It is a Sunday in January 2009. Early Morning – around 6 am. The Union Home Ministry has sounded a high security red alert to all metros. Unaware of this fact, I’m accelerating towards 40 on Arcot Road. Just a few decameters from Vadapalani Bus Terminus, there is a Police Jeep. Three policemen are standing near it. One of them waves me to stop. I stop, wondering why the City Police would stop me. Traffic Sergeants would not cause me worry. One of the cops asks me to park the bike along the pavement.
The conversation, for the sake of convenience, is translated in plain English.
What’s your name?
Anand.
Where are you going?
Kodambakkam.
What for?
Going home sir.
What are you doing in Vadapalani?
Came to refill petrol for my bike sir.
Isn’t there any petrol bunk in Kodambakkam?
No sir. Usually, I refill only in Shell.
And only on Sunday mornings 6am?
No sir. Usually, I fill during early mornings sir. Not specific about Sundays.
Why?
The petrol is denser in early mornings.
Show me the bill.
Here it is, sir. (The bill shows Rs. 500)
Student?
No sir. Employed.
Where?
***SS
Insurance company?
No sir. Software.
Oh! How much do you have in pocket?
Nothing sir. I brought 500 and gave it for petrol.
Where in Kodambakkam?
Azeez Nagar.
Family?
No sir. Staying with friends.
Call your friends. Ask one of them to come here
Now? They’ve all gone to their natives sir. Why are you asking all this?
We have a security alert. We’ve been told to detain any suspects. So, you’re alone?
No sir. One friend is there.
Then? Call him.
Sir, he doesn’t have a phone.
??????
Trust me. All I’d say is truth and do you think the cops would let me go? Can someone tell me the moral of the story?
Friday, January 23, 2009
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What moral? You didn't even end it.
ReplyDeleteYou should have ended the conversation by saying "I don't know anything. They didn't tell me."
Anand,
ReplyDeleteIf everything had been true, from the conversation style, reader can understand that you are a frequent visitor to police station. I don't mean - you are employed in police department or judiciary department.