Crime Control Squad (Case #1 Hit and Run) Last Chapter 28 Pg 19 - Page 11

Originally posted by: do0dleR

Great chapters Shweta...👏👏

Now, it joins some dots...👍🏼...

And, my exams end soon... I'll be free by 16th...

Looking forward to the next part...😊...

Chapter 19

The data analyst, the technical expert, the psychologist and their striking boss had all their eyes on the landline phone- not that they could see anything through the phone- but it had the speaker on, relaying the happenings directly from in front of the travel agency where the local police were executing their freshly laid operation.

"Is everything ready?" asked Vedant calmly. The operation was very significant for his investigation. If he could get Samar's family under his control, he could get Samar talking.

"Yes, Sir," replied the officer in-charge, Priya from the other side. "I have arranged a cart containing a variety of products which will be positioned right in front of the travel agency's door. Peanuts, cakes, corn...everything is available, packed. Waiting for your go."

"Good. Check the amount the travel agency guy purchases and monitor what he does with that. Did you check the other floors?"

"Yes Sir. Out of the five floors, 3 floors hold offices- mostly small scale ones. The other two floors contain rental rooms."

"Perfect. Samar's family could be in any of the rooms."

"I am sure, they are. I did notice clothes of a little boy, may be 4 or 5 years old- hung for dry on the corridor. Why don't we knock every door and check?"

"No. Seeing the police, they might panic and might try an escape with the help of the travel agency guy. We need to get the three together in the room, for which we have to follow the guy."

"Right Sir. Shall I give the order?"

"Yes. Go ahead. I don't want any heroics. Don't force the guy to buy anything. No contact with the guy whatsoever. He shouldn't become suspicious. If he doesn't buy anything, leave it. Don't compel him."

"Ok Sir."

"Stay in line."

Silence installed itself in the squad room once again. Ruby sat with a blank expression. She wasn't able to decide on her next move. She tried her best to analyse Samar but somewhere she felt she failed miserably. Somewhere she felt Samar got better of her. She wasn't able to come up with a solution to deal with her target. Her job was to profile the suspect and give possible solutions to deal with the person. She was pretty excited to work on Samar initially when her boss offered her the task. A lot of confidence was put on her even though she was new to the job and the team. She felt she was under Samar's skin but later realised Samar was the one who was always in complete control. His mind was like a tracer bullet- quickly gauging the situation, framing the various alternative decisions, choosing the best one and acting accordingly. There was fear in him, a fear which he probably loved to face. His fear was his strength. Was it an inborn trait or an acquired one- converting his fear as his strength? She wasn't able to identify. A ruffling noise from the speaker diverted her attention back to the squad room. If Samar's family was captured, it would be a huge leverage against him. They could use them to get Samar talking.

"Sir. The stall is on. Our guy is shouting out offers," informed Priya.

"Good. Any movement from the travel agency guy- What the hell is his name?" Vedant couldn't believe he didn't even ask for the name of the guy.

"Lohan...Lohan Mishra."

"Lohan. Any changes in him? His activity...his behaviour."

"He looks like he is listening intently to the sale outside his door," said Priya peering closely at her binoculars. She was positioned at the top floor in the opposite building.

"What do you reckon? How is his travel agency business? Running good?"

"I am not sure. His office is a shabby picture, a dusty fog. From the look of it, the business seems struggling- Sir...Lohan is making a move. He is coming outside his office and taking a look at the cart."

Vedant didn't reply. He waited. He was unintentionally praying under his breath.

"Our plan is working. He is speaking with our guy. He is having a look at the products," Priya gave a live broadcast.

"Is he looking at the cakes?" Vedant responded accurately by picturizing her broadcast.

"Yes...and the corn. Of course, kids don't like peanuts much, do they?"

"Compared to cakes, yes," replied Vedant in the same serious tone as Priya. "Is he getting it?"

"Just a moment Sir..." said Priya slowly as she observed the scene on the ground. Lohan seemed to be a person very particular about how he spent his money. "Yes. He is purchasing something. Not sure, what. He seems to be getting many things."

"Doesn't matter. Keep looking."

"Seems like he has got a box of cake, not sure how many cakes, two cups of corn and two cones of peanuts. He is paying the money now...and...he is back into his office. Hold on Sir..." Priya connected with the man at the sales cart to get the details. "Sir...he has purchased 3 cakes, 2 peanuts cones and 2 cups of corn. Confirm."

"Is he still in office?"

"He is...but he hasn't opened any of his purchase. It's on his table. Now there are more people coming to the cart to purchase Sir..."

"Continue with the sale. When there is no customer...make a move out."

"Sure. I will send the bills of this operation to your office," she said formally. Renting the cart, purchasing all the products, petrol bills- she had to get it all reimbursed as quickly as she can. She can imagine her team flocking her for their payments soon after the end of the operation.

"Yeah...Fine," said Vedant with a little irritation. He hated the management part of his job. Budgets, bills and reimbursements cracked his brain wide open. It wasted his time which he felt he could put to better use. But as popularly said, with power comes responsibility. For him, with power came boring and tiring paper work.

"What do you want us to do now, Sir?" asked Priya. She didn't understand the next move.

"If our prediction is right, Lohan will close his office and go upstairs. And if he does, I want two officers of yours, not in uniforms, follow him and find out which room he enters and may be get a glimpse of who is inside. Wait for some time...and then move in. In case there is a women and a small boy in the room, bring them in along with Lohan. Else..."

"Say it's a false call, apologise and come out," said Priya promptly.

"Excellent. I think you wouldn't need me behind your back from now." laughed Vedant slightly. "My officer, Agastya will be on line with you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to connect here. Thanks a lot for your help Ms Priya. Great pleasure working with you, though we haven't met each other yet. I have to go now but do come by my office for coffee someday."

"Sure Sir, Thank you. I will inform you about the result soon. My pleasure too to have acquainted with you." It was a great day for Priya to receive complements from such a senior officer.

-------

Dr. Shakti shut the file close and banged it on the already mounted pile of files. Her office table was roofed with papers, binders and huge bulky books she had taken out of her book cabinet for reference. She scurried through the papers to find specific ones. She cursed herself for mixing the important papers with the mess on her table which was already making its way to the floor. She picked out the ones she was looking for and studied them once again. It took her the entire day to drive to few conclusions. She was aware of the deadline Vedant's team was working on, and she based all her thoughts and actions in line with that. She was also aware that if the case moved to a different team, she would be asked to carry out all the tests once again especially if her current results didn't give them satisfactory output. At least Vedant had never asked her to doctor her results to suit his case.

From the time she began to trace the people who worked on the rape case, she had met with astonishing results. For one, most of them who worked in the forensics team were untraceable. They had either resigned or were removed from the team within 6 months after the verdict. The head of the forensic team, Dr. Prem, passed away within a year after the verdict- suicide. Every fact made her suspicious. It was weird that many members from the forensics team disappeared or took to another job after the verdict. She was, after great effort, able to trace down one of the doctors who had worked in the team. Dr. Anand, was working as a Professor in Singapore and was kind enough to take her call, even after knowing what the conversation was going to be about. Veerkaran's case was on the papers and the connection to the rape case was making it all the more famous. Singapore had definitely heard it.

Dr. Anand was one of the doctors who tested the evidence collected at the rape case scene. He, along with Dr. Prem and one another technician, were the only ones retained when a re-analysis was ordered by the court. He was one of the three who knew what exactly happened and how and why the reports showed different results the second time.

From Dr. Anand, Shakti got to know what happened, though not accurately, it gave her a basic idea. There were no fresh evidence because of which the results changed. In fact, re-tests were never conducted again at all. The same report was doctored, was forged to suit the requirements. Certain evidences were removed from the list, certain ones were added. The report was created exactly to convict Samar. According to Anand, neither he nor Dr. Prem liked the idea, or supported it. One- it was forgery and two- it would doubt their skills as they were the ones who did the first round of tests. They tried every way to stop the scam. They tried talking with the rest of the team, but no one seemed to give them an ear. They didn't have the power or authority. They were threatened. They weren't able to go out with the truth in the open. They felt it would do no help to anyone because some way or the other, it would be covered up. Though it might have seemed selfish, they wanted to save themselves. They didn't want to be involved anymore and hence resigned immediately after the verdict. Prem, couldn't live with the conscience of having lent a hand in fraudulent practices and hence committed suicide. He was a man of principles and integrity but didn't have the courage to blow the whistle. The new report was presented without any questions raised. It declared that the initial crime scene unit did a messy job and hence most of the evidences collected couldn't be presented as proof. The court allowed the theory. Finally, Samar was convicted as the primary doer and was sentenced. There were no objections raised by the prosecution as the report met their needs. Whether they demanded a doctored report or was it someone else- no one knew. No one cared to find out too. But it was to be noticed that both prosecution and defence were surprised at the new results which changed the entire course of the case. Dr. Anand, full of guilt couldn't continue his practice, left the country and settled with his family in Singapore. But till date, he couldn't forget or forgive his actions. He knew if he had been strong and planted a slight suspicion that wrong doings were happening in the case, at least there was a chance that someone would have picked it up and brought to the front. Someone like Vedant.

Shakti looked at her watch. It was 5.30 pm. She never realised how time flew from the time she spoke with Vedant in the morning. She didn't have much to progress for her to report. All the details she had collected would just put things in perspective. The evidence gathered for Veerkaran's case wouldn't be of any help to find the killer. Nevertheless, she felt there would be certain factors in the current case that might match with the rape case forensically especially, if the killers were the same. She wasn't sure how much to involve her own team. Seeing the history of the both the cases, there could be a mole anywhere who might be leaking information to the outside world- to the killer. She had a whole day to do some miracle with the evidences she had in hand, to help the investigation with some solid proof. But she failed. She decided to call Vedant and inform him of her findings. How much ever she felt the idea of calling him repulsive, she saw no other way. In recent times, she wasn't even sure if she had the same hatred for Vedant which she had years back. She felt she was forcing herself to averse him.

"Ved! Can you spare some time to talk?" she asked Vedant on the phone. She had been sitting in her room from the morning, door closed. She had asked her team not to disturb her. Her team had been instructed to text her in case of anything or call her only if it was an emergency.

"Something important has turned up?" asked Vedant with a dull heavy voice. He had entered his room hearing his phone ring. He sank into his chair seeing the caller id. He knew it must have been something important for Shakti to have called him. They hadn't met or spoken for nearly 25 years until 3 months back. Such was the determination of Shakti to keep herself from any contact with him. Even from the time she had been assigned as the forensic expert for his team, he had been the one to call her every time for updates or had gone to meet her. She had never dropped by at his office. His team was never a priority for her because of him. He knew Shakti was not prejudiced but he wished she showed equal interest in his cases just like his team. Once upon a time, they had dreamed of working together and finally when that had happened, they didn't share that dream anymore, at least she didn't.

"Yes," said Shakti as she narrated her conversation with Anand and what he had told her. She shared all the facts she had gathered first. She wanted to be sure to demarcate the facts from her findings.

"So...the forensics of the rape case was forged to suit the case, to get Samar convicted. That's not news. Evidences were never tampered but just the report. Are the specimens still available?" questioned Vedant.

"Yes. They are available. But it would take a good number of days to get hold of those evidence boxes and it would be impossible to acquire them without letting the higher authorities know about it. Anand suggested that orders came from the top back then and hence it would be a great risk to us to request for the evidence box of the rape case. It would tip off whoever is involved within our department and in turn, the real killer would also be alerted," said Shakti.

"Right. So what do we do? What can I expect from the forensics side which can help me?" Vedant still had no idea why Shakti had called him.

"Honestly...Nothing much. We have the hair DNA matched to Samar, the wooden handle has Veerkaran's blood on it...the killers seemed to have worn gloves and has left no fingerprints to follow and whatever they might have left at the murder scene at the construction site was washed away by the rain. The tyre marks- I think that's connected to the murder vehicle..."

"That's over and done. We found the vehicle and the driver and he is arrested," informed Vedant.

"Good. Apart from that...I really have nothing to go with."

"What about the wool you procured from the bike...Can't you run any tests on that for DNA?"

"I can try...but I am not sure if it's possible. I cannot certainly get any fingerprints from that. If the wool has any skin or DNA left on it...We might be lucky...But it's too much to ask for..."

"The hair sample...how many were found?"

"Meaning?" Shakti was confused.

"How many hair fragments were found? I think, Samar's hair was dropped on the scene to frame him. Do you think you can prove that forensically?"

"I think that's possible...We can find out whether the hair had fallen off naturally or was cut or pulled out. If the hair had fallen from his head, it would have the root head. If the hair was cut, there won't be any root."

"Results tomorrow?"

"Sure," she said docketing the task in her mind. "There is something else too...Ved. Something which isn't conclusive but produces loads of loose ends. Too many unanswered questions. For one...A re-analysis was ordered. Why? Did the defence know what the result was going to be?"

"No...I spoke to the defence lawyers. They asked for re-analysis just to buy some time. But it backfired badly. So when the re-analysis was ordered, whoever is the mastermind, he hatched the plan, got the reports doctored and got the result he wanted."

"To get Samar convicted?"

"Yes...Seems like it. But why Samar? Why not any of the other three?" Vedant realised his thought process was freshly provoked with the current conversation. New areas of theories were getting opened. "In that case, the mastermind wanted Samar to be convicted...He must have something personal against Samar."

"But the problem is...In the initial forensic report notes, no evidence belonging to Samar was found at the crime scene. No fingerprints or DNA. These notes weren't part of the official report and hence was never produced in court. Anand mailed this to me in confidence, so it's off the record. Anyway...When we base the case on this particular forensic notes, there is no proof that Samar was even present at the rape scene. How was he arrested?"

"Veerkaran gave a statement that he saw 4 men running from the shed where Kiran was found raped and murdered. Police registered a FIR and began their hunt. Rajesh had left his bike outside the shed. Police traced him through the bike and through him they arrested Tejesh and Maninder. Samar accepted he was the fourth man and surrendered when the police arrested Rajesh..." Vedant slowed down the pace of his sentence. "Does this mean...Samar wasn't present at the murder scene of the previous case too?"

"It does seem like that now, doesn't it?" There was surprise, more like a Eureka moment that battered the investigative conversation.

"I think I have to read the case notes once again to find out clearly when Samar's DNA was presented in the court. What else do we have as evidence for Veerkaran's case?"

"We have a specimen of flesh that was procured from under Veerkaran's nails...He must have scratched someone during his struggle. But I don't have anyone to match the flesh with. I ran it through the criminal database. But no luck. It seems like the guy we are looking for has no criminal record."

"Which database did you use? Violent crimes?"

"Yes. I thought it was obvious that the man related to the murder must be someone who has a history of violent behaviour. Want me to run through a different database?"

"Not exactly...Just with the list of people under our suspicion. I'll ask Agastya to send you the profiles. Anything else?"

Shakti was silent. She wasn't sure how to express her anguish. She felt completely helpless. She could see that she was being of no help to the case, which had never been the scenario before.

"Shakti? Everything Ok?" Concern was painted in his voice clearly, though he tried to wear a stolid mask.

"Ved! I fear...even if we get confessions or prove Samar wasn't at the crime scene, there would be no evidence to point at the actual killer. I am unable to prove that..."

"That's not your problem, Shakti. That responsibility lies at my door. You can only work with what you have and not with what you don't have. Just relax." Vedant immediately understood what Shakti's problem was. She had been someone because of whom many cases were solved successfully around the country, because of her expert witness. She couldn't digest the fact that she wasn't being of any use to her own case. "You still have lot of things that can be done. Solving the case is my problem. Your work is to provide solid support to my case using your expertise."

"I know..." said Shakti exasperated. She knew every word Vedant said by herself. Yet she was frustrated. There had been no breakthrough from her side. She didn't want Vedant or anyone else to think low of her because of her non-performance in this case.

"Shakti! Tell me...Why would certain evidence be taken off from the report?"

"Because that would implicate someone?"

"Absolutely! So, the evidences that were removed was removed because it pointed at someone- someone who was present at the crime scene- someone who escaped from everyone's eyes because of the second report."

"But the first report must have showed those evidences, right?"

"Did it? Was there any evidence that couldn't be substantiated? That couldn't be progressed with? Like the flesh we have, but no one to match it with."

"Hold on..." Shakti picked up a file from the pile, hurling few of them to the floor. She rummaged through the pages on the file to stop at the details she was looking for. "Right. A visiting card belonging to a fake name and address, a shirt button, few fibres and marginal shoeprints- these weren't used in the first report and was excluded in the second analysis."

"All this could have belonged to the same person," said Vedant leaning back on his chair and exchanging the receiver to his right hand to his right ear.

"Could be. But since the shed was used for varied purposes, had loads of people going in and out, those evidences could have belonged to anyone and not the suspects. Hence those evidences were left out by the team terming it wouldn't be counted as evidence in court."

"Try talking to Anand again and ask him if there were any other suspects- any other hits they had in the database which was left out of the reports. Though a long shot, try to get more details on the list of evidences you mentioned. See if any tests were run on them."

"Sure. Will send the results tomorrow morning."

"Uhmm..." Vedant leaned forward, his body language stiffening a bit. "Why don't you come by my office tomorrow? We can talk face to face...I think my team would love to hear everything directly from you. It would be impactful...in my point of view." Vedant knew what to expect. Shakti would definitely turn down the offer. Anything to do with him was a huge NO to her. Yet, for the sake of his team and investigation he hoped Shakti would abide.

Shakti was in a fix. She knew Vedant didn't have any hidden agenda behind his words. He genuinely wanted her to take part in the team discussion, to understand the progress and stage of the case and comprehend what exactly would be required from forensics. It would also save time if she dropped down at office, else, after all the discussion, Vedant would have to spare time, meet her at the hospital and recount everything. As much as she didn't care for Vedant's job profile, she did know that he held a much higher position than her, a position which didn't require him to meet her for updates. In a quick word, he can summon her and she had no way but to accede it. "I'll be there tomorrow. Will let you know the time."

Vedant was shocked and mused. He didn't say a word and heard Shakti placing her receiver down ceasing the call. Without a moment to ponder, he was disturbed by a knock at his opened door. It was Ruby pointing at the squad room. Something had come up. Pushing his chair back and pocketing his mobile phone which was on his table, he walked to the squad room.

"Update from Priya. Lohan went to his room at the 5^th floor- Women in her 20s and a 5 year old boy inside the room. They have been taken in and are brought here for enquiry. They haven't been informed about Samar yet. They have been told that it's regarding the building and its owner. They will be here in another 30 min. She has sent a picture of the boy." Agastya projected it on the board which was filled with notes and pictures. Ruby turned the board to the blank side to see the picture clearly.

"Doesn't look like Samar in any way, does he?" asked Charith.

"No distinct resemblance doesn't mean the boy is not his. May be the boy looks like his mother?" reasoned Vedant. "Anyway, let us wait for them to arrive, question them and then decide how to go about with Samar. Did Heera, Sagar or Vikram called?"

"No...No news from them yet..." said Agastya.

"Ruby! Get ready. I want you to talk with the women. You know Samar..."

"Sir...I am not sure about that. I haven't been able to get Samar..."

"That doesn't mean you were wrong about him, Ruby. Certain people are difficult to analyse. Considering his history and his personality, you have done a damn good job...So stop doubting your abilities and start preparing your methods. Got it?"

Ruby nodded comprehendingly but a little embarrassed.

"I'll talk with the little boy. Arrange for some video games on my computer, Agastya. Charith- Anything that would interest a 5 year old boy."

"Yes, Sir. Sir...The diaries..."

"What is that? A magic box?"

"I don't know about magic...But it's a box full of vague notes with no introduction or conclusion. And Veerkaran has made all of the important notes on random pages and not according to dates. Strange man. Anyway...I am done with it. I think we have to talk with his neighbour friend, Hariprasad. He might know something. Veerkaran has a lot of positive things written about H.P. I did ask Hariprasad if Veerkaran had told him anything, but he said he didn't. But I think it would be useful to question him again."

"Do it then. You have already spoken to him. Visit him and see what you can get out of him."

--------

The smoke from the small cup of hot tea moved slowly upwards spreading its dance in its surrounding area. A hot cup of anything would be suffice on a cold rainy day. Heera, protected by a thick jacket took a sip of the hot tea and felt the burning heat going down her throat. Sagar, with a stylish blue jacket on, imitated his colleague. They had had three cups of tea already while they had been waiting for the employees of AC Constructions. Their work time ended at 5.30 pm. It was already 5.45 pm and there was no sign of either of them, either Prakash or the reception guy.

"Another tea?" asked Sagar as he kept the one he had in hand in a row of empty glasses. "I may as well create a Guinness record for drinking maximum number of teas in a specific period."

"No...Thanks," said Heera. She had had enough. She had never been a fan of tea and to have that from a small time tea stall- it was more than what could be expected of her. Being a health conscious freak, she had a fixed frown expression on her face, every time she picked the tea glass from the platform. Thoughts of the person who would have washed the glasses and the water that would have been used turned her stomach upside down. The tea master was a funny guy who seemed like he would win a lottery if he kept talking continuously. He didn't expect someone to reply to his chatter. He was keeping himself cheerful. "How long shall we wait?" asked Heera losing her patience. The tea stall stood on the highway, opposite to the huge main entrance of the YMB Towers which hosted AC Constructions.

"Till they come. Do you see any other option?"

"We can go to their office and meet them there..."

"And exhibit to everyone our impressive sleuthing skills. Are you plotting to win some award ahead of me?"

"If you don't like an idea, tell it. There is no need to be sarcastic," shot back Heera.

"Are you threatening your senior officer?" asked Sagar, continuing to persecute Heera. He loved doing that. "You do remember that I am your senior in terms of experience and position..."

"Just having senior in your designation doesn't give you the power to insult me, Senior Investigating Officer Sagar" said Heera, signalling the tea master for another cup of tea. It was a casual banter, something they always had. Heera knew Sagar meant no harm. He didn't even take the words he uttered seriously but she had never liked his attitude. She didn't hate him or dislike him but she disapproved his crude behaviour when he tried to be funny. It could be because she was too sensitive or because he was being completely insensitive.

Sagar was a jolly-go guy. His knack of understanding the crime scene was widely appreciated because of which he had been appointed in the investigation department rather than police force. Yet he had a very careless and lethargic side to his character. He looked for easier ways to solve the cases. He wasn't corrupt but wasn't completely honest either.

"Here they come," said Sagar immediately forgetting the argument he had been pursuing with Heera. He had the incredible ability to switch modes- from being an annoying colleague to a clever investigating officer.

Prakash and the reception guy walked to the tea stall as per the instructions they had received from the officers 45 minutes ago. Their stride suggested low confidence and apprehension.

"How much should I charge you both as fine for coming late?" asked Sagar harmlessly as he called for another two cups of tea. He sat down on the old dusty creaking bench at the back side of the stall. The tea master, apart from his main work of offering tea to the need, also worked as an informant for Sagar. The tea stall was present on the highway with lavish MNC buildings on all sides and there usually was a huge buzz around the region. Loads of people in transit stopped by the tea stall enabling the tea master to get in contact with hundreds of people every day making him the perfect informant for Sagar. The area which Sagar, Heera and the new entrants occupied for the meeting was secluded from the main entrance. No one from the outside could have sight of them. The new entrants took the seats on the opposite bench to Sagar's. Heera pondered if she should sit on the filthy benches and risk her dress getting injured in its own way. She decided to stand perched on the wall.

"There is no need to be nervous," she said trying to get the men comfortable.

"Prakash and...?" asked Sagar.

"Shirish," said the reception man.

"I'll inform my boss your name. He would be mighty pleased," said Sagar chirpily. His boss was really bad in remembering names. Shirish didn't seem to get the comment. He remained serious. "Guys! Relax," laughed Sagar. "You are not suspects. Even suspects won't be as nervous as you both. We just have a few questions for which we believe you have answers. Give us what we want...and you can go your own way."

Prakash and Shirish glanced at each other. They knew it was regarding the murder case. They weren't sure why they were picked up for questioning ahead of their top management officials.

"I don't see how we can help you, Sir," spoke Shirish.

"You can. Just be honest and share whatever you know," said Heera. "Mr. Prakash. You are the site supervisor. You said the site was locked. How do you think the murder happened inside the site then? The lock at the gates wasn't damaged and the warehouse door wasn't broken which suggests whoever came in had the key. Can you explain how someone could have entered? Who all has the keys?"

"Hmm...Due to rains, the site was closed down for nearly a week. I have one set of keys. The union leader has one set. Our manager has one set...and there is one set in the Keys room- where we store a copy of all the keys."

"I completely believe you weren't part of the murder team- So that would mean either the union leader or the manager could have been an accomplice."

"My manager is on leave for over a month now- medical leave. So I don't think...you know...he could have..."

"And the union leader? Could he have?" asked Sagar.

"Can't be sure about that Sir. After the site closed, he called me twice or thrice to get updates about the reopening."

"What kind of a person is he?" asked Heera.

"He is a nice guy. Usually union leaders wait for chances to begin a fight and a strike. But Raju was very peace loving. We haven't really had much labour problems under his leadership. He had been very reasonable with his demands and had always resigned to peaceful methods. He is a family man- two kids I think. Has been with ACC...I mean AC Constructions for more than 5 years now. I don't know if he is involved in any way...but if you ask me...I don't see him involved in something like murder."

"Are the keys present in the Keys room?" Heera asked.

"I checked before I came here. It's present. I can't tell if it was taken away and placed back in its place."

"Who has access to the Keys room? Everyone?"

"No... Only I have the keys to the Keys room," said Shirish joining the conversation. "Anyone who wants access to the Keys room has to sign the register and get the keys from me..."

"Should they mention which key they are taking from the Keys room?" asked Sagar.

"Yes. There is a column which asks the Keys particulars which are withdrawn...But it's not mandatory to fill that up. Certain employees fill it...certain don't. They just inform me which key they want...I pick it up from the room and hand it over to them. Once they return the keys, they sign in the register and I close the entry with my signature."

"Were the keys to the construction site taken in the last two weeks from the Keys room? Did someone request for them?" asked Heera.

Shirish lowered his eyes. He wasn't sure if he should share professional details with outsiders, especially police. He believed in helping the police. He felt he himself would be fighting for justice then. But he couldn't find which outweighed between loyalty and justice. He had been in the company for nearly 10 years. He wasn't just in charge of reception. He was in charge of security for the floor where the main office operated. Many found it weird to find him at the reception in the place of a bright young girl. But the actual reason behind his appointment was to filter the people who entered the office.

"Shirish...Did someone take the keys in the last week? Who signed the register?" asked Heera softly.

Shirish took a deep breath. "I signed the register. I took the keys..."

Sagar hit his forehead with a loud slap. "Enough of self indulgence. Are you going to say you murdered Veerkaran? Stop protecting others PLEASE..." Sagar immediately noticed Shirish's shifty eyes expanding widely in shock.

"WHAT! No...No...I didn't murder anyone. Don't put words in my mouth," he retorted. "Is that why you called us here...to frame us?"

Heera shot a glaring look at Sagar for jumping the gun. "Sorry...He didn't mean that. You please continue."

Shirish took a minute to decide if he had to help the police or not. He was worried what if his own motive to help bites his back.

"Please don't have any doubts. We know you both weren't involved in the murder. But we believe you know things that might help us with our investigation," explained Heera. She looked at Sagar expecting him to apologise and offer confidence for the men to continue talking. But he stood disinterested. "What did you do with the keys?" she asked.

"I didn't take the keys for my own work," Shirish said, feeling despised. "I was ordered. I was asked to bring those keys..."

"By whom?" asked Sagar.

"By one of the founders," said Shirish without looking at Sagar. He always disliked officers who didn't give due respect to commoners.

"Which one?" asked Heera. "I believe there are 5 of them?"

"Yes. I got a call from the PA of the founders. The five of them use only one PA. Anyway...I remember there were only two of the five founders present in the office that day. Mr Ajay..."

"And let me guess...Akhilesh Chandra?" asked Sagar with a jumpy expectation. He and Heera had heard the entire discussion their boss, Agastya and Charith had after they had left. Agastya had send them the recording. They were up to date with all the progress. They knew about Akhilesh Chandra and his father Pragat Chandra.

Shirish looked surprised at Sagar's answer. He nodded in agreement. "How did you know?"

"None of your business," replied Sagar, still bearing a smile.

"What he means is...we can't discuss our case publicly. It's confidential." detailed Heera. "So it could be Akhilesh Chandra who had requested for the keys. When was it returned?"

"Day before yesterday morning. I found the keys on my desk. I signed the register, closed the entry and placed the keys back in the room."

"Are you the only ones who handle those keys after you found them on your desk?" asked Sagar.

"Yes."

"In that case, I want those keys...this time secure it without touching it. Put it in plastic bag and hand it over. We want to check it for fingerprints. Of course...don't tell anyone about this."

Shirish nodded.

"Do you both know Rajesh Lala?" asked Heera.

The confused expression on the men's face suggested that they had never heard of him.

"Have you seen this person in the office?" asked Heera, showing a picture of Rajesh.

"This is Mukesh Sir," exclaimed Prakash. "Not Rajesh..."

The officers didn't deem it necessary to explain Rajesh is Mukesh or rather Mukesh is Rajesh.

"Has he been at the office?" asked Sagar.

"Sometimes...He attended two or three investor meetings. Apart from that, I have never seen him at the office," said Shirish.

"He drops at the site regularly. The workers are scared of him. He never hesitates to bully people if they don't work hard. It makes my job easy..." Prakash's liking for Rajesh wasn't hidden.

"Did he visit the construction site where the murder happened, regularly?" asked Sagar.

"You think Mukesh Sir murdered that man?" asked Prakash in horror.

"Just answer my question..." replied Sagar.

"He has been at the site quite often. But it has been weeks since I have seen him..."

"Is there an address for your Mukesh? Do you know where he lives?"

"No..."

"I think I might have an address...But I don't know if that's the address he lives in," said Shirish. "Once I was asked to courier a package to Mukesh and was given an address..."

"I would need that address..." said Sagar.

"Is there anything else? Anything suspicious that happened?" asked Heera.

Silence enclosed the atmosphere.

"What do you know about Pragat Chandra?" asked Sagar.

"Pragat Chandra?" repeated Shirish. "Akhilesh Chandra's father? He never comes to the office. But yes...he calls regularly. I get the call at the reception from his PA and I route it to Akhilesh."

"Was there anyone out of the ordinary who visited the office or Akhilesh in the last two weeks?"

Shirish thought for a moment before he answered in the negative. "Of course, your boss visited." He had a small smile.

"That created huge gossip in the office," Prakash added.

"Alright...I think that's it. Mr Shirish...I need the keys immediately. Mr Prakash...Can you talk with your union leader, just in case. See if he has the key with him or if someone borrowed it from him. I want to know within the night."

"Yes Sir..." said Prakash while Shirish jerked his head affirmatively.

"Thanks a lot for your time...Mr Vedant sends his thanks too," said Heera. "Don't hesitate to call us if you remember anything..." said Heera with gratitude.

The officers saw the men leaving the place. Shirish made his way back to the office to fetch the keys. Heera called her boss to send him updates.

------

Vedant heard intently to Heera and Sagar. "Great. Send the keys to forensics and ask them to run them for fingerprints. Get Shirish's fingerprints for elimination. I'll ask Agastya to check the phone records."

"Right, Sir. I feel Pragat Chandra is the mastermind behind..." said Sagar.

"Let's see. You guys call it a day. Go home after sending the keys to forensics. Did you guys hear from Vikram? I have been trying his mobile, but unable to connect..."

"No Sir...I'll call him right away..." said Heera.

"SIR!!" There was a loud call from the squad room. Vedant had never heard Agastya call him so loud. Vedant put down his phone and walked quickly to the squad room and looked at the rest of the team watching the TV with disbelief.

"BREAKING NEWS! POLICE OPEN FIRE AT HUNAR MARKET. ONE DEAD. TWO CRITICALLY INJURED!"

The news was broadcasting the chaos at Hunar Market. The scene of the injured men taken to the ambulance was shown again and again. Blood stained all over the ground and glasses pieces swarmed the area. The correspondent reported the happenings live.

"Initial reports suggest that a shootout broke between the police and he two men living in that building over there," the young girl pointed at the portion on the second floor of the building. "It seems like the suspects had made a run and the police began firing without even considering that the area was a residential one and there was a common market just across the street. 1 civilian is confirmed dead and another civilian is injured. 1 of the suspects is also gravely injured. The police seemed to have arrested the other suspect."

"Any details about the suspects and the officers involved?" asked the journalist sitting at the newsroom.

"No confirmation regarding the operation but rumours suggest the operation was to bust a drugs circle. So the Drugs Control Department must be involved. There are few witnesses from the market who have identified one of the officers to be Vikram Bhagat from Crime Control-Special Branch. In fact he is still at the crime scene which confirms his participation." Vikram was zoomed in who was standing beside an ambulance. Though Vedant stood watching the depictions with no interpretable expressions, he could sense his palms growing cold. The situation was critically serious. The reporter continued, "What was Special Branch doing with Drugs Control? Was it a joint operation? Who holds responsibility for this shootout? Will the culprit run scot free just because they are police? Who will answer to the victim's family? It is a complete disaster, an utter failure from the side of the police to have been so careless with their operation. They are protectors of the society but we see themselves being responsible for crude attack on the public. Opening fire at a public place with no care for the public is sheer arrogance and irresponsible usage of their authority and power. And to top it, there is not a single senior officer present at the scene yet."

The journalist at the studio continued with his questions. Agastya lowered the volume. Charith and Ruby's face were filled with tension. They studied their boss quietly without appearing to do so.

Vedant stared at the scenes displayed by the news channels. Vikram was involved which would mean the operation should have been to capture Tejesh. Why wasn't he informed of the operation? How could have Vikram been so impetuous?

His mobile pealed the silence. It was the Commissioner.

"Did you authorise this operation, Vedant?" asked Jay without even asking if Vedant had heard the news. He was traversing in his room with shrills of telephone rings engulfing the background.

Vedant could sense his slow tensed breath. A rain of consequences was flooding his mind. He slowly walked to his room and closed the door behind. His team knew the situation was intense.

"Did you authorise the operation, Vedant?" bawled Jay.

"No Sir..." replied Vedant slowly with utmost difficultly. He couldn't lie. "I'll get back to you once I speak with Vikram, Sir..."

"I need a detailed report immediately Vedant, word by word. Media is going to crush us like waste bottles. You better be ready to face them soon. Get down at the scene immediately."

"Yes Sir..." assented Vedant tonelessly.

"And your team is off the murder case from immediate effect," ordered Jay.

Vedant knew that would be coming.

------

Originally posted by: do0dleR

Res... 😉

Unresed on pg-10 and 11...😊

Will Unres the rest soon...

Originally posted by: Shwets1502

Thanks for your detailed comment. Glad you liked it...😊

I am trying to tie the knots now..let's see how it goes.

Originally posted by: do0dleR

Res... Whoa!!... that was bit mind boggling for me...😲... Maybe because exams are taking a toll...😆...

I think too many evidences and connections are confusing me... Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it so much...👍🏼...

I will make sure to read the previous parts again after my exams to clear them out...😆😊...

As the investigation heavily relies on Samar's statements (they intend break him down and speak his heart..), I remember the famous " The Liar Paradox"... It says - A man says, "I am lying". If he is lying, then what he says is true and so he is not lying. If he is not lying, then what he says is true, and so he is lying. In any case, he is lying and he is not lying...😉

Looking forward to the next update...😊...(Sorry, for late comment...)

PS - There is a Res at the beginning of the comment.😆.. When I unres them I'll discuss my confusions in detail...😉

Unres...

Awesome update Shweta...👏👏

I think the criminals are trying to kill two birds in one stone - 1. to prolong investigation and meanwhile alter the data in the file of AC constructions by sending it to local police, they may have contacts there, because a political party is also indirectly involved 2. trying to prove that they did not know earlier that somebody "broke" into the place and committed a murder... but cement bags stolen..🤣...how will they prove it, inventory...?😕

Yes. They will have inventory of the number of cement bags in the warehouse...and cement bags are expensive 😆😆

Vincent arrested...👍🏼 cool, these guys are really fast..

Vedant is taking a copy of those files... smart move...👏

Yeah..he wants the copies but seems like he isn't going to get it within the stipulated time.

Loved how they were analysing Samar's motive.. Why would he feel safer at the cells?.😕...

He feels safer inside cells because it's danger outside? 😉

I have to read the part where you write about the ATM footages more number of times.😆.. I am getting confused with the facts because I don't remember what was written earlier regarding that...

May be I complicated thins a lot there. It's just not your problem...even I forget what I wrote previously.

So smart.👏.. they are tracing connection with criminals through the Law firm that represented Samar...L and O represent both AC Constructions and New Life Group... I wonder if New Life Group is also connected with the Drug dealing crime...😲😕..

I really like how you portray the bond between the members of investigating team... They actually come alive in front of me... I feel like watching them..😳😊..

Awesome chapter!!..👏...

Thank you..😊

Off to Unres next...😉

PS - I did have many doubts when I read it first time😆. But, as you proceeded with updates, the picture began to get clearer..😊. Don't worry , I will be ready with more doubts whenever I get confused...😆

Originally posted by: do0dleR

Great chapters Shweta...👏👏

Now, it joins some dots...👍🏼...

And, my exams end soon... I'll be free by 16th...

Looking forward to the next part...😊...

Unres part 1 - For chapter 17

Another awesome chapter👍🏼

You have characterised Vicent really well...👏... You make it a very relatable character, elaborating how he feels and why he feels that way... At first, I felt bad for him... Then I felt he is somewhat repaying his own deeds... On a brighter side, he is really repenting and is telling the truth to the offices...😊

I think many young offenders are like that. They don't have someone to guide them and they take the wrong path knowing it's wrong,

Sagar is a cool officer, patient and understanding😉... It is just likes his bike fast and wants to dodge protocol.😆...

Tejesh has another alias apart from Tejpal..😲. They used Vincent so cruelly just for the sake of avenging Veerkaran...Vincent should not have trusted such people...

We established Tejesh has another alias called Tejpal when we introduced Rajesh as Mukesh Ambani...😆

"I didn't do all this intentionally." "You did do it intentionally Vincent. For drugs and money," said Sagar acerbically.

I loved how Sagar confronted him with the bitter truth here...👍🏼

Finally, Yamini Sharma too makes appearance..🥳. She is a fake ID!!??😲 I thought she was someone's alias.😆..

Haha...Yamini's fate was the one I decided very long back.

He didn't recognize both Samar and Rajesh... Both were absent there?? If so, why and who is Samar saving..??😲

You have to wait and read there..😆

I wish Vikram was a little more patient...😳

Vedant is hellbent on not letting the AC constructions files slip away...Obviously, something is fishy with those files😉...

I think Vedant's saloon theory may be true... They returned with dead end because it is difficult to trace it...

Sheetal Hanraj pakka businesswoman lawyer... Loved how Vedant convinced her and made her see a win-win situation...👍🏼

Will unres soon for next two chpts (18,19...)😊😊

Thanks again for the detailed comment.

Chapter 20

Slamming the door of his SUV harder than necessary, Vedant tramped across the muddy and slippery crime scene with a tight face. He was a furious man. He was trying hard to squeeze his mind shut from the fiery rage he was feeling inside. He could feel the burning heat waving across his body. He clamped his fist and mouth rigid, so as to not give away his inner emotions. He could hear the media screaming out his name for juicy comments. But the truthful fact was, he didn't really have anything to say to them. They actually knew more about the situation than he knew. He forced his gaze to the surroundings around him. It was a complete mayhem. There were dozens of police officers handling the chaos. Barricades were erected around the crime scene to prevent public from breaching the crime scene. Public were working their best to get a glimpse of anything at the scene. Standing against the barricades, peeping from the windows, perching from the terraces and standing on top of tanks- the initial tension had been converted into excitement for them. Few were trying their luck in getting into the frames of the media camera to have their face on the TV no matter what the reason was.

One of the policeman rushed towards Vedant on seeing him. After the initial disciplined greeting, he pointed the direction of the building where the shooting began. He showed the path where the chase happened, through where the suspects and the officers had run firing their guns. Forensics were on the ground picking up all the evidences they can. The policeman escorted Vedant to the building.

The building was an usual apartment building with three floors. The outside walls were painted in ivory which had worn out due to the attack of sun and the rain in their respective seasons. Cracks and dirty patches painted itself on the wall alongside. Taking the concrete rough stairs upstairs, the policeman led the way to the room where the suspects were initially found by the operation team. Another team of forensics were crawling on the ground and on the wall. Vedant nodded at the policeman to release him from his escort duty.

Vedant began imagining how the incident could have happened. There were two open windows to the left side of the door, probably the route the suspects might have taken for their escape. He observed the door being knocked down. The team of police who carried out the operation, the black operation, must have broken it down to surprise the suspects, assumed the chief. Chairs and other furniture laid strewn across the living room. Shattered glass pieces decorated the floor. Holes were etched on the walls because of the firing. Vedant took his steps carefully using the corners of the room without disturbing the forensics. He made his way slowly to the room inside where he was informed the man he was looking for was present.

Vikram stood by the window looking at the proceedings outside. He looked grim. He could feel the guilt slicing his thoughts. He knew he had played a huge role in the massive disarray of events. He pushed away the consequences that might result of his actions when he decided to go ahead with the operation. But he never ever thought the consequences would be so disastrous.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't fire you?" asked Vedant as soon as his eyes landed on Vikram. He couldn't keep his voice calm. He knew his agitation was displayed in clarity. But he didn't care.

Vikram turned at the sound of his boss. His voice was low and regretful. "I didn't expect things to turn this way..."

"You acted without orders! You didn't think it was important to inform me about the operation? Why didn't you inform me?!!"

"I thought you wouldn't permit the operation..."

"OF COURSE! I wouldn't have permitted the operation because it sounds catastrophic from the letter A. What were you trying to do Vikram? Shooting down people..."

"We didn't start the firing," reasoned Vikram aimlessly.

"And you want me to believe you, after what you have done," asked Vedant, his voice booming dangerously.

"Sir...We didn't start the firing. They shot at us first..."

"I don't care who shot at whom first Vikram...Why did it happen in the first place? Don't you know it's protocol to inform your boss about any of your operations and have back up in place? What did you plan? To become a superhero? You wanted people to worship you? Your courage? Do you realise what a mess you have created?"

Vedant had no intention of going slow on the issue. He was mad. He knew what the implications were going to be. He feared it might be the end of road for Vikram.

"Sir...I just did what I thought was right at that moment. I know what I did was wrong but considering the circumstances..." Vikram was desperate. He was trying to reason it out for his own sake. He wanted to reassure himself that he wasn't entirely responsible.

"What circumstances?" asked Vedant in disbelief. "Something worse than the one you are in now?"

"Sir...You know and I know how important Tejesh is for our investigation. I just went with this plan to capture Tejesh..."

"Not at the expense of civilian lives, Vikram!"

"We didn't expect..."

"Stop this 'we didn't expect'. When you perform an operation, all the odds have to be taken into account, Yes or No?" asked Vedant.

Vikram lowered his head. He knew he was cornered. He knew his boss was right. "Yes."

"So you should have expected the worst. Yes or No?"

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you?"

"Sir, we just thought Tejesh would be alone and we would be able to surround him. We didn't expect two in the room and armed."

"Is that an excuse, Vikram? For what happened? You fired guns in a public place for God's sake. What were you thinking?"

"Our suspects were running away..."

"So you shoot with no care for the other lives? First of all- did you have a shooting order to fire?"

Vikram remained silent.

"Answer Vikram...Did you have a shooting order?"

"No Sir..."

"You didn't have permission for the operation...You didn't have stand by...You didn't have a shooting order...Yet you did every one of them...Yes?"

"Yes Sir...But we have got Tejesh in our custody."

"So I should pat you on the back now? I should be happy that we have got Tejesh and forget about the innocent lives that have been lost? Are you out of your mind?"

"Sorry Sir...I didn't mean it that way," said Vikram immediately. "Sir, I know it was wrong of me to have gone ahead with the operation without your permission...But..."

"Give as many explanations as possible Vikram...But you don't have a good one. That's the truth. You have broken the rules..."

"It's not like you have never broken the rules and protocol Sir..."

"Mine don't result with death!" shot back Vedant.

Both the officers glared at each other with rage. Vikram was angry that his boss was failing to understand the reason behind his actions. He felt bad for what happened yet sometimes to get things done, some loss had to be faced. Police die when saving public from evil. No one cared for the lost lives then. But when innocents die when the police try to capture evil, they get reprimanded hard for that. He didn't find that fair.

"As of now...You are suspended from the team and service. You will undergo an enquiry and a disciplinary hearing."

Vikram clenched his jaws hard. "And our case?"

"The team is suspended off the case too..."

"Because of me?" Vikram looked expectedly at his boss. He didn't want to be the reason for the team's suspension.
"As a matter of fact...Yes," replied Vedant angry. "Your actions and this incident is the reason we are off the case. I am yet to talk with the Commissioner. But before I do...I want to hear from you. I want to know exactly what happened and what your part was in the entire fiasco."

"Why? You do believe I shot at innocent people..."

"You tell me. I know innocent people were killed. But I can't make my mind to believe that you could have fired at them intentionally. You are a better person than that..."

Vikram was surprised with this sudden revelation.

"You don't think I killed those people?" he asked.

"I don't want to believe anything till it's proven. But you have to first tell me if you shot at them. Tell me from the beginning." Vedant's tone had calmed down. The rage was still simmering but it was time for damage control.

"When you asked me to find Tejesh, I contacted my friend, Nazir from Drugs Control," began Vikram clearing his voice and steadying himself. "He said they have been hunting for Tejesh too for a long time but didn't have anything to charge him as they didn't have solid evidence against him. He said he knew the location where Tejesh lived and had it under surveillance. He wanted to help me in capturing Tejesh so that after our investigation, which would reveal his involvement with drugs, he could charge him and close his case. I told him that I can't act without informing you but he said he suspected his own superior to be involved and hence he didn't want any noise around the operation, the same reason why he didn't want to call for back up too. Calling for back up would mean reporting the operation, which he didn't want." Vikram paused to see if his boss had anything to say. But Vedant stayed silent to hear the rest of the account before he made any judgement. "He had 3 other men from his team to accompany us with the operation. Two others were already posted in surveillance. We were a total of 7 in this operation. 2 guarded the entrance, while 2 were stationed at the back of the building. Three of us went in. The surveillance men said only Tejesh was inside the house but we were taken by surprise when another man was present along with Tejesh. He pulled out his gun and pointed at us. We were forced to bring out our arms too. I tried talking and explaining the situation to them calmly and asked them to surrender. I thought they were about to surrender too. But suddenly they fired at us and we had to fire back to save ourselves. We took cover behind the table but they were quick to jump out of the window and escape. They began running towards the market. The men downstairs began chasing them. We joined them too. They turned and fired at us again. And we shot back at them. For a moment, I didn't realise that we were entering the market, a public place. There were wails everyone, but the shots didn't cease. I began shouting at the men to stop shooting. But they didn't listen and kept firing at the suspects. I saw Tejesh and another guy running. I didn't know what made me do that but I raised my gun towards them and pointed. The next thing I saw, the other suspect was down and Tejesh stood frozen nearby. Nazir cuffed him and he didn't resist. It was as if Tejesh never wanted to run away. Later I realised, 2 civilians were injured in the process and one of them died on the spot. The world spun around me for a minute. I couldn't believe how stupid I was to act in that way."

Vedant could see how ashamed Vikram was of his actions though he wasn't open about it.

"So you fired at the suspect?" asked Vedant.

"I think so..."

"Think?"

"All of us were firing. So I am not sure whose bullet injured the suspect."

"So there are possibilities that you didn't injure the suspect or shoot the civilians?"

"I have shot one round of bullets from my revolver. I am not sure if those bullets injured or killed anyone. People were running everywhere, in and around our suspects and...I did try to shoot down the suspects...So..."

"Your gun?"

"Already handed over to the police in-charge. I saw him hand over to the forensics team."

"Go home, Vikram!" said Vedant suddenly.

Vikram's eyes opened a circle wider .

"But Sir..."

"Have you been asked to stay back? Detained?"

"No. I have been asked to report back to my base."

"Then there is nothing you can do now. There is nothing I can do now. Let's wait for ballistics report. Pray your bullet didn't injure anyone. But whatever it is, you will still face internal trial. Till then, don't involve yourself with any cases. Don't meddle with anything, please. Prepare a detailed report as to what happened, line by line, word by word and send it to me as soon as you can. Keep calm. Talk to your wife. Spend time with your daughter. I'll call you tomorrow. Keep your mind calm."

"Easy for you to say Sir. My entire career is in question and you are asking me to sit quietly..." loathed Vikram.

"You are solely to be blamed for whatever has happened. What can you do now? Trust me. I'll do what I can."

Vikram lost it. "What will you do? You aren't in any danger of losing your job, are you? You'll go home and sleep peacefully and begin your day comfortably as any other day..."

"Really?" Vedant glanced shrewdly. "You think that's what I will do. In that case, listen what I have in my hand. I have a meeting with the Commissioner in the next hour where I have to explain your actions and fight to give you a fair chance to explain in your hearing. I have to fight to save our team from getting dissolved. I have to argue to let the team have the Veerkaran's case for another day till the deadline is over. I have to meet the media and answer their "very pragmatic" questions. I have to meet the lawyers and learn all the implications you might face and build your defence. I have to meet the Mayor and apologise on your behalf. I have to go to the hospital and meet the family members of the injured and deceased. I have to report on the health condition of the suspect. I have to interrogate Tejesh. I have to talk with Samar's family as I can't detain them for long. I have to talk to my team to keep their morale from crumbling. So stop cribbing about your problems and go home."

Vedant's temper had raised to a new level. He usually had tremendous patience but that never stopped him from expressing his anger when situations arose. He had a unimaginable mess in his hand which he had to quickly sort out. His own career was on the line too for failing to have order in his team. He would be questioned about his negligent leadership and control over his team. But as always, he would back his men to the hilt.

"Sir..." Vikram didn't know what to say. He knew he was in his worst understanding of the situation.

"Go Vikram! Let's speak later. Please leave now. I have lot of things to do," he dismissed Vikram strongly. Vikram acquiesced and walked out of the room slowly. He felt all eyes were on him, from junior officers to seniors looking at him with disgust. He paced up his walking. He wanted to be home, away from everyone.

Vedant knew Vikram was a very able officer. But he had the habit of rushing along without ring or reason. His actions had always created problems but as a boss he comprehended the reasons behind. But this time, the entire situation was out of his hands. He had to first understand the situation clearly himself and for that he needed Vikram out of the way. If Vikram had to get away with the most fair punishment, he had to be at his best behaviour. Vedant had another big task in hand- to keep Vikram cool and calm during his hearing. But that still had time.

-------

Sagar clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention at the squad room. "Listen up everyone! Just been in a call with the boss. He wants us to continue with the case. He is on his way to meet the Commissioner now," informed Sagar. He was taking charge of the team in the absence of his boss. After hearing the shoot out at Hunar market, Sagar and Heera returned to their office instead of going home. "Alright. Ruby...You will talk with the mother. Heera- take up the kid. I will talk to Lohan. Agastya and Charith- whatever you were working on...Continue working."

"Are you sure we will still get the case?" asked Heera.

"Our boss thinks so...and our Boss is never wrong. So just move on with your work..." replied Sagar.

--------

Vedant was on his way to the Commissioner's office. He knew the Head of Drugs Control would also be present and there would be a match of blame game. He hated politics and cover up. Honestly, he wasn't good in playing those games as that required a certain cunningness which he lacked. But he had another battle in hand. He couldn't let this entire shootout fiasco go under the water. He had to swim deep down and find out the actual happenings and deduct who was responsible for which action, without him getting drowned to death. There would be people tackling him down under the water never to lift his face. He knew the truth had high chances of ending Vikram's career or putting his career in extreme danger but he believed and he knew Vikram would agree that the truth should triumph at the end. Before entering the round 1 of the blame game match, he had to set things a little straight at the investigation end for it to be running alongside. He called Agastya first.

"Did Sagar check the address Shirish had given for Rajesh Lala?" asked Vedant.

"Yes Sir. House is locked. Neighbours said they hadn't seen Rajesh for at least few days now."

"Hmm. So he is not at home. He is not at his office. He hasn't gone out of the city too. He is clearly in hiding and he is hiding for some reason. Release a clear picture of Rajesh to the press and inform that he is a wanted suspect in connection to Veerkaran's murder."

"Now?"

"Yes. Now."

"Right Sir."

Vedant's next call was to Shakti.

"You heard I believe," he started.

"Yes. Call it luck Ved, the shootout case is coming to my desk," informed Shakti.

"Nice to hear something good after a long time," commented Vedant. "Listen. I want you to do few things for me...I mean for my team. First- Can you get the ballistics done for the shootout bullets as soon as possible. I want to know if Vikram's bullets injured any or not. I have a feeling it didn't."

"Made a note...then?"

"You received the keys I believe, from Sagar."

"Yes. He brought me the keys and the fingerprints of some Shirish. I eliminated Shirish's fingerprints from the keys. Apart from that there are two other sets of fingerprints. One is Tejesh's. Another is unknown. No matches with any of our suspects."

"What about the DNA match I asked for the ATM guys?"

"Still processing. I did tell. You will get the reports only tomorrow."

"Yes yes...I remember. Just tried my luck," said Vedant grimly.

"Things are bad..."

"Can't be more worse. Anyway...I have to go. Sagar is in charge at office. If you need any details, call there."

-------

"Will you please tell me what's going on?" asked Lohan the moment Sagar entered the room he was lodged in. He was a tall lean man, average weight and complexion. Eyes red and shifty, he was at the edge of his seat. "Where is my sister and her son?"

"Sister?" asked Sagar, little surprised.

"Yes...Sister. You have any problem with that?"

"Sir." Sagar added to Lohan's sentence and eyed him little menacingly.

"You have any problem with that...Sir," repeated Lohan fulfilling Sagar's wishes. "Why are we here? Have we done anything wrong? Are we under arrest?" Lohan couldn't contain the nervousness inside him anymore.

"It's going to be very simple, Mr Lohan. I will ask few questions. You have to answer them. If you answer it correctly, you will be free to go. But, if you answer it wrong or if you choose to pass the question, your prospect of living your remaining life in jail would ever increase."

"But what did I do?"

"I ask the question Mr. Lohan, not you. Didn't you listen to what I said?" asked Sagar calmly and caustically. "Do you know someone called Samar Lala?" Sagar never liked the method of indirectly arriving at the significant question.

"Samar Lala?! No...I don't know anyone in the name of Samar Lala."

"You have never seen this man before?" asked Sagar placing a photograph of Samar on the table.

"No," said Lohan immediately within seconds of him glancing at the photo.

"Take a good look at it Mr. Lohan."

"I am telling you...I don't know anyone called Samar Lala."

"You have never met him before?"

"If I hadn't seen him before, how would I have met him before," retorted Lohan.

"Fair enough," continued Sagar ignoring the resentment. "Your sister and her son...What's his name?"

"My nephew- His name is Amar."

Sagar gave a huge slow nod with an intimidating smile. A connection was established on record. Samar wrote Amar's name on his diary and the little boy's name was Amar. "Good name. What about your sister's husband? Does he live with you too?"

Sagar immediately saw a sharp fragment of anger sweeping pass through Lohan.

"No. He doesn't live with us," replied Lohan, his voice turning hard. Clearly he had no liking for his brother-in-law, whoever it was.

"What's his name?"

"What's this all about? I am not answering your questions unless I know what the matter is. You can't hold us like this for no reason."

"You really believe that I believe that you have no idea what the matter is?" riddled Sagar. "Come on...You are clever enough to understand what the matter is. But if you still want to know...I want to know why Samar Lala, the person whom you have seen before, met you in your office 15 days back. We have witness who saw Samar meeting you. So even try denying it."

"Uhm...He came to ask details," said Lohan slowly. "Travel packages."

"Come on Lohan! Cut it out and tell the truth. I can hear your brain. Samar is your brother-in-law, right? Amar is Samar's son and that's why he came to meet you and his family, right?"

Lohan stayed silent, his eyes moving in and around his range of sight.

"Lohan! I need an answer."

Lohan shook his head in a slight disappointment. "Samar is not my brother-in-law. He is the brother of my brother-in-law."

-------

Ruby offered a glass of water to the little lady sitting in front of her. Drinking a gulp of it, she readied herself to talk. "Samar has always been the one to look after me and my son. He was like a father to Amar while his own father never really cared for us." It didn't take much time for Amar's mother to understand the situation. Ruby didn't have to work hard to make Shulya speak.

Shulya, late 20s, was a tiny women in the exterior. But she was someone who shouldn't be assessed by her appearance. Just few minutes into talking to her, anyone would realise what a tough strong women she was.

"And your husband?" asked Ruby. She immediately saw Shulya's expression change. Calmness was replaced with intense disgust.

"Rajesh ruined my entire life. He was never there for us. He was a selfish, egoistic and a madman who couldn't think straight anytime. I was forced to marrying him."

"What?" asked Ruby surprised.

"Yes. My father worked for Jeetenge Hum Party as a clerk. Rajesh's family was my neighbour. He was attracted to me, threatened my father and forced me into marriage. Few months into marriage, all that attraction Rajesh felt for me was gone and so was he. Within a year I had Amar. I begged Rajesh to take care of me and his son but...He said he wasn't duty bound towards me and that he didn't care. He didn't want us anymore and asked us to leave- Actually leave would be too simple a word. He threw me with my little child out of his house. I became a disgrace to my family and my entire community. It was as if I was the one who made the mistake. I was looked like garbage. I received no sympathy from anyone. I couldn't live in that area anymore and ran away from there. I had no idea what and how I was going to live. More than me I was worried for my kid. I brought him into this world and it was my responsibility to take care of him. He is such a lovely child that I couldn't see him suffer. I joined a construction company away from the city and worked as a labour for a few months. One day, out of the blue, Samar met me at my rented room along with Lohan, my brother. He had convinced Lohan to take care of me. He promised to take complete responsibility of us. He apologised for Rajesh's behaviour and requested some time for him to make his brother realise his mistake. Actually Samar wasn't around when Rajesh and I got married. He was away somewhere. Anyway, Amar was about to turn one then and I could see how he was instantly attached to Samar. I didn't even properly name my child and it was Samar who named him Amar. Samar adored him. For the next one month, Samar regularly visited and spent time with us. Then I read about the rape case and how Samar and Rajesh were sentenced. I didn't care about Rajesh, but Samar? I couldn't believe he was the same as his brother. I realised it was all a faade by Samar. I detested him more than Rajesh. Looking back, I disgust my entire life. It is meaningless. I wanted to make it meaningful. I wanted to prove to myself more than anyone that I am not a toy to be played by everyone and thrown aside. I took control of my life. I was good in tailoring and crafts. I began working at home with the help of Lohan. I started earning something to take care of my child. Lohan was my steel support. Now, I work in a garment factory and earn enough to support myself and my child."

Ruby noticed how rigid Shulya was when she narrated her story. She realised that her battered life didn't make any difference to Shulya. Shulya didn't feel emotional or did she break down sharing her life. Life had taught her hard lessons which had turned her really tough. She had accepted her life and her sufferings and had learned from it. She didn't seem to feel guilty or regretful. She had put her past behind her as her strength and motivation to push her to the front.

"I know it must be difficult for you to share..." began Ruby courteously.

"You don't know anything," replied Shulya in the same tight tone.

Ruby paused a moment, not to give time for Shulya but to put her own thoughts in line.

"Did Rajesh contact you after he was released? It's been more than one year."

"No. Why will he? I doubt if he even remembers us."

"Samar?"

Shulya thought for a moment before she answered. "He used to send greeting cards for Amar. No regular date as such. Just randomly. Amar used to love it. He used to look at the card all the time till he got a new one. He was so fond of Samar and asked for him loads of times. I couldn't tell him where Samar was and what he had done. I didn't want to destroy the positive castle my son had built for Samar. He would be crushed."

"So what did you tell him?"

"I told him Samar had gone out of country to earn money and when he comes back, he would bring loads of chocolates for him. Amar seemed to be satisfied with that easy lie."

"But he came to meet you 2 weeks ago? Samar?"

"Yes. We were surprised to see him visit us. Amar was ecstatic. It was shocking to see how Amar still remembered Samar even after so many years."

"What did he tell? I mean Samar."

"Nothing. I didn't ask him about the case or his jail sentence. If I had the chance, I wouldn't have let Samar inside my house, wouldn't have let Amar meet him. I wanted him to leave at once. He had brought toys for Amar which delighted him to the core. He offered me some cash which I refused openly. I told him that I didn't want to have any contact with him. He left after spending some time with Amar."

"He didn't meet you again after that?"

"He called my phone once or twice asking me to put Amar on life. I refused to do so."

"Did he tell anything about the case, his parole or his brother?"

"I don't think so. He did ask if Rajesh contacted me. I said no. He asked if I know where Rajesh lived. I said no. I didn't think too much about his questions. His presence made me cringe. I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the little girl who was raped and murdered by him. To have him in my house, I could feel my body shake in fury."

"Shulya! For a moment, keep aside the rape case. Do you think Samar is capable of doing something like that?"

"I don't know, Madam," she replied. "I feel I don't know anything about the brothers anymore. Even if I convince my mind that Samar wasn't involved in the rape case, what about the recent murder one? I saw the arrest on the TV. I think Samar has it in him to do crimes like that. He did it or not? I don't want to think about it."

"What did you think about the brothers? You must have seen them together before you were married to Rajesh."

"Rajesh was always out of control. He and Samar were one in the mob terror group. They dealt with threatening and terrorizing people into giving them money. Rajesh was always the leader when it came to bashing people around, hitting them and all."

"It happens on the open? In public?"

"Yes of course. The area where we lived, it belonged entirely to the Jeetenge Hum Party and people who lived there, lived under their control. So the terror group men considered it a hobby to beat the living out of them."

"And Samar did it too?"

"Not much. He threatened playing mind games. Scaring and blackmailing. He didn't involve himself in physical fights."

"Did he try to stop Rajesh from being violent?"

"Sometimes when Rajesh went overboard too much. But they were all the same at heart. They wanted to show off their manly power."

"Why do you think Samar shows so much care and concern for your family? Do you think it's guilt?"

"Guilt of what?"

"Guilt of his brother not taking care of you?"

"I don't think the Lala brothers even know the spelling of guilt," commented Shulya. "From where I see, Samar used to fancy me before my marriage. I have seen him observing me with a crooked smile, more like telling- One day you will be mine. But his brother got married to me. I didn't see him much after my marriage. But after I was thrown out, he came again which I assume is because he feels he had a chance with me. I have had enough with men. I didn't give any hint of interest to him. In fact, I told him directly not to get his chances high."

Things were getting complicated for Ruby. She understood that Shulya definitely had no information on the whereabouts of Rajesh. She didn't have any clue about Samar or his life.

"Do you know Tejesh?"

"Yes yes...They were all in a group. Same character."

"Was there anyone else who were close with them?"

"Why are you asking me all these questions? I have had enough. I want to go now. Where is my son?"

"Shulya! We are investigating the death of Veerkaran in which Samar is the prime suspect. We are just making sure we had made the right decision."

"Why does it matter? He is already in jail."

"But if anyone else is involved or if someone else is actually responsible, shouldn't they be in jail too?"

"I have told you what I know," Shulya ended the conversation. "If I am not under arrest, I would like to see my son NOW. And if I am under arrest, I want a lawyer."

-------

"Any luck with the little boy?" asked Sagar as Heera came out of Vedant's room where she had spent time trying to gather little facts from Amar. Ruby was sitting, fatigue etched on her face.

"Apart from him ransacking our boss's room, no luck," replied Heera as she settled down in the meeting room.

"At least now we could see the room getting cleaned up," winked Sagar. "But seriously, nothing at all?"

"No. He reiterated what we already know. He loves his Uncle Samar. Samar sent him postcards when he was away earning money. He got him toys and games when he came to meet him last time."

"That's the truth then. That's what we have got from all the three."

"Seems like it. But this doesn't lead us anywhere."

"We need to analyse it even more deeper. It's usually said right? "If you can't see it, look closer.""

"What? Who said this? Doesn't make any sense. Doesn't even ring like a saying," frowned Heera.

"That's because I invented it," laughed Sagar.

"What shall we do now? Send them home?" asked Heera deliberately not laughing along.

"Do we have any other option? Send them home and have an eye on them."

"And then?"

Sagar remained silent. He couldn't imagine how his boss decided on the next steps. There were too many of them yet too many less.

"What? Senior Investigating Officer is silent?" eyed Heera sarcastically.

"We can't talk to Samar or Tejesh without permission," remarked Sagar.

"Tejesh is charged?"

"Yes. But we don't hold authority over him now? He is involved in three different cases now and God knows how many unsolved cases are going to be stamped over his head. But right now...We have no power to question him."

"Where is he lodged? Here?"

"Nope. He is lodged in Central under high level protection."

"On the face of it, we have caught 2 of our 3 killers and an accomplice. That isn't a bad job, is it?"

"A student getting 98% is always scolded more than the one getting 70%," said Sagar. "Also...the one we have missed, the one person who remains- he is the mastermind."

Ruby uttered suddenly. "I pray no one should get a life like Shulya's." She was exhausted mentally. She was a psychologist. She was used to having mental fatigue which she had great ways of coping up. But hearing stories like Shulya's always overwhelmed her.

"Movie type story!" asked Sagar.

"Movie type stories are actually real. It's just not so common for people to identify with," replied Ruby.

Sagar picked up the phone and informed the specific authority to let Samar's family go. He then called the surveillance team to have an eye on the family.

"It's nearly 9pm. I think you both should leave," said Sagar. "Boss would strangle me if I keep you here for long."

"Yeah. My kids would be waiting too. Call me if it's anything important. Come on Ruby! I'll drop you home. We can discuss our interviews with the actual boss tomorrow." Sagar wasn't nave to ignore the snide comment. He smiled.

"Bye Sagar," greeted Ruby as both the ladies left the meeting room.

Within few minutes, Agastya entered with a file. "I think we have got something..."

"You mean 'I have got something?'" corrected Sagar.

"Fine...I have got something. I checked the phone records of Pragat and ACC, also Moon Iron and Steel. I am yet to complete the entire search but...Pragat had called the number 7987777777 several times in the past weeks of Veerkaran's murder."

Sagar looked confused.

"Yamini Sharma's number- the fake id? Remember?" asked Agastya irked at his colleague's poor memory. "Veerkaran had got a call from this number when he was in the hospital after which he got killed in the next 30 minutes? We got a emergency call from the same series, also registered to Yamini Sharma?"

"No need for the entire 120 minutes movie. I remember now," said Sagar. "So we have now a connection between Pragat and the killer, assuming the number belonged to the killer or his acquaintance."

"Trace the number. Find the killer," said Agastya impressively.

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