Crime Control Squad- Case #2 - PAUSE- - Page 5

Originally posted by: Cieli.Santi

Interesting update

Originally posted by: .vishrutha.

Amazing update shwetha!

I second Vedant's thoughts about politics! Especially about the intricate plans.

Vedant-Indira part was really nice. Good to see the slow and steady growth in the resurrection of their relationship.

I absolutely love reading the team's interactions. The team's dynamics is a right mix of fun, seriousness, professionalism and you write them all so well!

The way you present the facts is wonderfull!

Oh we'll not have Charith and Vikram in this case? Will miss them yar! 😆

The accident analysis was too good! So we have a probability of it being a murder now?!

Now that I think of it, Vedant's theory of someone wanting to frame Shlok to bring him down seems more and more likely. But, i guess it's way too early to make any theory.

Another death added to the list! I don't know why but I have this feeling that the suicide of Charulatha is somehow connected with this? I may be wrong though but there certainly will be a reason why you have mentioned it 😉

Do continue soon and thanks for pm 😊

Chapter 5

Karmarkar Mansion' was located near the far corner of the city, at least 50 kms from the heart. Constructed on a large space of land, facing the seaside, the bungalow distinctly reflected the Karmarkars' wealth. An 8 feet tall, white, closed iron gate welcomed the visitors. Only after passing the scrutinizing eyes of Karmarkars' security, the visitor would be permitted to get to the other side of this gate. A fountain of a beautiful statue was erected between the gate and the massive bungalow. A well led driveway circumferenced the statue. To the left of the statue was a huge well maintained lawn facing the sea. The right of the statue was allocated for parking. 7 cars already stood in a line, varying in colour and breed. 2 of them definitely looked imported.

After gaining access to the bungalow, Vedant drove in slowly registering all the elements of this luxurious haven.

This is a beautiful place,' remarked Ruby in awe. The place was indeed beautiful. Every inch of the place seemed to be perfectly clean and groomed.

Vedant parked his car at the Visitors Parking space. Both the officers walked briskly to the entrance where Dr Shakti was already waiting.

Don't you think I deserve some breathing space? You seemed to be piling up dead bodies,' commented Shakti ironically.

I would have considered if I was the killer. Sadly I am not. So don't blame me,' replied Vedant casually.

Ruby swore she saw a glint of smile in both the officers' faces.

This isn't even a murder case. It's a straight suicide. Why did you have to pull me for this?' asked Shakti.

Orders from the top,' said Vedant.

Now why don't I believe that,' said Shakti.

Alright. I just wanted to make sure this is a suicide. This news will be out to the media and they are going to make bizarre connections which don't exist. I want to be absolutely sure that the connections indeed don't exist.'

A tall, thin, puny looking man welcomed them and escorted them to a room. The interior of the house superseded the exterior of the house with respect to lavishness. Huge sofa sets, rich carpets, high class wooden showcase showcasing expensive glassware, thousands of books towering the large book shelf wall, ceiling reaching the sky- the deep pockets of this affluent cash rich family was well defined.

The body of Guruvardhan Karmarkar, lovingly called as Gurubhai, lay sprawled on the bed covered by a dark blanket. He was a short and fat man with fleshy cheeks. At 75, he was still a good looking man in spite of the lack of hair on his head. From the outside, nothing seemed wrong in the room. But the fact was, there was a dead body inside.

Vedant looked closely at Gurubhai. The face was white as snow. The eyes were stretched wide open with the red streaks of veins drawn on the shadowy eyeballs. The white kurta he was wearing was wet with sweat and blood. A bottle of sleeping pills stood on the side table with many tablets strewn across the floor. Shakti began examining the body. Vedant stepped back to assess the room. It was very well maintained and wonderfully furnished. A study table stood perched by the glass wall which faced the green fed lawn with dots of tall trees. Two single sofas sat facing each other over a dark red carpet with a brown, glass coffee table in between. The coffee table was empty except for the scattered newspapers.

Ved,' called Shakti. There is heavy damage at the back of the head.' Shakti turned the head a little for Vedant to see the bloody pillow covers with brain tissues sticking to it.

Vedant heard a soft moan. He turned to look at Ruby, who covered her mouth retching. She immediately ran out of the room to get some fresh air. Vedant and Shakti exchanged a look of pity.

Shakti continued, It seems like he suffered a fall.' She removed the blanket to display the blood soaked body. Definitely a fall.' She began examining the arms, back and legs for breaks.

Vedant watched Shakti doing her routine examination with his mind developing several questions and answers. Ruby entered the room looking very pale. Sorry about that, Sir. I have always dealt only with the living.' Vedant gave an understanding nod. Sir. The servant here gave me this. He said he found it in the victim's room.' Ruby handed over a white paper secured in a transparent plastic cover.

Suicide note?' asked Vedant, reading through the cover. It was a very curvy handwriting but very legible.

My dear

I don't even know if I still hold the right to say My dear brother. I think I lost that right years back. I think it's time for me to stop being a nuisance to you. I always envied your generosity. I was never grateful for the things you had done for me even though I was never worth it. You took my son under your guidance, considered him your son, and made him a better man than I ever was. People think it's because of me he has become what he is now. But in reality, it is actually you, your characteristics he has taken and I am really happy. I know my recent act brought you immense shame. I know I have been a huge disappointment to you. I know how my actions troubled you. I know I haven't been of any help to you, didn't act the way you wished me to act. At least I hope my death would bring some peace to you.

Goodbye my brother'

Vedant said thoughtfully, I don't know if he helped his brother with his death, but he has helped us a lot with this suicide note.' He folded the cover and put it in his pocket. A letter of guilt and regret,' he said with a slight shake of the head. Where was the body found?'

Kilji, the servant who escorted the officers to the room, took the officers to the place where he had found the body. Shivering in fear, he was sweating profusely. I have never seen a dead body,' he told shakily when Ruby gave him an enquiring look.

There was a strong pool of blood, and traces and drops of it into the house. Vedant looked upwards at the terrace from where Gurubhai could have taken the jump. Three floors up.

Why did you move the body, Kilji? asked Ruby.

I thought he might be alive. I thought I will get Gurubhai to the room and call the doctor,' said Kilji crying. But then- the others- they checked and told me he was dead.'

Hmmm...and you called the police?'

Not me...the security. I called Sam Sir. He said he is on his way here.'

When did you last see...uhmm..Gurubhai? asked Vedant using the same name address as Kilji. He squinted his eyes against the shining sun and wiped the layer of sweat from his forehead. The centralized air-conditioning inside the house made Vedant forget for a moment how hot it was outside.

I saw him only last night, Sir. He was heavily drunk then. Today morning, I knocked his door and called him, but there was no reply. I assumed he was sleeping. I again called him for lunch. There was no reply even then. You have to understand Sir- Gurubhai doesn't like to be disturbed or forced. So I left. It was time to clean the tennis court and I went to the back of the house and there I saw Gurubhai, on the ground- dead.' Kilji couldn't control his tears and started crying.

It's all right,' consoled Vedant. As much as it was sad to see the man breaking down in tears, he wanted the man to give him details. After giving him a complete whole minute, Vedant pushed Kilji to talk.

What time was it when you saw Gurubhai?'

I don't know- must be around 12.30?'

Ok! What happened after that?'

Then- then- I shouted,' said Kilji. He paused blowing his nose on his handkerchief and wiping his face with the sleeve of his shirt. Vedant and Ruby restrained from showing their disgust. We took Gurubhai inside and then...'

Where is Mr Shlok Karmarkar? Has he come from the hospital?' asked Vedant interrupting.

No Sir. He is still at the hospital. Everyone is at the hospital.'

So none of the family members are at home?'

No Sir. Madamji is out of town. Kedar saab is in Kolkata on a shoot. Keshav saab doesn't live here. He visits sometimes.'

Fine. Get me a list of all the people working in the house. You may go now.'

Kilji walked away bringing out his phlegm soiled kerchief again.

We have the suicide note. He jumped from the top. It's a straight forward suicide, isn't it?' asked Vedant. He wasn't completely confident with his statement. The police mind always suspected.

I don't know,' shrugged Ruby looking around at the surroundings. It does make sense. But- I don't know...'

What?'

Something isn't right. I mean- technically all aspects fit, but psychologically I don't feel things are right.'

You don't think it's a suicide?' asked Vedant curiously.

It does look like a suicide. But why jump off the building? Why at this time of the day?'

We don't know when he jumped?' reasoned Vedant. He could have jumped last night, and the servant found him just now.'

Ruby laughed, You didn't believe a single word you said, did you?'

Vedant returned a smile. The body isn't cold.'

Ruby continued, What did he suddenly feel sorry about? What was the incident he talked about which put Shlok at shame?'

The suicide will have to be investigated, Ruby. What I want to know is if it will be of any concern to our existing cases, connected to our cases. If not and hopefully it's not, I can arrange for another team, under our control, to take this case and report to us,' explained Vedant.

Let's just look around, Sir. Especially Gurubhai's room and see if it was a room of a suicidal.'

Gurubhai's room was the epitome of mess. The air was pungent leading to Ruby retching again. Clean was a word that was very far from his room. Bottles of whisky occupied the table placed at the end of the room. Savouries were sprayed across the carpet with countless little ants feeding on it. Stains of different liquids painted the sofa seats.

Ruby walked to the small table by the bed which had few papers unarranged, probably the only things that weren't associated with drinks.

Anything?' asked Vedant seeing Ruby take a paper.

Seems like an old bank statement. Nothing special,' said Ruby putting the paper into the empty white envelope lying beside. She put the envelope into her bag.

I don't think we can find anything here,' said Vedant unable to stand the stinking smell.

A commotion was heard outside and before anything could be processed, Krishna barged into his father's room.

This is ridiculous! Do you have a search warrant to check my father's room? I want you people out, NOW. My father is dead. I don't want the police parading in with their empty brains. Get out. I know what has to be done.'

Hello! Show some respect, Mr,' retorted Ruby uninterested in the outburst. We know your father is dead and our apologies for that. But we are not here to take a stroll. We are here to find out if everything is fine here, and if your father indeed committed suicide. Your family seemed to be running an agenda against death and failing badly. Stop that and we will go our way.'

Krishna stood glaring at the young psychologist, lost for words. Vedant held Ruby's wrist asking her to be calm. Strong women- they could never take any disrespect- they needn't.

Your father's body is downstairs,' said Vedant calmly.

What happened?' asked Krishna, distress setting in. Vedant explained what had happened and how his father had committed suicide. He showed Krishna the suicide note and let him read it. He pocketed it soon after, saying it was evidence.

Kilji entered, Police sir, doctor madam is calling you.'

Ruby stayed with Krishna outside the door while Vedant went inside.

Don't tell me it's a murder, Shakti. Please,' said Vedant, dreading genuinely. The last thing he wanted was one of the members of the Karmarkar family to be murdered.

Sorry Ved. I am employed to give you bad news. Anyway- It's just still a doubt. No confirmation.'

Explain.'

See here,' pointed Shakti at Gurubhai's nose. It's really red and I was able to recover tiny fragments of cotton. I think he was definitely suffocated at some point using a pillow or some cloth.'

Suffocated to death?'

Can't tell that. May be just to get him unconscious? Also- looking at his state, dirty state, he might not have washed his face for God knows how long. This attempt at suffocation could have happened any time. You have to find when he last washed his face.'

Vedant gave a cold glare with a smile. So doubts are there that it's not a suicide?'

Yes. See- most of the damage is to the back of the head. For this to happen, Gurubhai must have jumped backwards? You know- like a free fall backwards? If he had jumped straight, all the damage could not have occurred only at the back of the head. And there is no reason why a suicidal man should experiment jumping backwards.'

May be he was pushed?' asked Vedant pushing the air.

I am not the detective here,' said Shakti safely.

May be he turned while jumping,' Vedant joked seriously. Time of death? Approx?'

The body isn't very cold. So I would say, less than two to three hours,' replied Shakti. She looked at her watch, For now, work with 11 am to 1 pm.'

That's not a bad range to work on. Thanks.'

His lips,' continued Shakti, there are slight traces of some kind of foam.'

Poison?! Come on- give me one option!' said Vedant exasperated.

I have only one option. I have to get the body out for post-mortem. I can give you better details then.'

Alright. I'll call in the forensics- just in case.'

******

The police have been informed,' said Sam to Gagan. Both were driving to Karmarkar Mansion. How did Mr Karmarkar take the news?'

Unusually normal,' replied Gagan in a serious tone. I think somewhere Shlok was expecting this day. He doesn't seem shocked.'

He must definitely be sad deep inside. After all, it's his brother, his blood.'

Yes. A brother he loved, but a brother who took complete advantage of him, a brother who was never proud of him...'

Still his brother,' replied Sam. It's strange how all of this is happening together, at the same time.'

We do know how Gurubhai was acting hysterical for the past couple of weeks. But the timing- just at the time his brother was in hospital, going through so many problems, he decided to commit suicide? That shows how much selfish Gurubhai was,' said Gagan with a tinge of disgust. He looked at Sam, Not even a little bit of compassion for his brother? Was this a way to punish Shlok? The man is already going through a lot.'

I just hope the police close this case immediately and not mix this with the ongoing investigation.'

You mean- doubt this suicide to be a murder? Nah...,' said Gagan shaking his head. Gurubhai had all the symptoms for committing suicide. And who would want to kill him? Impossible.'

Still. Let's be cautious,' told Sam.

That officer- Vashisht? I don't like the way he looks. He seems suspicious about everything. I am sure he would try to dig more than what is needed,' said Gagan.

Both the men remained silent as they passed through worn out trees and barren lands on the sides of the highway. Shlok was still at the hospital with his wife.

We have to keep this a suicide no matter what the police think. It's important for Shlok's health as well as for the company's reputation,' said Gagan.

The media is going to have a field day. I have tightened the security...'

I don't care about the media,' said Gagan a little too loudly. He took a deep breath before he continued. I do care about the media and their stories but they aren't more important than what's actually happening here. Shlok's life is under threat and we already have two people close to him dead? It can't be a coincidence.'

Don't put your mind into a juicer. I have assigned additional security around the house and for Mr Karmarkar. You better go down to the office. It must be chaos down there. Krishna has been handling everything alone for the past two days. I wouldn't be surprised if the employees decide to sit on strike.'

My cup is already flowing. I don't want more troubles. How's Krishna?'

Hysterical! He broke a laptop and a telephone before he left the office.'

That's Krishna! I would have been worried if he had grown silent.'

That kid has to control his temper. How else will he head this company? I wonder how he is actually running the UAE operations.'

Not without problems I can assure you that,' said Gagan. He received a regular mail every week from the different managers stationed in the UAE branches complaining about Krishna's behaviour. He had to settle things every week and pacify the managers to continue working and ignore Krishna's words. Sam was right. Krishna had to be tamed and groomed.

Gag, Gurubhai- why do you think he committed suicide? Was anything wrong? Any problem?'

Gagan remained silent. He perfectly knew why Gurubhai committed suicide.

------

After a minute of silent formalities, Vedant got down to keeping the two new entrants up to speed. Informing about a death of any kind sent down a shiver.

Mr Karmarkar? I would like to speak to him,' said Vedant.

He is still recuperating, Mr Vashisht,' replied Gagan. He is still at the hospital and this new of his brother's death has sent him into a complete shock. I don't think it's a good idea to talk to him now.'

The sincerity in Gagan's voice made Vedant agree to his reasoning. In that case- I have a few questions for you both. How long have you known the Karmarkars?'

I have known Shlok for over 25 years and Sam for around 20. After few small time jobs, I joined Karmarkar Automobiles as an assistant manager. And here I am, after 25 years- the COO.'

I took over the entire security of the Karmarkars, 15 years ago. Till then, I was in-charge of the security of the office premises alone,' added Sam.

Shlok and his brother? How were they? Close?'

Far...very far from close. They never got along to my knowledge. Right from the beginning, there was always a certain strain in their relationship. Their father died when they were very young and their mother couldn't take care of them well. Shlok started developing a career of his own, but Gurubhai could never do that. He always stayed in his brother's shadow; drinking away all the money he was given. He tried to start one or two businesses, but he never had the flair- no- he never wanted to work, that was the truth. Shlok- initially thought it was his duty to take care of his brother. But Gurubhai's antics started becoming uncontrollable and several arguments broke between the brothers. Gurubhai's actions were affecting the company's name which Shlok could not bear.' Gagan was lost in the past. Shlok didn't have a very happy personal life, Sir. There was always some problem or the other lashing him. When Shlok decided to bring Krishna into the business, that was when Gurubhai calmed down and stopped making a scene.'

Vedant listened without interrupting.

You have to understand Sir, KBE isn't a family business,' said Sam. It was something with Mr Karmarkar started and developed. Gurubhai knew he had no claim which made him even angrier. He was a burden to his brother, which he refused to accept.'

Gagan said, But deep down it was eating him- jealously- envy- all that came out through strong words against Shlok. Place or people never mattered. He just lashed out. He might have calmed down once Krishna was made a part of the company, but that didn't mend the brothers' relationship.'

Does Shlok speak a lot to you about his personal life? About his brother?' asked Ruby.

Not really. But he needn't say anything. We can see it for ourselves,' said Sam.

He does speak to me at times,' informed Gagan truthfully. But it isn't a discussion. He just wants someone to listen to him. He doesn't expect an opinion.'

Why do you think Gurubhai committed suicide?' asked Vedant referring to Guruvardhan Karmarkar as Gurubhai like others.

He was old, Sir,' replied Gagan, shrugging slightly. He had health issues because of his excessive drinking. His liver was badly affected. He was a depressed man. Honestly, we expected this to happen a long time back.'

You mean- this suicide?'

Yes,' replied Gagan.

Why?'

May be because, he had mentioned it a couple of times before during the clashes. That was years back though.'

Did they have any arguments recently? In the past week?' asked Vedant.

Not sure. Shlok didn't tell me about any such incident,' replied Gagan. I didn't witness any as well. Sir. It's a request that you focus on the death threat on Shlok's life and leave Gurubhai's suicide. Any new developments on the hospital firing?'

Vedant wasn't sure if he liked Gagan. He seemed too interested and know-it-all. He seemed to be a person who wanted to be in control and be the leader of every situation. At the same time, the man had immense sincerity in his approach. He wasn't able to decipher if the man was speaking the truth or lying through his teeth.

We are looking into the case. Don't worry.' said Vedant with a certain command. Also- we are taking Gurubhai's body for post-mortem now, to ascertain the cause of this suicide.'

Meaning?' asked Gagan with intense curiousness. His fear was coming alive. The police were suspecting a murder. How could he stop it and make the police believe Gurubhai's death was definitely a suicide?

We will get back to you with the post-mortem report. Right now- since the family is surrounded by murders and conspiracy, we can't rule this as a suicide right away,' informed Vedant. I am going to the hospital to talk to Mr Shlok. I think he would be able to spare a few minutes for me, can't he?'

The doctor said...' began Gagan.

I'll handle the doctor, Sir,' said Vedant cutting Gagan.

Vedant could see Gagan's uneasiness. The man was deliberating restricting him from meeting Shlok. But why?

******

Originally posted by: Cieli.Santi

Amazing update

Loved it

Uodate soon

Originally posted by: Godly_Affection

Awesome update dear

Loved it

So another murder, Guru bhai is dead

Now this is getting more intriguing, 4 murders. . Hope there's no 5th! *just curious*

The details were nicely penned

Ruby, oh poor girl, couldn't take the body's sight. She needs more experience to handle it.

Krishna wow, he got a good silent slap from Ruby! Don't mess with girls!

Gagan and Sam's convo was interesting

Ved finds Gagan interesting, he isn't sure whether to trust him or not. Let's see what happens next

Do continue soon

Thanks for pm

Originally posted by: ...Shibu...

Awesome👏

Originally posted by: .vishrutha.

Very interesting update shwetha!

The small Vedant-Shakti moment at the start was nice! Hope we get to see them slowly getting back to being best friends.

Again the detailing of the scene of death was perfect! 👍🏼

Shakti showing Vedant the damaged part of the head and Ruby feeling sick of it was very realistic! It must be gross!

The backstory of Shlok and Gurubhai was well etched! 👍🏼

The suicide note and the description Gagan gave of Gurubhai to Vedant later doesn't sit well with me. Going by what Gagan said about Gurubhai, he doesn't seem the repenting type.

And also, Shakti found cotton fragments on the body! Which points at the probability of it being a murder. Again too soon to tell anything.

Loved Ruby's reply to Krishna! Much needed!

Both Gagan and Vedant don't seem to appreciate eachother's presence much, do they? 😆

Gagan doesn't want Vedant to meet Shlok?! Waiting to know why!

Do continue soon and thanks for pm 😊