CHAPTER 11:::
24 December, in the farm...
While going through the employee records Jodha noticed a peculiar thing. Each and every important details that are obvious to be there in the records of an organization, has been cleared out. Especially there is a big mismatch in the records of female employees. Jodha knows that many female workers work in the farm, but no name is there in the records.
And all computerized data are deleted completely without keeping any trace.
Jodha was groping the files on Surya's desk. Suddenly she picked up one. Strangely, there was no label on the cover to suggest the subject of this file. She opened some pages unmindfully. The pages had nothing other than some list of names along with particular dates. She also noticed all that all the names are feminine names, and these names have absolutely no mention in employee records.
She turned some more pages, and suddenly got a loose rough sheet. That is also a list of some girl's name. Strange!
"What do you think, Mr. Tiwari?Jodha asked after watching the expression of Mr. Tiwari.
Manish Tiwary opened the specs from his eyes and looked at Jodha. "Just as you suspected... A big mess is going on.
"There is no sign of profits in the documents, still they used to earn lot of money! How did they cover the difference of profit and loss? Jodha asked.
"I can't say much before going through these thoroughly. But you can see it... He showed her a copy. "Look, it's telling that the maximum profit of the farm comes from these handcrafts of women.
"What? Handcraft? Jodha was all confused. "Rameshji, from when did my father start this new handcraft business? She asked him.
"Years ago... He wanted to make the girls earning and independent and that's why he took the initiative. Ramesh Ji replied. "This new venture was exclusively hit. He added.
"I see! Jodha smiled sarcastically. "So there must be any factory?
"Yes Madam... They have all the facilities in the factory, and not only that, besides all kinds of financial help, Rajasahab also used to send them in cities for specialization and trainings... Ramesh Ji smiled but a shadow of worry clouded Jodha's face.
"Can you show me those women who are working under this particular project?
"Yes... come with me... Ramesh Ji leaded Jodha to a chamber situated beside the rice mill of the farm. "Rambha... He called from outside. A woman of almost 40, owner of very rigid figure and personality, opened the door. Her frown grew deeper when she saw Ramesh Ji. "What are you doing here?
"Rajasahab's daughter has come to meet you. Ramesh Ji chuckled.
The woman only scrutinized Jodha through her eyes. Jodha got inside the room without taking any permission. There are some sewing machines in the room, and some young women are working there.
"How many women work here, Ramesh Ji? Jodha asked.
"Ehhmm... I don't know much detail about this. Rambha maybe knows better. RameshJi pointed to the lady. Jodha turned at her.
"How many workers work here, Rambha Ji?
"Around 20...
"But I can see only 5.
Rambha licked her dry lips. "Rests have been sent to city to present their works in art mela.
"I see. May I check the register? Jodha picked her brows.
"I don't know about it. Rambha bit her lips.
"You're the in-charge of this handcraft section, and you have no idea about the register book?
"Not much formality is maintained in this farm. All are the daughter of this village, and all works independently here. Rambha tried to be smart.
"Seriously? Jodha smiled. "But you must be knowing that where that art-mela is taking place?
"Yes... In Mumbai... Rambha told a bit harshly.
"And you should know the names of those daughters of the village who have gone there to represent the art of the village in front of the world? Jodha asked very sweetly. "May I know those names and their addresses?
Rambha gulped and tried to smile. She was about to say something but Jodha interrupted. "Every year a lot of girls go for presenting your crafts in that art-mela, right?
"Yes Madamji.
"And many of the rests are sent to city for better training and employment, that's also true I guess?
"Yes Madam...
"And they never return?
Rambha became perplexed first then she composed herself. "Nothing like that Madam...
"Really? Fine then...But you must be keeping records of them at least, for their security and expenses?
Rambha nodded. "Yes... there must be... I don't know.
"Ramesh Ji. I want all the records of the girls who had been recruited in this section. And also the present address of all of them. Jodha ordered. She again looked at Rambha. "When did those girls leave for Art-Mela?
"T...two months ago I guess... Rambha's voice was slightly trembling.
"Two months ago! Just when the investigation of Bhiwandi started taking place... Jodha uttered in her mind. "Can you say me their names? She then asked a bit louder, addressing the other women of the room. Some of the girls nodded. Jodha took out her notebook and started writing the names swiftly. She could recognize the names... they were written at the page that she found inside one of the files in Surya's desk! She suddenly felt her hand was shivering due to some unknown tension while writing the names of those unknown girls. She controlled herself and looked at Rambha. "From when are you working here?
"From when Rajasahab started this business of hand-craft...
"From that time all the responsibilities of these girls are on you? Jodha asked with a sarcastic smile. Rambha nodded with a sheer tension in her face.
"Nice! Jodha held her hand. "Let's go outside. This room is a bit congested.
Both of them came out of the room and started walking by the side of the fields. The place behind that particular room is lonelier. The boundary wall was getting seen from the corner of the banyan tree where Jodha stopped. She looked at Rambha and touched her shoulder.
"Look Rambha. You know that your Rajasahab is no more. So... she sharpened her eyes. "Don't you think it will be better to tell me everything you know before I search all of them myself?
"One should not know more than she is supposed to Madam Ji. Rambha hissed.
Jodha smirked. "You are trying to threaten me, Rambha? How do you get this courage despite knowing there is no one to back you?
Rambha did not speak anything and gulped reluctantly.
"There is no point of keeping silent Rambha. I have to know the man behind you relying on whom you are still daring to threaten me. What do you think... you will be spared this way?
"I don't know anything Madam-Ji... I am just a worker, and I work according to my master's order, that's it. Rambha composed her voice.
"Your master is no more in this world. So there is no point to be so stubborn. Go ahead, tell me whatever you know.
Still Rambha kept mum, biting her lips. "Madam-Ji... A boy suddenly ran towards them. "Chhote- Rajasahab has come. He is calling you.
"Jaymal Kaka! Jodha was a bit confused first, then she smiled profoundly. "So your savior has come, yeah? she looked at Rambha with taunting glare. "Don't even think that he has any power to save you. He will also sink along with you. Now come with me...
Jaymal was walking around the room out of tension, Jodha came inside. "Kaka...
"Oh! Jodha my daughter. Her uncle became extra affectionate all of a sudden. "I didn't know that you are in this farm and has already started working... I would have come earlier. Actually I was bound in some work... You know... serving people... and...
"I understand, but who dared to call you here from your philanthropic works? Ramesh Ji or someone else? Jodha smiled.
"Aahhh... Jaymal made a sound inside his throats. "I heard you have started auditing... I mean what is the need of this... I mean brother has left us just some days ago, even we haven't cremated his body, and now only...
"Now only what, Kaka? Jodha asked in an unchanged tone.
"I mean...
"Don't worry. We have ample works other than to find out who stole those 50 lakhs from account. So you have no need to worry. Jodha smiled.
"Ohhh... Hey what do you mean? Jaymal sprung up suddenly.
"Nothing. Jodha looked at Manish Tiwary. "How long it will take to make final reports, Mr. Tiwary?
"Maybe one week... But you don't need to wait till audit reports come. Mr. Tiwary commented. "How the situation is going, I think it is a police case, and investigation should be started as soon as possible.
"P...pp..police case??? What?? Jaymal stammered. "What is happening Jodha, I can't understand anything! Police case? What police?? You want to involve police in our old peaceful family business?? Why??
"Do you really know nothing Kaka? Jodha smiled. "Then you need not to worry.
"But... but... police!! Why? If you want to know something ask me, why to call police in all these?
"You yourself had told that you have absolutely no idea about the business? Jodha looked at him.
"Oo... yeahh... But... now Bhaiya is no more and I am the one who has to succeed him... now...
Jodha gazed at him for some moments, then smiled profoundly. "You better stay away, Kaka. This business was never of yours, rather Papa trusted Surya more than you. So now by showing much smartness you will be indulging yourself in great hazard. Your time is not going good, Kaka, you know it. So better you let us and the police to do their duty.
Jaymal kept mum, but from his eyes it was clear that he was fuming from inside, and his anger had mixed a large proportionate of blind fear. He changed his glare to Rambha's face, tried to burn her with his glare for a moment, then again wore the sweet smile. "Okay, you go ahead, I am coming for a while. He suddenly got out from the room.
After some times Jodha and Mr. Tiwary came out of the office room. Ramesh Ji accompanied them to the main gate. "Believe me Madam, I seriously do not know anything! He pleaded in an urging tone.
"If you really don't know anything, you need not to worry. Jodha assured him. Then she looked back. "Where is my Kaka? Rameshji, you tell him that I am going back, and I am taking Rambha with me too.
Rambha tried to protest... "I... I will not go to anywhere... I... I...
"Shut Up!
Jodha shouted with such an authority that Rambha became an obedient girl, and with this Jaymal too came. He passed a tensed and silly smile to Jodha... "So... where are you going now, Jodha, police Station? He asked in a mild and sweet tone.
"Maybe... Jodha put on her sunglass. "Mr. Sahani can't help me, but Mumbai Police is not so worthless. She checked how Jaymal's chin became firm with this. "Come with me, Rambha, I have many things to ask you. She ordered.
Just while they stepped out of the boundary of the farm and was about to cross the dusty road of the village, something happened so fast that none had ever imagined. A bike, in its highest speed, suddenly rushed like a bullet towards them, and very evidently its target was Rambha, who was at the side of Jodha. Fortunately Jodha had noticed that just before colliding, and at the time of pulling her she herself came in front of it; while stepping back fast to save herself she missed her balance and stumbled on the pavement, her forehead knocked the hard rock and left a deep scratch on there. The incident took place at a blink of an eye, and before one could understand the gravity of the incident, the bike was disappeared again.
All rushed to help Jodha but she had got up before that only. While trying to cope up with the pain of forehead by biting lips she was removing the dusts from her trouser. With a dissatisfactory look she gazed at the path of that bike which tried to knock her down.
"Look what happened in an instant of time! Jaymal suddenly became extra cautious about his niece. "Hey Ramesh... Go and get some water. Jodha... Jodha are you alright my dear?? Look what could have happened today! See, this village is not at all healthy for you people who live in city... This bike would have nearly killed you...
Jodha who was smiling throughout while watching her uncle could not help but to laugh out louder this time. "What this bike would have harmed to me, Kaka? Maximum it would break my hands and legs compelling me to be bedridden for 3 months. So funny isn't it? There are some person right in this village who tries to proof the environment of village is not healthy for me by knocking me with a bike! What they think, that I will be so much threatened that I will flee back to Mumbai readily? Do they have no idea that this type of incidents are negligible in the risky livelihood I maintain in Mumbai?
"I... I was just worried about you... wh...what are you...you talking... Jaymal started sweating in utter nervousness.
"Well, don't worry... I can see this bike did not come for me, but for Rambha. It seems some people do not want Rambha to come with me. Isn't it, Kaka?
Rambha was sweating profoundly, Jaymal looked at her from the corner of eyes then smiled at Jodha like silly. "What are you talking about, Jodha...
"Nothing. Just I want to say again that don't try to act smart, this way you will be fastened in the web of complexity even more! Jodha smiled sarcastically. "Now tell me who the rider of the bike was? He looks like some local goon, and you obviously know him?
"H..how... how would I know? Jaymal stammered.
"Ohh... So you mean to say that you did not call him just now?
"I... I...
"Ramesh-Ji... Jodha looked at him who had become colourless meanwhile. "I think.. I think it is Bacchhu Madam-Ji. In this area only he has that type of red bike... RameshJi gulped out of tension. "B... Bacchhu is the king of the goons of Madhubani. Even the polices shiver in his name... But what... why he...
"I see... Jodha smirked looking at Jaymal. "You just sit in the office-room, Kaka. Don't even try to move. Remember, apart from your Sahani, there is one officer of Mumbai Police present right in this area. Don't try to use your IQ much to get out of this hazard and step down... Let's go Manish-Ji...
"You need to dress the wound. Manish Tiwary sounded worried.
"Later. First we have to go to police station immediately. And Rambha, you come with me...
Rambha, who was quite dumbstruck after these series of events, did not oppose much to go with Jodha now.
24 December, in the local police station...
Jalal was staring at the evidences on the table. But his mind was somewhere else. Sahani was standing in front of him without any clue. "Sir... Sir... He uttered after some times.
"How did I miss this? Jalal talk to his own in reciprocation. "What the hell! I should leave the job! How couldn't I notice?
"What sir? Sahani was as clueless as before. Jalal looked at him. "Mr. Sahani... Mr. Singh was a patient of chronic insomnia. But there is no medicine of that in his medicine-box! Mr. Sahani! He pointed at the door. "I want to know the names of the medicines which were sold to Singh family. Quick.
"But sir how...
"Is there thousands of pharmacy in this village??? Jalal yelled at him. "Do it fast. And I want search warrant as soon as possible. Sharp!!
Sahani became a bit off seeing this form of Jalal. After ordering the constables he sat on his chair. Jalal was still thinking something deeply.
"Ehhh... Sir... Sahani cleared his throat before speaking. Jalal picked his eyes to him.
"As you ordered, I had interrogated about Rishav Sindhu in railway station. Sahani told. "He had booked a cab for 3 days right from the station and had come towards this way only. There was one more person with him!
"Hmm... Jalal's frown got deeper.
"And sir... after your suggestion I sent my men to auto-rickshaw stands and also in the farm to know if any lorry or matador had set off right at that morning. There...
"Had anyone spotted Surya? Jalal asked with a bit excitement.
"No... Sahani said sadly. "But one worker of the farm said that Neelu had taken a lift in a matador that morning. He rubbed his hands. "I remember, you had told me about that guy Neelu once... So I...
Jalal had stood straight. "Damn! He was about to punch on the desk again. "I had forgotten Neelu too! Then he looked at Sahani. "You did a wonderful job. Try to get him as soon as possible.
"Ok Sir! Sahani smiled broadly.
Suddenly Jalal's phone rang. He picked up the phone swiftly. "Hello Sir... The feminine voice of the other side spoke out...
"Say Ruqaiya, what is the latest news?
"No new news about Bhiwandi's case sir. But sir I have tracked the number which you had asked for. Ruqaiya answered. "The caller was some Bacchu Sonar. And location of the call was Madhubani only.
"Where is that man now?
"Somewhere near that Madhubani only. At least he was there one hour ago... I am sending you the exact location via mail. Okay sir... Bye.
"Okay... Jalal cut the phone and addressed Sahani. "Mr. Sahani, do you know anyone named Bacchu Sonar?
"B..bacchu? Sahani was shocked as if he has seen a ghost.
"What happened, Mr. Sahani?
Before Sahani could answer, the door opened and Jodha entered along with Mr. Tiwary and some constables running behind them. Jalal got a heart-attack looking at Jodha. She was bleeding in her forehead.
"What happened? Who did this? How did it happen? He almost ran towards her and made her sit on a chair groping for own handkerchief from pocket in a desperate worry and anxiety; then pressed that against her wound with eager care. "O God you're bleeding!
"Come on Jalal don't be so melodramatic in front of all. Jodha whispered while giving a glare to him and took the handkerchief from his hand. Then she directly charged on Sahani. "It was an attempt to murder on me, Mr. Sahani. Take down in your casebook and pick up Bacchu Sonar at once!
"Bacchu Sonar, here too? Wait wait... Jalal stopped her. "What happened Jodha. Tell clearly.
Jodha suddenly started laughing seeing his face. "Nothing Jalal, just a vain and idiotic attempt of stopping the investigations about the farm, which only could strengthen our doubt... Jalal, I am 200% sure today that your suspicion about the corruption of the farm was correct. Now it needs action as soon as possible.
"Mr. Sahani... Seal the farm at once and pick up that Bacchu! How dare he... Jalal controlled himself and looked at Jodha. "I have to call force from Mumbai it seems. He told.
"But I think there is nothing evident in the farm that you will get any proof against this. They have cleared almost all. Only I found a file with some girls' name which cannot be told as evidence. And there is a list with the name of some girls too which I found inside a file... Maybe you get some of the names related to Bhiwandi; but still... Rather you should keep on trying to fetch information from the main source only. Don't worry; you have injured the head of the octopus, now it will not be a tough job to damage the tentacles now.Jodha told while casually wiping out the trace of blood with Jalal's handkerchief. "I think Rambha, the manager of that craft section, can tell us many things in pressure. Though you have no proper reason to lock her up, still I think it will not be a problem in a village like Madhubani.
"Lock that lady inside lock-up for now Mr. Sahani and make it sure that she is all secured. I will deal with her later. Jalal ordered to an astonished Sahani, then looked at Jodha. "The things are getting complicated Jodha... You know who was calling Surya more than one times that evening? He is that Bacchu Sonar, the same person who tried to attack you today!
"What does it mean? Jodha asked.
"We will get to know soon when Bacchu will be in my hand. Jalal got up from the seat. "Come on Jodha, you need to dress the wound and have a proper rest. By the afternoon you will get the body of your father and then there will be a lot of rituals after that! And also, He looked at his wristwatch. "I too have to go to the house now. Need to search every room individually.
24th December, In Nirmala's room...
The police constables had got a new interest in the name of searching house, it was visible from the pace of work. Only in one minute they were successful in making a big mess inside the neat and clean room of Nirmala. Though Jalal was not much interested in searching procedure it seems. He idly sat on the bed and kept on stirring the drawer of the bedside table. Sukanya was standing near, watching him with worried eyes. Suddenly Jalal picked his eyes at the face of Sukanya. "From where did you get the sleeping pills that night?
His question was so sudden that Sukanya was shocked for a moment. "From this drawer... She uttered in a very low tone.
"Why were you searching for pills in drawer? Is it the place where you people keep medicines?
"N..no... I was not looking for any pills... I was searching for a balm, which is usually kept there as I often suffer from migraine. Sukanya told in hurry. "In fact no medicines are kept here in this room except normal painkillers. Even I wonder now from where that strip of sleeping-pills came in this drawer! In fact...
"But your mother had told me that she often needs these pills when she cannot sleep in night. Remember? Jalal charged before she could complete.
"M...Maa... Sukanya was perplexed. "Maybe... maybe she has to take sometimes... I have no idea...
"Hmm... Jalal carefully observed the strip of the medicines. The strip is new, only two-three pills are not there, and they had been wasted in front of them only when Sukanya tried to commit suicide that night. His frowns grew deeper. Then he picked up his eyes. "Where is Nirmala Aunty?
"Maybe Maa is... Sukanya did not need to complete, as Nirmala got inside the room just that moment. Jalal got up and came in front of her.
"You had told me that you often consume sleeping-pills right? He showed her the tablets. "Then you must say that this strip of tablets belong to you?
Nirmala was stuck for a while. Jalal could clearly see her gulp out of nervousness. Though, she managed to compose herself fast. "Yeah... So?
"But I have searched in the pharmacy from where the medicines come... This particular medicine was only prescribed to Mr. Bharmal Singh, and only one strip of these pills used to come in this house from that medicine store. Jalal sharpened his eyes. "Do you want to say you used to keep your terrifying Jaithji's medicines in your room?
"I... I... Nirmala desperately countered back. "What are you intending to say?
"Only this much, that this strip of medicine belongs to Mr. Bharmal Singh, and till 21st night it was only inside his medicine box. But in that night, it has been replaced to this room, as you have replaced it.
"W..wh..what! What are you... Nirmala gulped in utter tension.
"I want to say that for some unknown reason, you purposefully took out this strip of pills from his medicine box while talking with him at that night... it's not a tough job for you since you used to take care of his medicines... and then you had got out of the room with some excuses, to mix those pills in his coffee. Then somehow, maybe due to your carelessness, you kept the tablets in the drawer of your room. Jalal told pronouncing every word prominently.
"I... No... Nirmala kept on stammering. "You're talking rubbish! Maa can't do this! Sukanya roared with worry in her voice.
"This is just a guess work. Jalal told very casually. "The truth is known only to your Maa... Say, Nirmala Aunty, how this strip came in your room? And why did you lie to me that this one is your?
"I... I... don't t..think that finding a strip of sleeping-pill in my room will prove me criminal! Nirmala got to utter something after taking a long time to compose herself.
"Not always, but sometimes, in some fields it may lead you to the gallows... especially in this case, where the victim has been murdered by feeding high dose of sedative drugs, the replacing of a strip of sleeping pills speaks a lot!
Nirmala picked up her eyes to Jalal's eyes for a moment, there was a touch of astonishment in her eyes, then she hung her face and closed her eyes.
"No use of keeping mum Nirmala Aunty, I am here to hear the truth. Jalal emphasized.
Nirmala did not pick her eyes. A suppressed groan of sobbing was audible. "Maa... Maa... What is he saying?? Sukanya touched her shoulders and started to shake her desperately.
"If you don't want to tell, let me help you. Jalal told without any sympathy in voice. "That night when you had come to Mr. Bharmal's room to serve him coffee, you had heard our conversation. You got to know how your Jaithji is planning to ruin your daughter's life. You could not tolerate this anymore. How would you? You might have tried to convince him, and when you could not, you planned to remove him from the world only, as for you that was the easiest way to save your daughter. Am I right?
Sukanya was staring at Jalal with numb glare, Nirmala was silent even now... After watching them at a glimpse, Jalal continued. "You are the one who generally takes care of Mr. Bharmal's medicines. It was not tough for you to steal the strip of sleeping-pills from the box. Then you told him that you are going to make fresh coffee for him, then you swiftly came out with the pills under your shawl, to mix them in his coffee and to make him sleep forever... Then in the kitchen you mixed them...
"No I didn't!!
The shout was so sharp and desperate that the police constables looked at her with popped eyes. But Nirmala did not bother about anything. With a terrible desperation and suppressed grudge in her eyes she kept on shouting. "I tried to kill him. I tried to remove him forever from this world!! I am not a bit guilty for that... But I didn't mix the pills!! I swear I didn't mix the pills.
Sukanya sat down covering her face. But the lines of Jalal's face did not move. Nirmala kept on... "That devil has ruined my life! He has taken away my husband from me; has snatched the shadow of father from my daughter's head forever! The whole life I had to serve his family as a maid servant! I could never protest! But today he was going to destroy my daughter's life!! How would I spare him??? Yes... Yes I stole the sleeping pills from the medicine-box as I intended to feed him all of them to make him sleep forever!! I... I...
"What happened then? Jalal asked sternly, though one could feel the slight of sympathy is his voice...
Nirmala was panting profusely. "I... just left to fall on his feet to break the marriage... He denied! He... he, that shameless devil even announced proudly, that he had killed my husband like an ant, and I am unable to do anything... You tell me, what I was supposed to do! Then, then he ordered to make a new coffee for him, and I got the chance... I took up the pills from the box while handing him the tablets of diabetes, then I came downstairs...
"Then...
Nirmala wiped the tears and tried to control her trembling voice. "I was about to mix the pills then, but... but then others- Maaji, Radhika and Saavitri maybe, came in the kitchen... and Maaji told me to go to Sukanya, and Saavitri will take the coffee to him, so I had no choice but to go back with the pills... I had planned to keep them again in their place in morning but at night Sukanya... She controlled her weep and rubbed the eyes. "I know you have no point to believe me, but... but I didn't mix those pills!
"I believe you. I have a lot of points to believe you. Jalal smiled, this time with full of sympathy.
Nirmala closed her eyes only.
"Well, I have something more to ask you. Jalal said after sometime. "Hope this time you will not lie to me.
Nirmala did not reciprocate but it was visible that she is ready to answer.
"From when do you know that your Jaithji is responsible for your husband's death? Jalal sharpened his eyes. "I believe you suspected this long before Mr. Bharmal confessing it in front of you at hit of the moment.
Nirmala's eyelashes shivered, the bone of her throat trembled once. Then she nodded very slowly. "I suspected it long before...
"How?
"From his diary... She uttered in an almost muted tone. "I never used to touch his personal diary... but after he passed away, and Jaithji stopped every investigation by showing influence I had doubt... I had read some pages of his diary and...
"And what?
Nirmala gulped once and then looked at Jalal's eyes. This time she was looking more composed. "I got an idea that about which sin he used to talk; and there he clearly wrote the name of the man whom he suspects that he might kill him!
Jalal gazed at her eyes intensely for some moment. Then he asked in a grave voice... "Where is that diary?
"I had hidden that... Nirmala took long breath. "I had nowhere to go except taking shelter to him. I did not want my daughter to live with the same guilt of living under the shelter of the murderer of her father, like me... She looked at Sukanya once who was gazing at her with dumbstruck eyes. "So I threw that off with the old books and copies!
Jalal's eyeballs shivered in excitement. "You threw that off??
"It might be in the store-room. Usually the old books and all are stored there. It's in the attic-third floor... Nirmala told.
"Thanks a lot. Jalal instructed the constables to spare the room now and rushed out of the room.
CID
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