Chapter5
The flight from Chennai carrying CG of Government of Singapore landed at Hyderabad’s brand new airport right on time and CG was the first to get out. He almost raced through the vast arrival complex .As planned the manager of Taj Krishna had sent a limousine with a driver to pick up CG. The driver standing with a placard bearing his name.CG had no luggage with him and the important document that he was carrying in his coat pocket. He had written down the address on a piece of white paper. He thrust the note in the hand of driver and told him,’ you have to take me to this address’. The driver looked at the address and said okay. He opened the door of the car for CG to get in .CG hurried inside and leaned back on the cushioned seats at the rear. The driver eased the car into gear and was about to step on the accelerator when he saw with alarm, a police car backing into him effectively blocking his way. Two people emerged out of the police car and walked around to the CG’S car.. One pulled the driver out of the car and marched him to police car. The other person eased himself to take the place of the driver. The police car moved out of the way and the new driver gunned the vehicle to increase the speed , with the police car following . CG stayed put in his seat in a shell shocked state. He could not believe that he was being kidnapped. He did not comprehend what was happening. The driver looked tough and capable. CG was not a timid man. As a young man ,like most singaporeans of his genre, he had practiced boxing and kung fu , but his present position did not give him the liberty to indulge in street fighting. He had already started off on a wrong foot on this matter with visa problem and he had no intention of adding to his woes. He knew the famous Chinese saying ,’’every journey has a destination.’’ So he decided to wait. He watched the driver keenly, especially the play of emotions on his face as he pressed on. The driver seemed to be enjoying the situation. Soon the car was in secunderabad area and into the by lanes of maredpalli. The car stopped in front of massive gates in front of a single story house. The driver honked twice , two long notes and the door opened and car moved inside and stopped at the porch. The driver , stepped out of car., walked around and opened the door and signalled to CG to get down. He said in impeccable English, ”You have arrived at the residence of Major Dickey Gurung. Please walk in and wait at the living room. Mr Dickey will see you shortly.CG got out and looked at the board reading ‘Friend’s nest’ and names of 5 friends who made it their home. The name at the bottom of the list was D.S.Gurung.CG remembered the name , it was etched in his brain by the tongue lashing he had received from the ambassador. The question rose up again in his mind, ”who the hell is this Dickey?”. He crossed over the threshold into the living room, where he saw a stocky short man wearing a khaki short and olive green military surplus sports T shirt. He was holding a long broomstick and sweeping an already clean room. He looked up from his work and saw two men walking in. He recognised the driver and his face broke into a very pleasant smile and he shouted ,’Mouli, you know I don’t like visitors before 11a.m The house is a mess and I am not done yet.”
The CG was thunder struck to hear a housekeeper speak so assertively. He remained silent waiting to see how the driver was going to respond. The driver said gravely presenting a hurt visage, ’Sorry Dickey. I thought you were in a hurry to get your Singapore Visa. So, I brought the Consul General himself, to present the Visa papers to you.’ Then he turned smartly to face the CG and said with a flourish, “Sir, you are in the presence of the great hero Dickey, the very person in flesh and blood that you were so keen to meet.’
Dickey exclaimed, ”well, well, what do you know! Mr.Chu. Welcome to Hyderabad and our friend’s nest. I am sure Our very popular Police Commissioner Mr.Mouli gave you a hair rising drive. Please take your seat. I will be with you in a minute.’
CG was literally sweating. He stood erect, straightened his tie, pulled at the sleeves and patted the side of his coat trying to calm himself. He extended his hand towards Mouli,’Thank you commissioner, you are a peerless driver.’
Then turning towards the disappearing Dickey , he asked Mouli, ’is that really Dickey? Is he really so powerful that he can make a police commissioner drive his guest.? ‘
Mouli replied with all seriousness he could muster, ’Sir, if Dickey wished, he would make the President of our country sweep the floor for him and the president would deem that to be a rare privilege. You can not find another nicer person on this earth. To me God and my boss come long after Dickey.
If he wanted to visit Singapore, who are we to deny him his Visa. He could have got it with out going to your office, straight from your President. But he wanted to get it in proper way. It is His way of testing us. You made a great mistake when you put that reject stamp on his application. Now the whole world and every hoodlum in singapore knows about his visit and in some quarters Dickey is not very popular .Some goons will want to arrange their own way of welcoming Dickey. That means a few heads being knocked about. When Dickey knocks, there is no second chance. So please try to be nice to him and win his affection.”
Kadambari walked in with a tray carrying a pot of coffee , cups and some choice biscuits. She placed the tray on the centre table and greeted Mouli, ‘Hi Mouli. Is it not too early for a policeman to be on beat?’
Kaddu,” Police are the only section of human race to really do 30x12x24 hrs duty to protect people from danger.
Kaddu said , ”yes, yes , Mouli, I know all about it.’ She then bowed to CG and said, ‘welcome to Friend’s nest. I am Kadambari, the house keeper. Dickey helps me now and then in my work. That is when he is not busy knocking some body off’. She offered a cup of steaming Coffee to CG who accepted it gracefully and said softly, ’Well I do not know what to say. I have never come across housekeepers and attendants with such an air of aristocracy and grace. Thank you , madame. To me, you look more like a queen who can mount a horse and swing a sword’
Thank you. I know you are pulling my leg. You will stay for lunch, of course.Pl make yourself comfortable. It took more than one hour for the lunch to be ready. CG never felt he was waiting. He was so much immersed in the socio-politico-economico-legal discussions that went on between the friends that he never was aware of the passing time. In fact he was irritated no end when the lunch was announced because he was just warming up to contribute to the discussion.
The lunch was north Indian .Though Chinese by birth, CG developed a liking for Indian cuisine, so ate with relish, profusely grateful to Kaddu for dishing out an excellent fare.
It was soon time to go. As he got up to leave, he realised that he had not learnt any thing about why Dickey was so keen on visiting his country, why so much diplomatic pressure was brought on him and the awful charade in Chennai with the police.
He returned to Chennai and was soon in the thick of work. There was a call from his uncle while he was away. His Uncle Dr.Chen Lee, the chairman of Little flower hospital, a famous name in Singapore. His uncle had contributed in a very big way towards his education and climb up in the ministry of foreign affairs and posting to India.
CG called back to check. ’Hello Uncle, Sorry, I could not take the call. Is there any thing you wanted?’ A courteous nephew.
The good doctor was in a hurry . He said, ’Yes, Son. I have just seen a note on my desk informing me that AP Police in Hyderabad have blocked two consignments meant for our hospital and the couriers carrying the consignment have been arrested. The couriers are Singapore citizens. I want to know what is happening there. I also learnt that you were in Hyderabad this morning. Was your visit in connection with this incident?”
CG showed concern. He replied, ’No, uncle. I am not aware of the incident mentioned by you. I went to Hyderabad, to present Visa certificate to a person as per instructions of the ambassador.. The Visa was denied earlier and that led to some embarrassment, which had to be sorted out. I sorted the matter out and I am back in Chennai now.’
Do you know the name of person who complained about denial of Visa.
‘No sir. There was no complaint as such. The matter went to Ambassador’s notice through police and he wanted to maintain good relations with them.’
Who was the applicant?
‘A retired Army officer called Dickey.’
There was a long pause. The uncle spoke again ,’ You said Dickey, right? There is no mention of that name in that note. Please talk to AP police and arrange for release of the consignment and the couriers fast’
Uncle, can you give me the names and details of the consignment.
The uncle said curtly
,’ The details are not important. You find out from the police. All that You have to do is to get the persons released and the consignment to be sent across with out delay.’
Okay uncle , I will see what I can do about it.
Uncle bristled, ”That is not enough. I want the consignment at the hospital in the next twelve hours. Otherwise people will die.’
CG asked nervously, ’uncle, are you sure these couriers are not involved in any thing shady? ‘
I do not know about it. All I am telling you is that consignment meant for my hospital has been held up by the police .The consignment was expected to save the life of a VIP. Due to this hold up, the VIP died. You know what it means to our hospital’s reputation.
CG was very uncomfortable. He assured his uncle that he would do what is required.
Un known to CG the entire tele conversation was recorded both at Chennai and Singapore. Copies were made instantly and transmitted into recording devices installed at the police com centre at Hyderabad and Delhi. So when CG finally made up his mind to call AP Police at Hyderabad ,Mouli was patiently waiting for the call.
CG went by protocol making the first call to the IG’s office. He was systematically passed down the hierarchy with typical Indian Genius for redtape,with out the CG getting any information. The questions that were thrown at him at different levels were truly amazing. What do You want to talk about?,
How did you come to know that your citizens were arrested?
Who informed you?
What are the names of persons arrested by AP Police?
No we are not dealing with this matter. Why don’t you contact the police commissioner’s office. They deal with day to day law and order issues.
CG had had it. He wished his uncle had given him more information. The Indian police is more about stone walling than solving crimes. Then he remembered Mouli and kicked himself for not contacting him first. He found Mouli’s card and dialled the number.
Mouli took the call very casually.’ Yes Sir, I remember you. Did you have a smooth return flight? Did you enjoy the lunch?’.
CG was patiently responding to all the polite queries from Mouli and when Mouli seemed to run out of questions, CG plunged into his subject.”Mr.Mouli , I need some information. I have received information from our home office that two couriers from Singapore have been apprehended by AP Police for carrying some contraband. I am not sure what it was. My home office is going to call me any time for information on this matter. I hate to work in dark. Can you please find out for me if any such arrests have been made and if so names of the arrested persons and reasons for their arrest. As you are aware it is one of my tasks to render any assistance they may require.’
Mouli told himself , “very clever”
He told CG, ’’My dear Sir, I can’t act on that sort of request. I need some thing more to start , like some names, some photos. You know, many singaporeans are ethnic Indians and when they come here, they can very easily merge with the back ground, to escape attention.
So with out some photos , we can’t even begin. With some thing concrete in hand, I can locate them and even arrange for you to meet with them.”
CG was very apologetic, ‘no , Mouli .I can’t help you there
‘OK ,then can you tell me what they were carrying when they got caught. That can establish the offence committed by them and I can take up the matter from there.’
I think it was some medical supplies.
‘Of objectionable type?”
Possibly.
Drugs?
No, not drugs. There is enough landing in Singapore from China and Thailand. They are cheaper and cleaner. They have no use for adulterated Indian stuff.
Mouli frowned
Human Organs? Mouli dropped the words very quietly.
CG had a heart attack. He sucked air to calm himself. The talk was going on dangerous grounds for his comfort. He remained silent for some time.Mouli could hear the rapid breathing.
‘Is it human organs?’ His tone a great deal more menacing.
I honestly do not know, Mouli.
“CG “Mouli was thundering now. ”you better find out fast, if you really want my help. Tell me who informed you about the arrests. Get names, dates and information
I will have to check
Do that man.
CG was now really worried. The polite talking Mouli had changed his skin. He was now a hard nosed policeman who had got smell of great case.
If uncle was involved in human organ harvesting and trafficking, it would raise a bad stink and his career will be ruined. He will have to play this right. He should not allow himself to be led by his uncle to support criminal activities
He put his phone down. His mind , totally out of his control , imagining things and consequences that scared the wits out of him.
The way the AP Police Commissioner Mouli dropped the words Human Organs had raised an ethical storm in his mind. Could that be true. would his uncle be indulging in that sort of practice to treat his patients? Could that consignment he was expecting be human organ stolen from some innocent , poor Indian?
. What should he do now? Should he talk to uncle again? if he did, what was there to tell him?
His uncle was a powerful man. He had great deal of influence. He had mentioned about death of a VIP. Who was that VIP?.CG looked at the day’s issue of Strait s Times and scanned papers for news about death of some VIP. He could not find anything useful. His eyes fell on the ever present IPad, switched it and browsed all the channels till he picked up the news he was looking for. The leader of opposition Michael Tonk was reported to have died at a leading hospital due to consequences of damaged Liver. Tonk was supposed to have communist leaning. His followers may not take very kindly to the news of his death, .They would want to find out how their leader died and deal with the hospital. They may raid the hospital. So his uncle was scared silly. Not because of arrests of some lowly couriers in India but because those couriers may talk and reveal for whom the organ was to be despatched. So the couriers had to be sprung out of AP police custody and despatched to Singapore with out any body knowing. That was now impossible.
What should he do ?If he went to help his uncle, it would be at the cost of his diplomatic career.
He stayed glued to his Ipad while his mind was thinking of various options available to him. As he was browsing he hit the communist party’s home page. He dived into it to check if there was any mention of Tonk. Normally there would be great tributes made to the departed leader. There was a beautiful soul stirring Eulogy for the dead man referring to him as one of those original men in white who tried to bring Communism into Singapore with ample support from China. But that movement was thwarted by the government with lot of help from UK. The young fire brand had learnt his lesson in life. He changed his tactics, joined the capitallists, raised a business empire of his own and used the money and organisation to promote communists beliefs , trade unions, fair price shops and welfare measures for the old and weak. He could prove that communism is not all that ugly authoritarian, soulless concept His honesty and sincerity were never questioned. He had a good band of advisors all highly educated and skilful executives to give shape to his plans. His successes brought him more acceptance among the elite and his popularity soared. The government was worried about his popularity. Now he was dead.
Prematurely?. was it a natural death? Could the government have contributed some how to his death.? Should the hospital and the good doctor be investigated ?. Should they force government to hold an enquiry?
Questions and more questions.
CG was breaking into sweat.
He read some more. There was a mention about strike notice issued by the hospital workers. Strike in Singapore hospital? Hospitals were considered as sacred places and service to old and weak was the bedrock on which the whole culture flourished. Doctors, attendants, nurses , they all worked to save life. Yet our hero died. Suddenly there is a strike notice. It sent shock waves through out the island. Bad omen he thought.
Th e doctor had read the signs correctly. The party would want his blood. Nothing would satisfy them. They would not believe if he told them that their leader died because two couriers were arrested by AP police in Hyderabad, India. The Indian agent had messed it up. He should punish the agent
CG could now appreciate the desperation faced by his uncle. He was in no position to sympathise .He had to safeguard his position and image of his country. He had to quickly distance himself from the whole matter. He knew he was right. With that realisation, he got his peace of mind.