The Leopard's Prey: A Raj Biswas Investigation

Unmasking the Culprits

The morning dawned crisp and clear, the lingering fear of the leopard replaced by a determined resolve in Raj Biswas. Disguised once again as the weathered local cowboy, he made his way stealthily to the spot where Vickey Saha and his gang had convened the day before. With a small camera provided by the forest department in hand, Raj carefully concealed it in the branches of a nearby tree, ensuring it remained undetected by Vickey and his cohorts. But as Raj positioned the camera, a glint of metal caught his eye amidst the foliage. Cautiously investigating, he uncovered a chilling discovery— it was a weapon which manufactured using bamboo sticks, coconut ropes and an animal's jaw in such a way, that it looked like an animal mouth and jaw. Some dead leopard's teeth were attached to it with dry blood on them, concealed among the bushes. His heart raced as he realized the implications of his find. This weapon, he knew, could have been the instrument of Dulal's demise, its sharp blade capable of inflicting wounds that could easily be mistaken for a leopard attack. Raj realises after looking at the weapon, that Vickey Saha and the gang must also have been involved in poaching. He takes out gloves from his hidden pocket. With gloved hands, Raj carefully picked up the weapon, his mind racing with the weight of the evidence he now possessed. Without hesitation, he made his way to the police station, where he presented the weapon to Inspector Sharma. The shock on the inspector's face mirrored Raj's own as they beheld the damning evidence before them.

"We need to act swiftly," Inspector Sharma declared, his voice tinged with urgency. "This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."

Joined by Naresh, the trio made their way to the forensic department, where they requested a comparison of the blood on the weapon to Dulal's DNA. Additionally, they asked for fingerprints to be lifted from the knife, hoping to further solidify their case against Vickey and his gang.

Six hours passed in anxious anticipation as Raj, Naresh, and Inspector Sharma awaited the results. Finally, the report was ready, confirming their suspicions—the DNA on the bloodstained knife matched that of Dulal. It was a critical piece of evidence that bolstered their case. Armed with this newfound information, the trio drove to the site of Dulal's murder, where Raj meticulously scrutinized the surroundings. His keen eye soon spotted the fabricated pugmarks, evidence of the gang's attempt to stage the scene as a leopard attack.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the forest, Raj returned to retrieve the hidden camera. This time, he was not in disguise. But before he could collect it, a sudden blow to the back of his head sent him sprawling to the ground. Through the haze of pain and dizziness, Raj glimpsed Vickey Saha and Sunil Kundu standing over him, their faces twisted with malice. In the distance, he could see Inspector Sharma and Naresh, rushing to his aid. Reacting swiftly, Inspector Sharma fired a shot, that hit Sunil on his leg. Sunil falls on the ground and Vickey suddenly runs towards the forest. As chaos erupted around them, Raj summoned his strength, rising to his feet and giving chase to Vickey, with Naresh joining him.

Their chase led them deep into the forest, but just as they were gaining ground, they were confronted by a towering figure—an enormous elephant, its majestic presence commanding their attention. Frozen in their tracks, Raj, Naresh, and the forest ranger's team (that had come running to the spot after hearing the chaos), watched in awe as the elephant approached Vickey, who stood rooted to the spot in terror. The forest ranger officer, utilizing a loudspeaker, urged Vickey to surrender, his authoritative voice echoing through the trees.

Forest Ranger Officer: "Vickey Saha, halt immediately! You are surrounded. Retreat and surrender peacefully."

Vickey Saha: "You think you can stop me, ranger? You're just a nuisance!"

Forest Ranger Officer: "You're facing serious charges, Vickey. Surrender now, and we can resolve this peacefully. If you run any further that wild elephant might take your life."

Vickey Saha: "I ain't going back!"

Forest Ranger Officer: "Your only option is surrender, Vickey. Stop right there the Elephant looks furious! Don't be a fool. Retreat!"

Vickey Saha: "I'll disappear into the forest and you'll never find me!"

Forest Ranger Officer: "You can't outrun the law, Vickey. The choice is yours—surrender or face the Elephant."

With a final glanceat the elephant, Vickey turned and fled back towards Raj and the others.Inspector Sharma arrived with his Jeep with Sunil Kundu inside it, apprehendingVickey and securing his arrest. As they made their way back to the policestation, Raj showed Vickey the damning evidence—the camera and the forensicreports, ensuring there would be no escape this time.