The Naroda Massacre

Revelation I

On September 23, exactly 14 days after the first PANM meeting, an emergency gathering was convened to address the harrowing incident that had occurred the previous day at Quantum Heights School. The meeting had been planned in the aftermath of the tragedy, but Detective Arjun had requested a one-day delay, allowing the PANM members time to gather crucial information.

The meeting was set for 11 a.m., and all members arrived early—except for Detective Arjun, who walked in precisely as the clock struck 11. The meeting commenced immediately upon his arrival.

Detective Vikram, leading the session, began with a solemn greeting, his expression heavy with sorrow. With his head bowed, he spoke gravely, "For the past two weeks, we've exhausted every resource trying to uncover the truth behind the Naroda incident—one of the most horrific crimes in human history. We've pursued every lead, searched every corner, and yet... we've found nothing. No clues, no suspects. We were the beacon of hope for millions, but now, the government is pressuring us, the media is closing in, and we still have no answers. Even after thoroughly investigating the school, we came up empty-handed."

He paused, taking a deep breath, before continuing, "Given our lack of progress, I've made the difficult decision to hand this case over to the American Intelligence Agency. This situation may require resources beyond our current capabilities. As such, I'm announcing the adjournment of the PANM's involvement in this case. I will be speaking to the Defense Minister shortly."

A tense silence filled the room until Detective Arjun, who had been sitting nonchalantly with his left ankle resting on his right knee, calmly interjected, "There's no need for that." His tone was steady, his demeanor composed, as he rested his right hand on his left ankle and his left hand on his chin.

All eyes turned to Arjun, the tension in the room palpable. Karan Malhotra, unable to resist a jab, remarked sarcastically, "Oh yes, it's not every day that the great detective, fresh from his holiday, decides to pawn off his pending case onto someone else."

Unfazed, Arjun rose to his feet, completely ignoring Karan's sarcasm. "I took leave to investigate the case independently," he stated firmly, "because I don't work well in large teams."

His revelation sent shockwaves through the room. Detective Vikram, his earlier despair replaced by a flicker of hope, asked eagerly, "So, did you find anything? Any leads? Can you brief us on what you've uncovered?"

TO BE CONTINUED...