Agent Of DEATH

Episode 8

Bandits of Bezawada

The Police were running behind a few people dressed in Rags, trying to catch them as they suspected them for the robbery that happened in Ongole. Since it was night and there were no street lights at that time, it benefited those people in rags. Still the police was never to be underestimated as they showed their skills even in the darkness. They followed them from the Railway station till the bottom of the Indrakeeladri Hills and right when they were about catch hold of them, they just vanished in thin air like Ninjas. The police were surprised by this and they checked every nook and corner of the hills, but couldn't find those RagMen.

"Close it properly, else they will no our secret hideout." said Mallanna. He then guided the remaining RagMen to the main hideout. They had to walk for a mile in order to reach the main hideout. Upon reaching, the other RagMen were just standing there in shock wondering how they built such a huge place underground. Mallanna explained it to them as the others never visited the site before. Mallanna was like the Chief of the group. "This main hideout was built by a Chinese Buddhist scholar called Xian Yuang, who came to Amaravathi to study Buddhism artifacts. He basically helped the Chinese to build parts of the Great Wall and Gautamiputra Shatakarni believed he can create a defense mechanism for his kingdom, in case of any attacks by the enemies. The caves are mostly diminishing these days due to nature and the environment. At their prime, they helped many rulers to escape from the wrath of their enemies." Mallanna explained everything. "How far do these caves span out?" asked Drona, one of the RagMen. "They connect all the Hills in this region except for the Mangalagiri Hill, which was believed to be a Volcano. It used to connect Amaravathi to Bezawada, but now those caves are not used as they got filled due to the earthquakes and floods caused by River Krishna. They are making plans to build a Dam across the river, but it will take time." replied Mallanna. "Are you done with the informative talk? Let's do something about this money. My back is paining badly carrying these sacks all the way from the Railway station.." Bhaskar threw the sacks and bags of money on the floor. He then went to drink some water. "What are we going to do with this money?" Drona said staring at all the money. "We are going to use it for buying weapons and fight against the Britishers. Enough with all the non-violence and Satyagrahas. We have to show what the Indians can do. Follow in the footsteps of our idol, Alluri Sitaramaraju" said Krishna. Everyone were impressed by his speech. But they decided to stay in the hideout for few more days as the police were searching all over the town for them.

Three days later, Bhaskar went out to get some food and returned to the hideout with some hot Kaaram podi Idlys which was getting famous in that region. He also brought a newspaper along with him. "Bandits robbed Royal Cargo Train." read the newspaper heading. "Bandits!! When did that happen? We were right there. When did this happen?" said Drona. "You know that they are referring to us, right?" said Bhaskar in a mean tone. "Oh. Is it?....Well we aren't Bandits right. How can they call us like that?" argued Drona. "Just shut up and eat Drona." Bhaskar said while giving him his Idly parcel. They were about to finish their Idlys, that's when they had a visitor. "Who are you? How did you come here? Are you from the police?" Krishna started panicking and went to get his sword. "No need for that Krishna. He is the reason we have all this money. Stay cool......I bet you have come up with a plan. Because it's become really difficult living underground" Mallanna said. "Yeah I actually trapped two men. For now, you all are safe. But the money must reach Calcutta before the Britishers find out, Else he is going to get really angry." said Rajan. "I assure you Rajan saab. My group will not disappoint him." replied Mallanna. "Just don't make any mistakes. I have to reach Madras by morning. So finish the job as quickly as possible." Rajan said and then he left. "Who is going to receive the money, Chief?" asked Drona. "Subhash Chandra Bose" replied Mallanna.

______________To be Continued