Collateral Damage

Disclaimer: This story is pure fiction and has absolutely no connection with any actual incident.

 

Today

7:30 AM

Pune city is not known to rise as early as Mumbai. The people are a bit laid back. On this day life was just starting when the police stormed Nafisa Rashid’s single bedroom flat at Abeeda apartments in Kondhwa. She was a fairly attractive woman of average height in her early forties. She was alone at that time and resisted arrest. The police asked her for an identity proof. She showed a driving license. Thrusting a search warrant in her face, her house was searched. A few minutes later the police found her old Burmese passport. The validity date on the passport as well as the visa had expired. She was told that she was being arrested for overstaying in India. She had no choice but to give herself up.

 

At the police station she was asked what she did for a living, who her handlers were and what secrets she had shared with them. How much she was paid and how long was she spying? She accepted that she had overstayed but denied anything to do with spying. She mentioned that she was working as a house maid for Dr. Rangarajan. He was a much respected senior scientist in the Research arm of the defence.

 

9:30 AM

Dr.Rangarajan, a bespectacled tall man in his late fifties with more silver than black in his hair, entered the police station and introduced himself before the inspector. The Inspector thanked him for coming and told him that they wanted him to identify a Burmese spy. He was shown Nafisa through a window.

“Yes, I know her. She is Nafisa, my house maid. But why do you keep on referring to her as a spy? She has not done anything that would make me be suspicious of her”, he said.

 

“Hmm. So what other favours did she give you, that you have such a soft corner for her? We know that you are not married. Did she make you happy? Did she keep you satisfied?” The police were crossing their limits of decency.

 

This angered Dr.Rangarajan.

 

“Do you even know who I am? I am the in-charge of Pune branch of the Military Research establishment. And the charges you are making are far too serious. I want to speak to your commissioner right now. I also want to call my lawyer and the Prime Minister’s Office.”

 

The officer laughed and then his face hardened. “Do you watch too many American movies? This is real old man. The PM does not have time for a womanizer and 420 person like you.”

 

10:30 AM

Chief Minister Diwakar Deshmukh’s office, Mantralaya, Mumbai

CM’s PA Ajit Pardeshi’s cell phone rings. The person on the other side says, “Saheb, both suspects are in custody.”

 

Pardeshi disconnects and walks into the CM’s cabin. Seeing some visitors, he goes round the CM’s table and whispers the same message in his year.

 

“OK. Thank you.” Says Deshmukh without a trace of any emotion. Pardeshi walks out of the cabin.

 

 11.00 AM

As Dr.Rangarajan is being interrogated at the police station, his house is searched. His laptop is confiscated and several documents stored in the laptop are printed. Some printed documents are kept in Rangarajan's house and some others in Nafisa's. The prints are then moved to various pre-decided locations within the city for photo copying.

 

11:15 AM

CM Deshmukh calls the Prime Minister’s Office and requests a top most urgent call with the PM.

“Sir, we have come across serious espionage in the Military Research Establishment. We suspect that most of the information, repeat most of the vital information regarding the research has been compromised. I am sending you the documents that we retrieved from Dr.Rangarajan and his house lady Nafisa’s home. Apparently, he was tricked into sharing the information by this Burmese woman in return for sexual favours. I am requesting you to get the documents verified by the Intelligence experts. The State government is willing to handover this probe to ED or any other intelligence unit.”

 

1:00 PM

The interrogation session and taunts that followed continued for more than three hours, but Rangarajan kept on repeating the same. He was told that the police had his telephone records of the past six months and photos of who he met during those six months. They also showed him evidences of his medical purchases that included Viagra. After the shaming was completed, they announced that he was being arrested on charges of selling and/or sharing Indian defence secrets.

 

“Now you will have to find a lawyer old man.” The officer told him coldly. ”You are now gone for twenty years.”

 

 Three weeks ago

This was when it started. It was a typical warm Indian day. The state’s Home Minister Bajrang Dada Shinde had called a meeting at his home to discuss the implementation of the poverty lifting programme. Bajrang was a political heavy weight with his own set of loyalists. He almost controlled the South of Maharashtra. His supporters who had gathered, were aware of the real agenda. After spending some time in the meeting, he took leave of the party workers and indicated his supporters to follow him inside.

 

Once in the safety of his home, he slowly let his eyes move around the room and recorded everyone’s presence. It was assuring that all the twenty MLA’s who had pledged him support had gathered there.

 

Vasantrao Mohite chose to open the dialogue.

 

“Dada, it’s high time now that you should speak to the high command. We’ve also got feelers from some opposition MLA’s. They will support us if they are also given an opportunity to serve the people. Elections are two years away. If you are able to spin it now, it will be good for everyone.” His loyalists were egging him to take on CM Deshmukh.

 

“Hmmm. Let me think. If it’s for the betterment of the party and the state, I will speak to the high command.” He said that he’d also speak to Brajesh Rathod in Delhi.

 

Brajesh was officer on special duty in the Prime Minister’s office (PMO). He was also the PM’s eyes and ears for Maharashtra. Though he worked from Delhi, he had to the minute information on what happened in Maharashtra. Of late Brajesh and Bajrang had developed a sort of closeness. Both of them had been rubbed the wrong way by CM Deshmukh. There had been some instances when the CM had rejected Brajesh’s nominees upsetting him. Brajesh had retaliated by initiating enquiries into some programmes that CM Deshmukh had started. This led to the two blocking each other’s suggestions leading to a coldness in relations. Bajrang was trying to encash this dryness for his own personal ambitions.

 

Deshmukh had tried hard to find a chink in Brajesh’s armour but had failed each time. Brajesh had been clean as a ducks back. He was smart and intelligent. His academic records were top class. He was from a wealthy family, was very well educated. Cerebrally he was in a different league from the politicians that controlled Maharashtra politics. And there was no way CM Deshmukh could influence the PM to shift Brajesh elsewhere.

 

The Military Research facility in Pune had been Brajesh’s brainchild. Unknown to the outside world, some very cutting edge technology was being used there. In just two years since its inception they had done remarkable progress. It was totally controlled and funded by the Centre and however hard CM Deshmukh tried to get details, he was blocked.

 

For quite some time now, Bajrang Dada was trying to use this unease between the CM and Brajesh to his advantage with very little or no success. He was least concerned with the research going on at the Centre. All he aimed for was the CM’s chair. And he knew he could use Brajesh to reach it. With two years to go for the election, no one was sure which way the mandate would go next time. It was now or never.

 

Two weeks ago

Bajrang was in Delhi for an all India State Home Minister’s meeting. He had sought an appointment with Brajesh to discuss some matters. During the meeting, Brajesh floated the idea of a new state of the art Police Training Centre at Aurangabad. Bajrang supported the idea. He stayed back after the meeting. Once they were alone, Bajrang opened up.

 

“Rathod Saheb, Your ideas are what the nation needs right now. But a bit ahead of the average politician’s mindset.” He went on further explaining and suggesting that the current leadership in the state was much traditional in thinking and oblivious to the changes around them. He also cited many examples where the right amount of support was not provided by the state leadership that caused some good schemes floated by the Centre to languish in limbo. He then gave instances where he was the only one who supported Brajesh in various meetings and at ground level as well. He suggested that Brajesh’s excellent initiatives would get the right support if they collaborated.

 

Brajesh was a shrewd strategist and was waiting for Bajrang to make such a proposal. The meeting ended amicably for both. Bajrang said that he had support of 20 party MLA’s and some opposition MLA’s were also willing to join them at the right price. Brajesh promised full support to Bajrang Dada. They fixed a date in the following week when they would again meet on the sidelines of another meeting.

 

One week ago

News of Brajesh’s developing friendship with Bajrang had reached Deshmukh’s ears some time ago. But now it was gaining in form as well. This was unsettling and though Deshmukh also was close to the PM, it was Brajesh’s proximity and his 24x7 access to the PM that could make things difficult for Deshmukh. Bajrang could be handled easily by winning over his motley group of supporters. It would cost a few crores. That was easy. But the main thorn was Brajesh. There had to be some weak spot that could be opened up. Deshmukh put his PA, Pardeshi on the job.

 

Though the Home Ministry was led by Bajrang, Deshmukh had his own people placed in crucial positions. Pardeshi started meeting various persons in the Home Ministry. Some meetings were in the canteen others in the parking and some even in the men’s rooms. He was aware that some were double agents, but that was OK. It was through this network that Pardeshi found the weak joint in Brajesh’s chain.

 

He briefed Deshmukh. Dr. Rangarajan was handpicked by Brajesh two years ago to lead the Research Centre. During the selection some scientists had been superseded and it was through these unhappy men that the information regarding Nafisa Rashid serving Dr.Rangarajan came out.

 

“That’s OK. She is his house maid and he may even be fooling around with her. But so what? All men do that. And what about Bajrang and Brajesh?” asked Deshmukh.

 

“Sir, this lady came from Burma to India a couple of years ago and has conveniently forgotten to go back. Her visa has expired two years ago.” Pardeshi paused to gauge the CM's mood.

 

“Continue. I’m listening”, Deshmukh was now getting interested.

 

“There are some possibilities here. One can be that ‘someone’ powerful is helping her to continue to stay illegally in India. This ‘someone’ could be in Delhi ‘cos such matters are handled from there. Why would this ‘someone’ help her? And how does this ‘someone’ even know her? It could be because someone influential may have put in a good word for her. She works for Rangarajan. So it this influential person could be her master Rangarajan. He has a very close rapport with Brajesh and Brajesh has the resources to make this possible.”

 

“And what could be the other possibility?” Deshmukh’s face now lit up with impish glee.

 

“The second possibility could be that she is working on behalf of someone in some other country or her home country and using her closeness to Rangarajan to share vital information with those people. In both the cases, it is Rangarajan’s proximity to Brajesh that is giving her protection and will be the main reason of suspicion.” Pardeshi stopped and continued to look at Deshmukh’s expressions.

 

After about three minutes of silence Deshmukh looked Pardeshi in the eye and in all seriousness he said, “National interest is paramount. We will have to take all actions that are necessary. We will not protect anyone who is guilty however high he may be sitting. Pardeshi, start your work.”

 

Past three days

In the following days, the CM hand delivered a package to the PM that contained evidences of Brajesh’s calls with Dr.Rangarajan and Bajrang Dada Shinde. The timing of those calls coincided with the date stamps on the material that was intercepted or confiscated from Dr.Rangarajan’s house.  The package also contained pictures of Nafisa and Rangarajan in his house. Though Brajesh’s complicity was not evident, it was Rangarajan’s proximity with him that could be under the lens. He would have to be moved elsewhere to safeguard the image of the party. The CM told the PM that he prayed for Brajesh’s innocence after all the good work he had done and would apprise the PM everyday on this case.

 

Though the evidences were damning, the PM decided to wait before taking final action. He engaged Brajesh in some work in Assam that was behind schedule. His tasks in Maharashtra were handed over to another officer. Brajesh was told by the PM that he was temporarily being moved away ‘cos Assam and other North Eastern states were lagging in implementing the PM’s projects. He was asked to leave for Assam that very evening.

 

Back in Mumbai, Deshmukh called Bajrang’s main supporters Vasantrao Mohite, Prakash Patil and Avinash Kamble to his official residence. He emphasized upon them that there were some important ministries that needed attention. He told the trio that they were the most eligible among party workers who would do justice as Ministers of State. But the condition was that, they would have to garner support of the other seventeen MLA’s before they take oath of office.

 

Later that evening Bajrang barged in the CM’s home office.

 

“Welcome Bajrang Dada. What brings you here? I hope there is no law and order issue.”

 

“Deshmukh Saheb, you are not playing the game fairly. You cannot just buy my people. There are scores of media persons who are hungry for breaking news. If I give them even a hint of this nonsense, you will have to explain it all the way to Delhi.” He barked.

 

“Dada, you are getting it all wrong. There was a need to expand the cabinet and give representation to all. These are the people who are keen to do public service. You never brought this topic to me so I decided to do justice myself. After all I have to keep everyone in the party happy.”

 

His tone was all mushy and soft. Then it hardened.

 

“And the question of explanation to Delhi is hypothetical. Things are changing for the better in Delhi. Your friend in Delhi has been transferred to North East to speed up things over there. Though you have been indulging in mischief, I have been protecting you for a long time without you even knowing it. There is ample proof that you have indulged in anti-party activities and tried to weaken this state government with the help of your friend in Delhi.”

 

Pushing a file towards him he continued, “And this file contains evidences where you have misused government funds and influenced tenders. There is also one case where you have been found indulging in activities that could be termed as spying.”

 

“These are a bunch of lies”, Bajrang hollered.

 

“Let the courts decide if these are lies. But do you want to wait till the courts give the decision? Our courts take forever to reach conclusions. What will you do till then? You will probably have to go back to farming.” Deshmukh chuckled.

 

Bajrang went through the file. He realized that apart from the spy case, the other cases had the potential to harm his reputation.

 

“Deshmukh Saheb”, he started in a conciliatory tone, “We have been working together for so many years. Both of us have made enough sacrifices to reach this position. Both of us still have the same motivation for working towards the betterment of people. This great nation needs selfless men like us. Let’s again work together.”

 

In the discussion that followed, CM Deshmukh agreed to not pursue the cases, but with conditions. He was not going to let go of Bajrang without punitive action. Then looking straight into his eyes, he spelt out the conditions.

 

“Dada, we need you to strengthen the organisation. You will tender in your resignation and take charge of party activities in Maharashtra before you leave this office today. The media will be here in a short while. Together, we will announce the changes to the ministry and the new role that you are taking. You can call the PMO if you want clarifications. You already have the number, don’t you? You have used it so many times in the past couple of weeks.”

 

That evening CM Deshmukh got a call from the PM thanking him for quelling the inner party crisis. The CM in turn thanked him for the confidence that the PM showed in him. Deshmukh and Bajrang put on a show of solidarity for the media.

 

When last heard, Bajrang Dada was actively involved in building the party base in Maharashtra. He was assigned the task of ensuring the party gets a full majority in the forthcoming elections. Deshmukh strengthened his hold on state politics and was grooming one of his trusted lieutenants for a cabinet minister’s post in Delhi. After all he needed to have his man in Delhi.

 

Dr.Rangarajan and Nafisa are still fighting their cases from jail. They could not get bail as they were charged with treason. If proven, they could be in jail for the remainder of their lives. Media reports suggest that the case is weak. But, it will probably be a decade before the case reaches its conclusion.