What is the question? │✔

- 7 -

"Ma! Ma! Look at that uncle! He looks like that 'angry young man' right?!"

The whole colony watched the jeep. Some in delight while the others were anxious. But no matter how worried they were, gossips twirled in the air, flowing freely to its own tune. Everyone had their eyes fixed on the Mahindra Armada which rested in front of their Bari.

Sub-inspector Bagchi climbed down. The moment his feet touched the ground, he felt a sense of authority seep through him. Signaling his constables, they marched up the stairs. This was the final visit. Stopping ahead of the rusty blue door, he took notice of the lack of a lock and tapped against the wood lightly. The response took a lot of time but the door opened at last.

He stared at the khaki-clad officer. Was he expecting this? After the last day's questioning, he had been. He opened the door wider. Bagchi noted down his appearance. Criminals often do this. Dress up modestly once they are involved in crime, trying to fit among the masses but failing to do so. And so was Ansari who had decked up in a plain off-white kurta, his white crochet skull cap firm in its place.

"Mr. Ansari. You are under arrest."

Ismail took a deep breath.

"On grounds of the murder of Devi Mandal. You are suspected. And hence we are to arrest you. There is no warrant. You shall be produced in front of the magistrate in twenty-four hours. And you are free to contact your lawyer."

Ismail listened to each and every detail. Asking for his 'Arrest Memo' and 'Inspection Memo', he observed it closely. All information produced was correct. He could not argue.

"Handcuff him."

Once the silvers had locked his wrists, he knew that it was hopeless. The sub-inspector entered his house. Looking everywhere.

Ismail Ansari was a minimalist. Well, circumstances can make anyone come under that tag. Few plastic chairs, few utensils, and newspapers. That's it.

Checking the drawers and cupboards, Bagchi found nothing worth suspecting. Until his fingers felt a smooth and sleek material. Shiny leather gloves are not something kept at ordinary homes. Especially homes which can't have basic furniture. Catching hold of those, he inspected them.

This had to be the reason they did not get any fingerprints.

And even if it was not, he would make it.

Taking the gloves with him, he dropped them inside the jeep. These are useful pieces of evidence. He watched his constables dragging and pushing a distraught Ismail into the jeep. Making him sign the 'Arrest Memo', they handed it over to Bagchi.

Walking towards one of the mute spectators, Bagchi thrust forward the memo.

"Masterji, please sign this. You are the most respectable person in this locality. It would be handy to have you as the witness of the arrest."