Secrets of the Past (Completed)

11. The Clues and Murder

7th January 2020, before Swara's mishap

Crime Branch office, afternoon 1 pm

Dev "Chief, the thugs whom we arrested at the Raizada's party, they keep on saying that they got a phone call informing them to do this dirty job and they will be paid handsomely if the job is completed successfully. These people don't look like professionals. They are amateurs. The shocking fact is , all the 5 thugs are terminally ill patients."

"WHAT?"

"Yes Chief, Boss, these 5 people were trained for a month. Some local goon named Ravi was the one who gave them training".

Vasundhara immediately went towards the record room and started searching for something, while the others were still processing the information.

Dev continued " the surprising part is, each one is suffering from different cancer. They all belong to lower income family. Due to unavailability of funds, these people were admitted in Pune government hospital. They don't even know who called them."

Lavanya " the one who followed me, he is of no use. I checked with a psychiatrist. That man was already mentally unstable it seems. Someone has hypnotized him to just repeat the same lines and laugh like a maniac.

Guys, this case is starting to give me chills. We have to get to the bottom of it. Too many incidents, but no breakthrough. The clue left by the killer clearly shows that he/she wants us to play as per their wish".

Neil "Exactly! These incidents look planned. ASR getting hit, his wife getting kidnapped, the gun shots, all these especially in Raizada mansion when a party is going on in full swing. Don't you think something doesn't add up?"

Sonakshi "and the photos in the flower. We need to protect them. There lives are in danger. Chief, you told me to look into the dates the murders took place. There is no significant outcome. The only similarity, both the bodies are burnt severely, and they were found on the 3rd day. That is, Liza's body was found on 11th November, but the post mortem report tells that her date and time of death is close to 8th November."

Ranvijay was about to say something when Ajay suddenly barged in.

"Chief, You need to see this!"

Ajay gave few papers to Ranvijay, who, after going through them, got on his feet.

Just then Vasundhara came with a few files from the records room.

Seeing the tensed atmosphere, she gestured at Lavanya, who shook her head in a "I don't know" look.

"guys, these friends are not so innocent I think. There is proof. Ajay, show the papers."

The papers were circulated among them.

After a few minutes, everyone had a confused look.

"this shows there is more to this mystery. My question is, why only these friends and that model Liza are targeted. Definitely they have some past. These paper cuttings are the best clues. Neil, work on it. I want a detailed report."

Taking a deep breath, Ranvijay replied " I think we have finally found something that will lead to the culprit. It can be culprits too. Let these two finish the work I've assigned, then I can be 100% sure".

Lavanya "Boss, what are these files for?"

Vasundhara remembered the files and told everyone " guys, I have a hunch. Give me a day's time. Ranvijay, I need these files for a reference. Will return them tomorrow afternoon sharp".

Nodding his head, he instructed Ajay and Neil on their work.

Sonakshi was analyzing the statements given by those related to the case, when she saw a similarity.

"Boss! Got one more. When Karan was about to start for his trip, he gave a lift to an old woman. The watchman has given a statement. Similarly, Liza's apartment watchman saw her giving a lift to an old woman. The situations are similar. Because, after giving lift, both Karan and Liza were found on the 3rd day, burnt to an extreme."

********************

Flashback

"Anirudhji!"

Hearing someone calling him, he kept the papers he was going through and turned.

Shaaliji! What a surprise! How are you?"

"I'm fine. How is the marriage preparation going?"

"it's going in a fast pace Shaaliji."

Taking an invitation from his bag, he wrote something and gave it to her.

"you should definitely come Shaaliji, with your family".

She gave a sad smile. "I will surely try Anirudhji. Give my wishes to your sister"

She bid him bye and was about to move from the dining area of the hotel, when she realized that he was not stuttering like last time.