrrr...
Abhi goes in an auto to Ganga's and finds out from Ganga's nephew that Thols is resting in the small guest house. She opens the door to find Thols in sleep and views his blood-stained bandaged arm and is in tears. She tries to wake him up. Meanwhile, Ganga finds out abt this visitor from her nephew and comes inside and asks Abhi to come out. Abhi tries to stop her and wake Thols but Ganga wouldn't hear of it. She just railroads Abhi and takes her hand firmly and drags a protesting Abhi out, while Thols is still out.
.................thodarum.................
after a long time, an episode to watch....but now, we have to subject ourselves to more torture of Abhi...Mano will be the first traitor...how will Arthi and Anandhi turn against Abhi?
Please stand by for continuous coverage..
CID
