Greed Lust Addiction

by Ravi Dabral

  Ujjawal was still annoyed with Suraj as he thought that he had killed his Uncle. Suraj was trying to become his friend. Priya was looking at Suraj after every few minutes as if she could still not believe that he was alive. Now Suraj could see real love in her eyes, different from a few months back when they were living in the city arguing with each other over her material demands. This gap of a few months had brought them closer to each other. Controlling the magnetic power being generated between them was difficult. From her body language, face and eye movements, he could see a new rejuvenated Priya. By evening, Suraj’s sisters also arrived in the village along with their family members. All of them were thrilled at his rebirth. He was also feeling happy seeing them after such a long time. Today was the beginning of a new life for Suraj, a family life, different from the ashram life. Today, he realised that the Supreme Soul is the ultimate magician and expert in white magic controlling from a distant place, our lives through the strings of emotions.

  Suraj spent three days with his family members. Vijay narrated his whole story to everyone. Meanwhile, Suraj became a good friend of Ujjawal. Finally, Priya managed to convince Ujjawal that Suraj was his father. Now, he had started calling him Dad but also asked many times where his Uncle had disappeared suddenly. Priya told him a story that God had sent Uncle to bring his father home. The innocent boy believed the story.

  One morning, Suraj received a call from Gulshan that he had gone through all the facts and evidence, and the next day he would be filing a case in the lower court, so his presence was required by that evening to complete some formalities and to sign documents and affidavits.

  Suraj told everyone that he needed to leave for Dehradun as they were filing a case against the crooks who had tried to kill him and needed to complete some legal formalities. Priya was upset on hearing that he was leaving for Dehradun. He told her to have patience for a few more days as he needed some time to search for a new job so that all of them could live together again like earlier. It was hard for Suraj to leave, especially separating from Ujjawal who wanted to go with him.

  36

  Legal Challenges

  I t was the first date of the court hearing.

  Gulshan said, “Don’t worry Suraj, your case is strong. We have all the facts, evidence and Sanjay as our approver-cum-witness to prove these crooks as criminals under Section 307 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). You see how I will fight your case in court. We will surely win this case.”

  Suraj said, “I heard that they hired a very prominent criminal lawyer who charges ₹ 50 lakh per hearing and he is an expert in manipulating evidence and witnesses. His name is Mr. Kapil Kumar Khurana, popularly known as Triple K in the legal circles, and he is the senior counsel for all the crooks—politician Mr. Rawat, ACP Siddique, businessman Mr. Thapar and editor Mr. Mishra.”

  Gulshan said, “Don’t worry, they have black money to pay a huge fee to Khurana, but we have truth on our side. You know that truth always prevails and to support it we have strong facts and evidence which are considered important weapons to fight a legal battle in the battle ground of Court.”

  The judge came to the courtroom, and the moment he sat on his seat, the court proceedings began.

  Gulshan started his arguments, “Your Honour, we have filed this case under Section 307 of the IPC. We have filed all facts and evidence to prove that the accused with the help of Sanjay who is now an approver for the prosecution, attempted to murder my client Suraj.”

  Khurana said, “Your Honour, I have gone through all the facts—Sanjay’s witness statement and the evidence, and can prove to this Court that all charges against my clients are baseless and frivolous. There is no merit in this case.”

  Gulshan argued, “Your Honour, please note that my client is an investigative journalist and I request you to please watch all the sting operation CDs to know the motive behind this attempt to murder case.”

  Khurana said, “Your Honour before you watch these CDs, I would like to request this court to please get these CDs tested from a neutral government testing laboratory to check its authenticity and genuineness. Nowadays it is common to produce doctored, fake and manipulated CDs to defame reputed and respectable people like my clients.”

  The Judge said, “Point noted and admitted. The Court will send these CDs to a neutral government testing laboratory. The Court is adjourned for today. Next hearing date is scheduled for 7 th September.”

  After the court hearing was over, Gulshan said to Suraj, “Don’t worry about the report of the neutral testing laboratory. This is a common court practice and procedure. The testing laboratory will authenticate the CDs and other recordings which will further strengthen our case.”

  During this one-month gap till the next hearing, Suraj visited the villages with the ashram volunteers to see the progress of their project. It was the harvest time. There was an improvement in the villages and the conditions of the farmers. One investor had invested in a lorry to transport all the agricultural produce to the nearest marketplace. Now the farmers’ cooperative society with the help of a marketing agency, under the brand name NatureNurtureU, directly sold their agricultural produce to branded retail stores in the cities thus fetching better rates to the farmers.

  Basically, ashram volunteers worked in five areas.

  First, increasing farmers’ income level by removing middlemen.

  Second, upgrading children’s education and developing their interest in extra-curricular and sports activities. Roberto helped in making soccer teams from different villages.

  Third, the preservation of natural resources through tree plantations, rainwater harvesting, etc. They even sowed seeds of cucumber, watermelon and other easily grown fruits and vegetables in nearby forests, to keep the wild animals and monkeys from coming to the villages in search of food.

  Fourth, infrastructure development in projects such as roads, pavements, toilets, dispensary, a function hall for cultural activities, marriages, birthday parties and get-togethers at the village level.

  Fifth, inculcating value system as part of the self-reform process in villagers to make them aware, alert and conscious of their natural, legal and voting rights, duties and responsibilities which would also be useful to them during the election time in electing the honest and right candidate.

  Investors were also happy mainly for two reasons:

  First, because it is an investment opportunity at the root level of the economy through smart village projects having scalability and sustainability scope.

  Second, it fulfils their social welfare obligations by improving the lives of farmers and their children as a basic step to change the world and to protect the environment.

  The second hearing date came up. Both lawyers were present in the court. Sanjay was also present, but Mr. Khurana’s clients were absent.

  Khurana started his arguments, “Your Honour, by now you would have received a test report from the neutral government testing laboratory.”

  The Judge opened a sealed envelope containing the test reports and after reading the report, said, “As per this report, all sting operation CDs, mobile conversations and video recordings at the nightclub are doctored and fake.”

  Gulshan, Suraj, Vijay, and Seema were shocked to hear this. Gulshan said, “Your Honour, how can this be possible? I doubt that these test reports are genuine and are manipulated by the accused.”

  The Judge said, “Mr. Narang, don’t accuse a neutral government agency of producing fake test reports. These CDs cannot be considered as evidence in your case. The court can take serious action against your client for presenting fake and doctored CDs to the court. It is better you focus on your other evidence and witness.”

  Gulshan looked tense; he had no words to defend himself.

  When the Judge admonished Gulshan, a cunning smile was visible on Mr. Khurana’s face.

  The Judge asked, “Mr. Narang, do you have any other evidence or witness to defend your case?”

  Gulshan said, “Yes, Your
Honour. I would like to call approver Sanjay Pant who was one of the accused but decided to turn approver in this case.”

  The Judge said, “Mr. Sanjay Pant, please come to the witness box.”

  Sanjay came into the witness box. He took the oath, keeping his right hand on the holy Bhagwad Gita. He recited the words, “I do swear in the name of God and solemnly affirm that whatever I shall state shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

  Gulshan asked Sanjay, “Please tell this Court, how and why all of you tried to kill Suraj.”

  Sanjay with surprise on his face said, “Mr. Narang, I do not understand your question!”

  Gulshan repeated his question.

  Sanjay asked, “Are you fine, Mr. Narang? Why should I kill my best friend, Suraj? Why would others kill him? Suraj is a very nice person; we all love him. All employees in our media house love him for his hard work, virtuous qualities, well-mannered behaviour, and humble nature. Our editor always praised him. He was the apple of his eye. In fact, he always asked us to follow in his footsteps to become a professional and successful investigative journalist. So, why should we kill such a nice person?”

  The Judge said, “Mr. Sanjay Pant, your statement is different from what you gave to the police department as part of the FIR. Can you tell this court, the reason for the change in your statement?”

  Sanjay said, “Your Honour, the witness statement which I gave earlier was under pressure. I got a threat from Vijay, who as you may be aware is a police inspector. He forced me to give that statement threatening to kill me in a fake encounter if I didn’t support this case. I had no choice but to give that statement to save my life.”

  Hearing this nonsense from Sanjay made Vijay very angry. Suraj, Seema, and Gulshan were shocked and surprised seeing this change in Sanjay. He was changing his colours like a chameleon.

  Khurana said, “Your Honour, the prosecution lawyer has presented doctored CDs and now also produced a fake approver who is denying his statement. Mr. Narang is misguiding and wasting the valuable time of this honourable court. It is clear that all the evidence and witnesses presented by the respectable counsel Mr. Narang are fake and with an ill motive to damage the reputation of my respectable clients.”

  The Judge said, “Mr. Narang, do you have anything to say in your defence?”

  Gulshan said, “The accused have changed the test reports and have now influenced our approver. Your Honour, I need some time to bring new evidence and witness to prove that my client’s charges against all the four accused are genuine and without any mala fide intention of harming the reputation of the accused.”

  Khurana said, “Your Honour, this case is crystal clear. Today Mr. Narang was not able to prove the truth. So please dismiss the case today itself to save cost and the valuable time of this court.”

  The Judge said, “Keeping in mind the principles of natural justice to uphold the justice system, I need to give a proper opportunity to both the parties to defend themselves. I give one month to Mr. Narang to prove his client’s accusations with proper evidence and witnesses. Now the next date for the hearing is fixed for 10 th October. The court is adjourned for today.”

  37

  ‘Where There Is Trust There Is Betrayal’

  E verybody was out in the court premises. Vijay was very angry and was ready to beat Sanjay in the court premises, but Suraj stopped him. Gulshan was also very angry and asked Sanjay, “Why did you change your statement and suddenly become a hostile witness?”

  Sanjay said, “Let me honestly admit that Mr. Khurana offered me two proposals: either to accept ₹ 1 crore to keep my mouth shut or otherwise he would ensure that I am killed in a road accident. Also, the editor threatened to fire me from the job if I supported Suraj in this case. I had no option but to accept the lucrative offer of taking ₹ 1 crore.”

  Sanjay said, “Sorry Suraj, I am a practical person and the only son of my parents. If I continue to support you as an approver, then you know very well that these people are capable of doing what they threaten. Taking the life of someone who tries to become an obstacle in their greedy business path is just like cutting fruits for them. In today’s life, ₹ 1 crore is enough for me to pay off my home loan, buy a branded car, vacation in a foreign country and to live a happy and tension free life for a few years at least.”

  Suraj said, “But what about your values, ethics, sanskar and particularly your commitment to me as a friend?”

  Sanjay said, “Sorry to say, these virtuous words look good only in religious stories and motivational preaching; in front of money they have no practical usefulness.”

  Sanjay continued saying, “Suraj, why don’t you understand that your case is very weak. I suggest you withdraw your case against these powerful people as now you don’t have any evidence and witness. Khurana is both clever and cunning. He has already proved today and in future will surely prove your new facts and evidence as baseless and false allegations. I will request the editor to give you back your job. The only thing is that now I might be your senior and you may have to report to me. As your well-wisher and old friend, let me tell you that you are fighting a legal battle against dangerous white-collar criminals. They can make your life miserable. They know how to play with the judicial system by manipulating facts, twisting evidence and threatening witnesses, which they have already proved in the two court hearings.”

  Vijay said, “Sanjay, you leave this place. Otherwise I am going to kill you.”

  Sanjay laughed cunningly and said, “You tortured me in the farmhouse; then how can you expect me to take your side in the court? You should thank the judge that today he has not issued your suspension orders. Maybe during the next hearing, he will pass such orders.”

  Suraj said, “Sanjay you have proved where there is trust, there is betrayal. We made a mistake in trusting you. You have cleverly used us to take ₹ 1 crore from these crooks.”

  Sanjay said, “The problem with good people is that they assume that all other people in this world are also good like them. By this assumption, they easily trust anyone and finally get trapped, as has happened to you. Today you have finally identified the real devil inside me. Suraj, that’s a great achievement; I salute your wisdom. As a well-wisher, I am suggesting once again that they have all the powers and resources, but you have only values, morals, and sanskar which unfortunately have no value in today’s materialistic and greedy world. You have one month to withdraw this court case. Once you decide, contact me. I will mediate a meeting with them. I will ensure that you also get some money for withdrawing this case. But please don’t contact me to preach or to ask me to change my stance. I already received the money yesterday night. Don’t waste my time and your time. Goodbye for now.”

  Before leaving, Sanjay asked Gulshan, “Why are you misguiding Suraj? What kind of lawyer are you who can’t understand that without evidence and witnesses you cannot win your case in any court?”

  Before Gulshan could say anything, Sanjay left. There was complete silence. There was anger on Vijay’s face, and it looked as if he wanted to run after Sanjay to beat him up, but Suraj gestured not to do that.

  Gulshan said, “Suraj, this is a common malpractice that these influential high-cost criminal lawyers adopt. To win the case, they can go to any extent, even to the extent of threatening and killing witnesses apart from manipulating facts and evidence as has happened in our case. Their clients are powerful people, who have all the resources, muscle power, black money and government machinery at their disposal.”

  Gulshan further said, “The present legal system is rotten because of these influential lawyers. They tactfully use loopholes in the adversarial legal battle system not only to win the cases but also to earn money and fame. They are helping all types of criminals, be it politicians, rowdy celebrities, mafia dons or big corporates because only these people have black money and can afford to pay their huge fees.

  Ordinary people cannot afford even an average lawyer like me to fight their
cases which run on for years, and therefore millions of cases are pending in courts. It is said about the present-day judiciary that justice delayed is justice denied and justice hurried is justice buried which is meant for poor people, that is, justice is both denied and buried for them.

  Apart from acting as lawyers, these powerful lawyers serve as touts to arrange compromises or out of court settlements to save the time and reputation of their clients. That is why Sanjay was hinting to compromise and to withdraw from the case; this must be as per the instructions given to him by Mr. Khurana.”

  Gulshan said, “Speak of the devil, and he shall appear,” and gestured towards Mr. Khurana who was approaching them.

  Khurana came there and very politely said, “Hello Suraj, I have heard a lot about that you are a good human being having virtues and no vices. I respect your fighting spirit. I like an honest journalist like you, but I hope you won’t mind my saying that professionally I hate persons like you to protect the interests of my high-profile high net-worth (HPHN) clients, who are the source of my bread and butter.”

  Vijay almost forgot about his diplomacy policy and angrily asked, “Do they provide you just bread and butter or flesh and bones like to a pet dog?”

  Khurana said, “Vijay, I can understand your frustration, but please mind your language. For threatening Sanjay to become a witness, I can make sure you are put behind bars. During negotiations, I follow the mantra forget and forgive. For me, you are a rabbit in the jungle where I am the lion, so I forgive you. This is not the time to fight; let us talk about a midway to resolve the issue. It would be best for you and for my HPHN clients whose time is precious. Let us come to the point. My clients have told me to offer you ₹ 2 crores to withdraw this case.”