Chaits had expected a villainous, well built & a menacing looking person to step out & announce that he’s the Kingpin. He had imagined all famous villainous characters, he had watched in those Bollywood movies. To his amazement – he saw a normal man with a slender build who looked educated and sophisticated, walk out of the door. The Kingpin looked at the duo a bit disappointed. The duo didn’t look what he’d expected from what he had perceived.
“I’m the Kingpin” he introduced himself – pompously “and now, may I know who you are? – and why do you want to meet me?”
He looked at the person next to him who whispered something in his ear and the expression of Kingpin changed from frown to a smile…
“Hmmm… so this young man here is Chaits & is looking for revenge?” He looked at Chaits, “I’ll deal with you later. But let me first know something more about this old man – nobody has seen him around before…”
Inspector Sharma slowly moved his hand toward his pocket & the thugs had their hands hold their guns more tightly in anticipation. Inspector Sharma waived his other hand to sign that he was doing nothing dangerous.
He finally came out holding his I-card & introduced, “I’m Inspector Sharma of CBI.”
Kingpin looked at him curiously “I’ve heard your name Inspector – but cannot recollect for what reason…”
“I’m Inspector Sharma – CBI and allow me to refresh your memory” and paused, “Do you remember of a meeting – a big meet of underworld at farmhouse near Lucknow? You were fortunate to have left early – or your name also would’ve featured in the list of people who met with encounter”
At the mention of Lucknow encounter Kingpin realized who Inspector Sharma was & gulped nervously “You know of my reputation – Kingpin – I’d normally shoot you down rather than capture you alive – and no questions would be raised…”
Inspector Sharma was threatening the Kingpin even when singled out and in the line of fire… Chaits was watching this with high amazement.
“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you, knowing that you’re at mercy of my men. That too – your odds are 2 guns against 20 at this close a range?” the Kingpin asked – a bit nervous of the outcome…
“The best reason for you not to shoot me is – your life…” Inspector Sharma bargained, “All my men who carried out the operation in Lucknow are here. You’re surrounded & unless they see me in another 30 minutes – they’d storm in with clear orders Shoot At Sight” Chaits could see the Kingpin nervously licking his lips at the thought, “So” Inspector Sharma continued, “the best course of action is to cooperate”
Kingpin drew a long nervous breath & let it out with a noise & asked in a much simpler tone, “What do you want?”
“Now – you’re talking” said Inspector with glee, “Do you want to talk here or would you like to chat in your cabin?”
“In my cabin” said Kingpin as he waived Inspector & Chaits to follow him…
“Careful – nobody leaves this place,” cautioned by Inspector, the thugs stopped in their track, “If my men see anybody except me or Chaits walking out of this building – I’ll not be responsible.”
The Kingpin looked nervously across the table at Inspector & then at Chaits.
“Where’s Vicky?” Inspector asked a simple question.
At the mention of Vicky, Chaits saw anger, then hatred & finally frustration creep in the Kingpin’s eyes.
“I didn’t know you were hunting for Vicky & were in the town… I’d have been glad to share whatever info I had on him to you…”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“To tell you the truth – I don’t know…”
“Your choice – I’ve a complete dossier on your activities which I’ll be handing over any moment to my HQ – then it’s up to you to save your life…”
“I told you I don’t know…”
“Listen to me – Kingpin. I can call my men in – now & I’d not have to bother about you or the dossier on you… I want you to cooperate with me and I promise to hold back the dossier for a month from now. That’ll enable you to set up your defence when you’re presented in the court – further I’ll mention that you helped us in finding Vicky which will go in favour for you – now that’s a promise & a compromise I’ve never made in my life. Even without your help, we’ll still get him eventually. Though it may take us longer…”
Kingpin winced nervously & pleaded, “Sir – I know your reputation & I’m really thankful of your generous offer… Believe me… I’d be the first person to hand him over to you – dead or alive.”
“I believe you – but tell me everything you know about him – it might be helpful…” said Inspector Sharma
Kingpin started rattling off all he knew about Vicky. “I saw him about 5 years back. He was a young boy with fire in him. He started off slowly first by carrying the shipment himself & then graduated by getting other boys to ship the smuggled goods to my points of distribution. Slowly he started spreading his wings & performing, his duties efficiently. I was glad the way he worked. Soon he became my right hand. He was handling the smuggling of arms and ammunition to drugs from sea route – right from receiving those and distributing it till end point. In one of my meetings I’d even said that the way he worked – one day I’ll hand over the business to him & he’d be the Kingpin’s successor… Perhaps that was my mistake. He thought of getting into my shoes quicker than destined. One day, I received a complaint from one of my customer in Gadhchiroli about someone dealing a similar consignment at a cheaper rate.
I asked my men to investigate this matter. They came back and told me that Vicky had built a parallel business – right under my nose He was operating with almost 50% of manpower I used.”
Chaits could see the expression of hate returning to Kingpin’s eyes as he continued…
“I could not bear that & sent my men to finish him off – unfortunately, he got a whiff of what was happening & absconded… That’s the last I heard about him. After that I heard about him when he & his friends killed those kids at Jungle Homes.”
He looked at Chaits & Inspector tried a smile.
“As soon as I learnt of Jungle Homes, I thought I had him cornered. I declared a huge amount to my men who ever brought Vicky to me dead or alive.. Fifteen of my hard core men…” Kingpin paused & Chaits could see frustration seep over him… “Fifteen of my hard core men – I sent them into the Jungle to kill that bastard – every one of them returned – perfectly packed in coffins…”
He’s built up a good will among the villages in the jungles & is currently hiding in the jungle…”
“The jungle around spread a long way towards both North & South – can you tell me which part of Jungle?”
“Yes – that rat’s holed up in Jungles south of Sundernagar”
“That’s where Jungle Homes is located” said Chaits.
“Correct – but as per my knowledge that jungle is dense and strewn over hilly areas & spans over 300kms south of Sundernagar. He’s made his base there due of its close proximity with Mumbai & the coast line of Konkan. According to my latest info – he normally operates within proximity of 200 kms. His men have been spotted more often there…”
“Thanks a lot for this info” said Inspector Sharma, “I’m going to keep my promise of one month – but, don’t try to flee – my men will keep a vigilant watch on your movement. Further – call all you men back from the jungle – I’ll be launching a man hunt very soon & I don’t want any hindrance… And Yes! If you get any info on him – you’re calling met not planning any direct action…” Kingpin nodded – Chaits could sense his relief as he and the Inspector walked out of his cabin.
‘So – Vicky is hiding in the jungle’ thus thought Chaits…
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