‘Okay sir. Cabin four,’ said Gopi and walked away.
A minute later, Raj opened the door of cabin four to find an elderly man wearing white shirt and white Dhoti sipping tea. He stood up to greet Raj.
‘Please be seated,’ Raj said and sat opposite the man ,resting his hands on the circular table between them, where a yellow cotton bag also rested. The man clumsily placed the tea cup on the table and pulled out a bank passbook from the yellow bag. He flipped a few pages and showed Raj, ‘Sir, Five hundred Rupees were taken from my account. I deposited money to send to my daughter for college fees. Now it is five hundred rupees less.’
Raj took the pass book in his hand and saw the debit entry Nano PA Insurance. The man continued, ‘I went to the bank and asked what it was. They sent me here.’
Assholes!
‘Sir?’ the man said.
‘Sir, this is for Personal Accident Policy’
‘For whom sir?’
‘For you sir’
The man took the passbook back and flipped a few pages and showed Raj again, ‘What is this sir?’ Raj was looking at a debit entry of five hundred rupees two months back with the comment Personal accident insurance.
‘Sir?’ the man prompted. Raj knew this was a result of the plan Akhila had devised to qualify the module head for the foreign tour. The banker were under pressure and debited the same account multiple times. The logical thing to do was to refund the money.
‘There has been a mistake. Give me a minute sir.’ He walked out of the cabin with the passbook. ‘Hey Priyanka.’ He sat beside her.
‘What?’ she asked coldly.
‘There is a customer. His account has been debited twice for PA Insurance. What should we do now?’
She did not meet his eyes, ‘Get a letter from the customer. We’ll refund the second debit. This is what I’ve been doing for a long. I don’t know where your attention is.’
‘When will he get the money back?’
‘Seven working days.’
Raj walked away without another word.
‘At the least,’ Priyanka said, watching him walk away.
He stopped outside cabin four, clicked a picture of the first page of the passbook with his phone camera, entered the cabin to find Gopi picking the tea cup, and said to the customer, ‘You will get your money back today sir.’
When the man stared at him blankly, he took a card from his pocket and offered the customer, ’Here’s my card. If you don’t get the money, call me tomorrow.’
The customer thanked him and left. Raj went to his workstation and quickly transferred five hundred rupees to the man’s account. Gopi returned to Raj’s cabin after visiting the pantry, ‘Sir, you are paying the customer?’
‘Yes, Gopi. I feel bad for him. Today is Friday. These people will take seven working days. He will get the money only the week after the next.’
‘Everyday so many people come like this. Will you pay all of them?’ Gopi asked.
‘I can’t. But my conscience would kill me to make him wait for so long to get his money back.’
‘You’re a good person sir,’ Gopi said and walked away.
Just then, the Regional Head entered the office and called at the top of his voice, ‘Akhila!’
Akhila, who was in her cubicle, jumped up. The Regional Head walked up to her and said, ‘Are you still entertaining Ali in this branch?’ Many employees froze to watch the drama.
‘Sir, it was just a courtesy visit.’
‘He is not allowed to enter this office. Do you understand?’
‘Okay sir.’
‘I would have fired him. I settled for a transfer because you wanted to save him.’
Raj saw Akhila’s face turning red but she held her tongue.
‘Next time I get to know you’ve met him here, the consequences will be harsh,’ the Regional head said and stomped off. Raj could see that Akhila was hurt. He went to her cubicle. She did not look at him.
‘Akhila,’ he said softly, ‘he must be out of his senses to talk like that’
‘He’s the boss and he can shout as he likes.’
‘Why does he hate Ali so much?’
‘Because Ali is smarter than him.’
***
‘Vikram and Bala,’ called a peon, standing at the entrance of the classroom, ‘the principal wants you.’ The boys looked at the teacher at the board, who nodded. Viki felt nervousness rising in his body but he calmed himself seeing Bala smile at him.
Bala’s face hardened on entering the principal’s office. Geetha and Vanita were seated opposite the principal who was visibly in rage. Bala looked at Viki. The phone.
‘What did you do to the invigilator?’ shouted the principal. They felt relief and before they could react, the principal stood up and came close to them.
‘Are you criminals? Do you want to go to jail?’ he shouted.
Vanita and Geetha sat with their heads low, without looking up.
‘You slapped a very reputed person in the teaching fraternity,’ the principal said slowly and then his pitch raised again, ‘How dare you?’
‘Sir, he ill-treated Viki,’ said Bala.
‘He was an external invigilator,’ shouted the principal.
‘Sir we could explain if you stop shouting,’ said Bala. This infuriated the principal further and he said, ‘Get out this school. I don’t care if you don’t pass. Just get out!’
‘Sir,’ it was Vanita who spoke. ‘Are you going to defend them madam?’ asked the principal. Geetha turned to look at the boys. Bala winked at her and she immediately put her head down.
‘Sir, Mr. Antony misbehaved in many ways,’ said Vanita. ‘You should have brought it my attention. You cannot let these boys slap an external invigilator,’ the principal said, angrily.
‘Did I not?’
The principal searched for words then said, ‘but you did not tell me like it was an issue.’
‘I don't want to discuss filth with these young boys present here. But if you take any action against them, I will go to the police. I will sue Antony, for his misbehaviour and you, for ignoring the issue.’
‘All of you get out!’ the principal shouted and sat on his large chair. Once the room was clear, he picked his mobile phone and dialled a number.
‘Sir, good afternoon.’
After a pause, he said, ‘I have informed all four of them that strict action will be taken. They are all in fear now. Is a compromise possible sir?’
Pause.
‘Sir, if I had known Mr. Antony was so closely associated with you, I would have personally taken care of everything.’
Pause.
‘Sir, please. I will initiate action against these people. It is difficult because the senior staff says Antony misbehaved. Please don’t hold this against me sir.’
Pause.
‘Yes, I am hoping for the elevation and I understand you are serious about this.’
Pause.
‘I can pay Antony, sir. Please name the amount.’
Pause.
‘I will arrange that sir. But please don't hold this against me. Please recommend me for the elevation.’
Pause.
‘I will correct the wrong sir. Please don't hold this against me,’ said the principal and the line went dead. He put the mobile phone on the table and leaned back on his chair.
***
‘He will take action,’ said the Pastor after disconnecting the call. Antony was sitting in front of him.
‘They will rot in hell,’ said Antony.
‘Don’t worry. Proper action will be taken against them and you will be paid handsomely,’ said the pastor, ‘as I told you, the principal is a potential candidate for the post of Director of the group of institutions.’
The pastor saw that Antony was not convinced, ‘He will not meddle with me. He needs my vote to get that elevation.’
Antony nodded, ‘I will ruin the boys. But n
o revenge on the girl will satisfy me. She fooled me. I can’t digest it.’
‘You will get a chance,’ said the pastor, ‘wait for it.’ The pastor knew what he said was wrong but he had to play along.
‘Do not forget my sister’s son,’ said the Pastor.
‘I am one of the best that can do this job. I will know exactly who corrects your nephew’s papers. I will ensure that you get the result you want. Don’t worry about that.’
‘And you don’t worry about St. Jack’s.’
‘I will take your leave,’ said Antony and stood up.
‘One more thing Antony,’ said the pastor. Antony waited for the pastor to continue.
‘Stay away from smart women.’
***
There was an envelope on Ajay’s table. He slid the contents on the envelope onto the table. A smile appeared on his face. How much do I charge him? Righteous idiot.
He examined the ID cards one by one and when he arrived at the voter’s ID, he grew furious. He picked his mobile phone and made a call. As soon as the line was connected Ajay shouted, ‘How many times do I have to tell you?’
Pause.
‘Oh you know but you still went ahead and did it.’
Pause.
You have to be careful. Even the minutest of things matters.’
Pause.
‘Can you assure me this won’t be repeated again?’
Pause.
Okay. What about the five sets of ID cards I sent you yesterday?’
Pause.
‘Yes, State Bank of India.’
Pause
‘Good, and keep in mind what I said.’
He hung up and made the next call to Gopi, ‘Come and collect Raj’s ID cards. Tell him it’s free.’
***
‘Dear Alison,
Thank you for writing to me. The FBI signature scared me at first (just kidding). It strengthens my resolve when I know that there are many lovely human beings around the globe who care for animals.
Yes, I did test all the grades of pet food made by Canine Delight. Everything is clear. There are no toxins or unidentified substances in any of the company’s products. They are in-fact, one of the best.
I do not have concrete evidence linking the company and the shelter but the company comes forward to deter my actions. The same happened in China and North Korea. When thirty-four dogs died in North Korea, I protested along with some volunteers. The company bribed many of those volunteers. That’s why I really started looking into the company.
After some jawboning, I was able to get the carcasses examined by other doctors. They put it down to some intake that hijacked the nervous system. They were however, not able to identify what was ingested since all traces were removed.
I demanded the company to explain their involvement. They ignored me and that’s what prompted me to go public with my findings. They must be feeling the heat now. Let’s see what happens.
And those four Indian dogs, no wonder they are amazing. The world learnt the science of Dog breeding from India. We tried to retrieve them so we can study their stool samples to figure out what was fed to them. However, the company used some legal loopholes to keep the dogs within their confines.
If there’s any further development, I will let you know. I don’t post everything on the blog because the company will be watching for my next move.
Say hi to Lucy.
Again, thanks for writing to me.
Alison re-read the mail multiple times. They are in fact, one of the best. She has been feeding her pet canine delight for three years.
***
‘Welcome Raj,’ Raj had decided to visit Ajay since Gopi told him he was not being charged for the documents. The man continued, ‘All your documents are ready’
‘Thank you,’ said Raj, ‘so how much should I pay?’
‘Don’t bother.’ Ajay placed the envelope with the ID cards, on the table.
‘Why not?’
‘Gopi told me something. My respect for you has grown manifold.’
‘What did he tell you?’
‘You paid a customer from your own pocket. Not many would do that.’
‘It pricked my conscience’
‘Be glad your conscience is alive’ They laughed.
‘What about yours?’
‘Very much alive, which is why I couldn't survive in the corporate world.’
‘Oh!’ said Raj, ‘which company?’
‘An FMCG company. You may not know it.’
Raj felt there is more to this person than meets the eye.
‘So you decided to sell SIM cards?' asked Raj.
‘Well, I have this DTH dealership. I also help people to get back lost government documents. I get these customised parts made for driving school cars.I earn enough to keep afloat,’ after a pause, ‘without killing my conscience.’
‘It is really bad what they do.’
‘Who?’
‘Our company. TIB is our bancassurance partner. We pay the bank commission for selling insurance. They have very strong bureaucracy. A subordinate can’t even express an opinion to his superior. I hear managers even ask their subordinates to shop grocery.’
‘Happens in private organisations also.’
‘But this is ridiculous. I have been in some of their meetings. They keep telling that only the best can enter their banks. They don't seem to understand that only those who don’t find anything better take up these pathetic banking exams.’
‘I don't agree with you. It is a prestigious career option. You get a lot of perks and the society respects bankers.’
‘Yes, I see how they earn their perks. Loot innocent people. We have a campaign that involves looting.’
‘What is that?' asked Ajay, interested.
‘There are points awarded to the bankers for selling insurance. If they accumulate enough points during the campaign period, they win tour packages.’
‘Such campaigns are there in most companies.’
‘Maybe, but these bankers don't sell. They just debit money from customers and pass it on to our company. If any customer realises their money has been taken, they will make it look like an error and send the customer to me. Great right?’
Ajay stretched his arms upward and smiled.
‘And even worse, we don’t even have a mechanism to check if a customer’s account has already been debited for insurance. What we do is illegal in the first place and we do it multiple times with the same people.’
‘That’s the way it is young man. Don’t get too worked up on this.’
‘I was wondering how our company of three thousand could manage with a five member training team. I understand now that there’s hardly any training required when all we do is loot.’
‘Relax Raj,’ said Ajay and stood up, ‘Let’s have a cup of chai.’
Holding a tea glass each in a shop opposite Ajay’s office, the latter said, ‘You are not taking the money. It’s the way your company functions. You don't have to feel responsible for it.’
‘You’re asking me to kill my conscience.’ Ajay thoughtfully sipped tea for a while and then said, ‘If you ever need me, I will be there for you.’
Raj was taken aback by the statement and managed to say ‘Thank you.’
When Raj offered to pay for the chai, the shopkeeper refused the payment outright.
‘If I accept money from Ajay’s friend, God will not spare me. He has done so much for me.’ Just the guy I hoped to meet. The thought crossed both their minds, moments apart.
Walking back to the office premises, Raj thought he should tell Ajay about Geetha. He could be of help. If he managed to get government issued documents, he must've good connections. He then chided himself for having the selfish thought.
Chapter 9
‘I am getting my first case to investigate on my own.’
‘So you’re going to get on the street now,’ teased Raj.
‘Not
really. I will work with the documents I have. If a private detective is required, we’ll hire one on contract.’
‘You’ve got a cool job Jainika. I am jealous.’ Jainika chuckled and said, ‘But you get paid so much more.’
‘I would trade places with you,’ said Raj who knew that his sales incentives would equal the salary of many.
‘So what’ interesting?’ he asked, wanting to move away from the subject.
‘Listen, I’ll tell you about one case.’ Raj looked at his watch and squirmed, ‘Tell me’
‘Someone has taken insurance for a dead person.’
‘Which channel was is sold through?’
‘Bancassurance’
‘Happens buddy. You know how the channel works na,’ said Raj, ‘if there’s money in an account, the banks take it for insurance premium.’
‘Why don’t they check if the person is alive or not?’
‘When the number of accounts runs in lakhs, it’s not possible to check na. They don’t do it one by one.’
‘It maybe difficult to check if a dead person takes an insurance policy. But it’s not so difficult to check if the same dead person makes a claim under the policy na,’ said Jainika coolly.
‘What?’ Raj sat upright and after a pause added, ‘that’s one hell of a case.’
‘Yes, but contrary to what you said, the bank branch knew that the person is dead and left his name out while renewing the Personal Accident policies.’
‘Then?’ Raj was now fully involved in the discussion, ‘who renewed it?’
‘The customer,’ said Jainika and chuckled, ‘that’s what the record says.’
‘Are the people in the branch so dumb?' asked Raj.
‘No yaar. That’s where I need clarity from you. You are a hero in sales na.’
‘Enough. What’s your doubt?’
‘In the database it is saying home branch as Ultudanga, and there’s something called TXN branch which is Kanyakumari.’
‘TXN is transaction. The customer’s account is in Ultudanga branch. But he has taken the policy form Kanyakumari branch.’
Accidental Inquisitors Page 6