“No. Everyone.”
“Fuck off, then. Nothing will happen. Your genitals have no value; better send your women. Else, burn your asses on the tar,” he said and disappeared.
‘I clenched my teeth. “Let’s move to Shahibaug. We’ll protest in front of the Commissioner’s office,” I said.
‘We reached there. The cops rained blows on us, but we resisted and protested. The Assistant Commissioner of Police sent a message to meet him. We insisted on meeting their captain.
“Okay, but first, cover your guns and bullets,” the messenger cop said.
‘We dressed up. He guided Guddu and me to the Commissioner’s chamber. I greeted him. He studied me and said, “Why are you flashing on the street, young man?”
“Saheb. Your men have detained our community members and are dumping false charges on them. We are Chharas. This is an everyday affair. But yesterday, they even damaged our properties and attacked us.”
“They have arrested my father. He is the community leader.” Guddu piped in.
‘He instructed his Secretary. “Check this issue and update me.”
“Sure, sir,” he said, and dialled a number.
“You sit here, lads.” The Commissioner pointed us to the chairs.
“Thank you, Saheb,” we said.
‘The assistant conversed and whispered into the Commissioner’s ears.
“Hmm. Inform them to follow the procedure and address the matter to me with evidence. Else, release the group.”
“Sure, sir,” said his PA, and spoke over the phone. In a few moments, he said, “They are releasing the group, sir.”
“Fine,” said the Commissioner. “I appreciate you guys. Always stand for your right,” he said. We bowed to him. “Also drop these gentlemen till the gate, with dignity,” he said.
‘The man patted my back and led me out. I thanked him and exited. The members cheered, and we returned home. At Chharanagar, the group hooted and applauded us. They lifted Guddu, and me, and tossed us in the air. Thank God, they also caught me. Guddu was dropped once. Chharanagar was proud of me. Men praised my body and courage. Females desired me, and they treasured dozens of my nude pics.’
‘Aha... The man of women. And that is why Guddu envied you.’ said Zaheer.
‘No. Not for women. The split occurred in 2001,’ I said.
Chapter—12
The Rift and the Robbery
‘A massive earthquake with an epicentre in Bhuj shook the Gujarat State on the 26th January 2001.’
‘Yeah, I remember. It was tragic.’
‘True. The quake caused an enormous loss of life and property, but the disaster opened a golden chance for stealing. I told my tribe, “Go out and strike a fortune. Such opportunities come by rarely.” I invited Guddu to join me for a robbery, but he declined. He had planned to visit a brothel.
I chided him. “This is the best opportunity, you idiot. We can make a massive steal. Come on...” He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at the floor. I complained to his father, and he too criticised him.
“Vikram is intelligent and responsible. Therefore, people respect him. All tribesmen are planning to rob, and you are uninterested? Go out yourself, or with Vicky, and use this opportunity,” he said.
‘That is how the split began. Comparisons offended him. Guddu was forced to join me and he showed his unwillingness in everything he did. He gritted his teeth and refused to look up as he plodded behind me. He neither dressed appropriately nor carried any useful tools. While I sported a six-pocket trouser, a loose shirt and an overcoat, and wrapped a shawl around my neck, he wore jeans and a T-shirt. I also pocketed a foldable toolkit. He followed me till the entrance and then made away. Yes, he had scuttled away to a brothel. His behaviour shocked me.
‘I strode back, selected three young boys and proceeded. Vivek Uncle met me at the open area and inquired about Guddu.
‘He went elsewhere,’ I said, and headed for the robbery.
‘Gujarat wailed over the disastrous earthquake. Many ventured out to assist the needy, and many for stealing. The Chharas were not alone.
‘All the establishments downed their shutters. I hunted for a jewellery shop to make a fortune. Destruction stretched around and people scurried about to save their belongings. To avoid risk, I sought a secluded jewellery store.
‘We reached the Kalupur area. A jewellery showroom named ‘Gujarat Jewellers’ in a by-lane attracted my attention. Surrounding establishments were closed, and the guards laboured at the main road, helping the needy. A six-feet lane between the jewellery outlet building and the next, tempted me. On regular days, people parked their motorcycles there, but on that day, there was only one.
‘I planned to sneak in through the store’s window. I put one assistant at the main roadside and another near the compound gate, on vigil.
‘Today is 26th January, the Republic day of India. If you sense danger, shout the patriotic slogan—Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ I said.
‘Dragging along the motorcycle, I sneaked into the lane with my third associate. I sought clearance from my look-outs.
‘It sounds childish, Zaheer, but, you have to salute my guts. On a pathetic day, when humankind suffered, several robbed from the damaged properties. And there was Vicky, ready to rob a jewellery store.
‘I climbed up on the bike. The window had a thick wooden frame with opaque glass fixed in the centre. In the shutter‘s centrefold, I pierced a foldable screwdriver and tweaked it, but to no effect. A tower-bolt inside held it strong. Each time, I applied more pressure and finally ten attempts later, the shutter bulged out. I replaced my tool with a longer and thicker needle and pushed harder. It broke out from the bolt. I removed the hinges screws, pulled out the shutters, and put in on the hood. Then sawed the frame, removed the iron bars, and prepared to enter.
‘I kept my tool kit back and signalled my assistant to climb on the motorcycle. I jumped and grabbed the concrete slab. My helper pushed me, and I raised and thrust my upper half body through the window. My stomach rested on the frame, and my lower body hung out. A police siren blew, and my associate at the gate shouted—Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Damn it. I pulled out and slid back. My body shivered. I put the shutters back. The slogan continued. I jumped down.
“Follow me,” I said to my companion and raced ahead. I jolted. “Oh God. Motorcycle,” I said and sprinted back.
We dragged it back. I wiped our footprints from the seat cover with my shawl and scuttled towards the adjoined campus. From the building’s edge, I peeped out. Damn it, a policeman came marching. I sank in the corner and instructed my assistant, “Act like a beggar.”
‘A born performer, he acted so. With my right hand on my forehead and eyes closed, I sat sulking. The constable entered the by-lane and found us.
“Hey, what happened?” he asked.
My associate cried. I wiped my eyes and told him about losing our shelter.
“Oh; what a tragedy. Have faith. God will bless you,” he said, and strolled ahead. He patted the motorcycle seat, kick-started, and exited. Damn. Thank God, I put it back. The police jeep wheeled forward.
‘A minute later, I meandered towards the complex gate. A few people and vehicles passed by on the road, but the side lane remained deserted. I showed a thumbs-up sign to my associate and sneaked in. The motorcycle had gone, so my helper supported me. He leaned on the wall and interlocked his fingers. I stepped on his palms, onto his shoulders, and grabbed the window slab. I passed the shutters down.
‘I lifted myself but slipped back and scratched my hands. I hung on. My assistant held my feet from below. The second attempt failed, too. The third was an aggressive effort that helped me to glide through the window and land inside the jewellery store. I punched my fist in the air and dusted my coat. I peeped out and instructed my assistant, “Keep small stones ready. Hit the windowpane to signal danger. And give me the shutters.” I placed them in the frame and covered my face with the shawl.
‘The interiors daz
zled me. It was a grand and posh jewellery store. The absence of CCTV cameras in those days protected me from identification. Power closure affected by the quake didn’t matter due to enough ventilation. I prowled around.
‘I approached the sales counter. One long showcase covered with thick transparent glasses displayed gleaming jewellery. I could smash the glass, but that would create a loud sound and invite risk, hence, I opted to break the locks. I scanned the display unit. It had three vertical and horizontal partitions and eight locks. That too was hard and time-consuming.
‘While I thinking about an alternative, the store started shaking. A few artefacts and a Falcon metal showpiece fell on the sales counter. Another aftershock rocked the state. People’s screams and crashing sounds boomed all around. I used the God-sent opportunity, grabbed the Falcon showpiece and hammered the side glass. It cracked. Another blow with more zeal followed by the third most vigorous one, shattered it. Wow. The unit opened. I rushed near the sidewall and waited.
‘Mayhem ruled outside. A few seconds later, the tremors stopped, but the screams continued. I crept towards the showcase and picked up a chest. It contained two bangles, one necklace, two earrings and one finger ring, all made of gold. Another box contained a gold ornament set in a different design. I removed 12 boxes. Seven consisted of gold, and two silver ornaments set; two had women’s finger rings made of gold; and one, five pairs of gold bangles, weighing 250 grams. Newspapers stacked nearby came handy. I wrapped the jewellery in the paper sheets and put them on the teapoy.
‘I neared the drawer. With a flat end screwdriver, I forced open it. Wow! Cash. One currency bundle of Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500, and another containing notes of Rs. 100, 50, and 20 denominations. Rs. 40,000 in total.
‘Each ornament set carried a measurement tag of an average 150 grams weight. I placed the ornaments on the teapoy and crawled towards the window to check the situation. My assistant responded positively.
‘I reached the cupboard. The keyhole pleased me. I removed and inserted a piece of wire inside. With one hand, I twirled it into the keyhole anti-clockwise, and with the other, I flicked the handle. The trick needs practice for mastery. The wire should push the lever with the same energy and at the same angle, like a key. After a few attempts, the cupboard opened. Wow! Bundles of cash, gold coins, gold biscuits, and a few golden ornaments. Fantastic hit.
‘I prepared six sets as I carried six cotton bags and tucked them in my pockets; two in the front, two at the back, and two on the sides, near my knees. Cash bundles went in my underwear. And oh man, my underwear bulged, and I looked horny. I kept my wallet in my overcoat, which helped cover my stuffed body. The other cupboards and chests tempted me. But “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed, followed by a stone hitting the windowpane. I hopped towards the window. The boy murmured,
“Vickybhai, people coming.”
“Go to the main road. Return when the situation is safe,” I said.
‘I crawled towards the entrance. Sounds of people conversing and approaching raised my heartbeat. They climbed the stairs and waited outside the shop. I pressed my fist on my lips. If they were the owners, I would be doomed. I tiptoed to the window and peeped outside. People around the lane agonised me. I covered my mouth and gulped the lump. I crawled back to the entrance to hear the conversation. One man called out.
“Chawi law ne jaldi. Hurry, get the keys.”
‘I clutched my chest. Great Gujjus. They came to operate their shop on a disastrous earthquake day? My heartbeat galloped and I worried about my hard-earned booty. They opened the lock. My intestine cracked and pulse raced. A man pulled open the iron sliding gate. My body stiffened, and sweat poured out. If they open the iron shutter...’
I paused with my head down.
‘What happened then?’ Zaheer asked.
‘As they say, every dog has his day; that was my day. Chharas, too, enjoy their luck. God does not discriminate.’
‘Oh. How did you escape?’
‘Tremor. Another tremor hit the region, worse than the earlier one. The complex rocked, and objects fell. Men outside the store screamed and ran away. Crashing sounds echoed, and the public howled. I slipped under the sofa for safety. After the aftershocks settled down, I hopped towards the window and peeped out. Nobody was there. I pressed my palm on my chest and closed my eyes. Despite many more valuables available, I controlled my nerves and suppressed my greed. Intelligence demanded I return home.
‘My assistant arrived and called me. “Vickybhai, you OK?”
‘I showed my thumb.
“Nobody here. They ran off to the main road. What’s the plan?”
“Exit,” I said.
‘I put the shutters on the hood. I pushed my legs out, rested my stomach on the frame, and slipped out a little. I hung holding the concrete slab and the ornaments in my pockets poked me. With my left hand, I placed the shutters back and jumped down. Thump. Down in the lane, with a bountiful steal. I dusted my coat and hurried towards the campus, followed by my assistant.
“Relax. Be natural,” I said. I pocketed my hands and sauntered, glancing around. We exited the complex. The other two assistants joined me, and we strode ahead. The sun blazed right above our heads. I glanced back. No suspicion.
“We are going home,” I said.
“How much did you steal, Vickybhai?” one inquired.
“Shall we sit on this road and count? Idiot,” I said. The guys giggled. I headed with caution, for I possessed valuables which would change my destiny.
“We will take an auto-rickshaw. You sit on my sides. Behave normal and keep your mouth shut. OK?”
“OK, Vickybhai,” they said.
‘We saw an auto-rickshaw coming from the opposite direction. All three waved and spread out on the road to block it.
“Chharanagar,” I said and pushed my assistant inside. I stepped next, followed by the other two. The three-wheeler chugged ahead.
“You stay in Chharanagar?” asked the driver.
“Yes.”
“What brought you here on this day?” he asked, gazing at us through the rear-view mirror. I frowned. Damn him, I said to myself. Why should he question my movements? We live in a democracy. Are we liable to answer an auto-rickshaw driver, the reason for our activities? But I answered him to avoid suspicion.
“Arre, Kaka. My aunt works here. My father sent me to fetch her.” The three piglets stared at me in awe. The man showed more concern and asked,
“Did you find her?”
“I verified with her employer. He said she finished work and left.”
“O my God. Has she reached home?”
‘His queries irritated me. Why does the bloody auto-driver worry about my aunt? But I answered anyway.
“She is a mature woman. Must have returned.”
“And these kids? Your brothers?” he asked.
Fuck. How to shut him up? That idiot irked us in such a crucial time. The guys gazed at him like innocent puppies.
“My cousins.”
‘All three squinted at me in awe.
“I see. But why did you bring them along in this critical situation?”
“Arre, Kaka, one fellow is her son. He insisted on joining me.”
“Oh, OK. And the other two?” He turned his upper body and scanned their faces.
‘Bloody hell. I clenched my fist to punch his head, but controlled the urge. “My uncle’s children. They joined me for any emergency help. Can you please drive faster?”
“Sure, I understand your anxiety,” he turned straight and accelerated. I relaxed and pacified myself to answer his interrogation.
‘The driver queried non-stop, gazing at me from his front mirror and I answered him. Finally, we reached Chharanagar entrance. A few gatekeepers surrounded the vehicle, wagging their tails. The man exclaimed, “Go, check for your aunt.”
‘Auuuggghhh. Damn him. The bloody society never cared for me when I begged them to. And the bloody auto driver sympathises when I don’t want him to. Why can’t
he take his money and leave from here? I talked to myself. But I controlled myself. I stood on the last step of the impending change in my fortunes.
“Go quick. Check for your mother and inform us,” I ordered the guy whom I had introduced as her son. He ran and disappeared in the narrow lanes.
“How much should I pay?”
“Wait. Let him return. If she is missing; we must search for her,” he said. A dog barked out.
‘Damn you. I held the auto bar and waited, bouncing my foot. I screamed silently. Why can’t he behave like our cruel society? I am not habituated to people’s concern. If I knew his inquisitiveness, I would have never hired him. These drivers should display their details on their auto-rickshaws along with the licence. The driver is inquisitive—silent—restless—dodh dahyo and so on. And where did that mouse disappear? I also shivered when I imagined him bringing back absurd news. He arrived.
“Vickybhai, mother has returned,” he said. My rigid body slumped, and I moaned a sigh.
“Thank you for your service, Kaka. How much do I pay you?”
“Hundred rupees,” he said.
‘Exorbitant, yet I paid to dispel him. “Thank you again,” I said, and pulled the other guys and jogged towards my home. A few dogs and pigs followed us.
“Take care,” he piped, and I waved in response. We entered the Chharanagar ghetto.
“I’ll send you your gifts, rush to your homes,” I whispered to my assistants and hurried through the by-lanes. I barged into my hut, laden with my life’s best steal. Phew. I shut the door and jumped with joy, punching the air. I rubbed my hands and exhaled a sigh of relief. My glowing face thrilled my parents.
“Welcome home, my darling. Got a jackpot, huh?” asked my father. A smile on my face lifted my cheeks.
“He must have brought plenty of carrots,” said my mother, beaming a lovely smile.
“Sorry, Maa. No vegetables today. And yes, father, I grabbed a fortune, and our life will change.”
They raised their brows. My mother bounced on her toes and approached me. “What did you bring?” she whispered. I removed my overcoat to expose my bulging pockets and underwear.
The Branded Criminal: In Search of Liberation Page 10
