Mugger: Crime. Corruption. Nexus

By Arjun Singh Rawat

If you realized that the MLA you voted is a muscular, liquor-mafia, you must feel yourself accused. Had you knew earlier about him, what could your have been done. Nothing. He had to win, as he had muscles power, money-power and an organized party. One day you came to know that the public transport buses, in which you travelled, have been seized to ply because of quarrels between the states. Now you are to reach office changing two-three buses paying three times extra penny. And you see that in a bus three-four stalwart bus-operators jostled passengers hurling filthy language.

While flipping through the newspapers, your eyes strike news about a village-pradhan, who constructed a canal in that place which was far from village and there was no water at all to irrigate. An accused, who plotted crores of rupees scam, wandering fearlessly. To suppress the plantation scam, forest official himself set fire on jungle. An honest officer was suspended because he didnt allow illegal activities in his area.

In your city, lives of seven-eight innocents are crushing under the wheels of bus daily. And after few days hue and cry, the matter has been suppressed or settled. Few policemen removed the fruit-vegetable market of your locality waving their sticks. While you are on driving, one traffic sepoy waved you to stop for checking. Despite all completed papers, he demanded money in the name of slightly narrow number plate on your vehicle. The footpath, which was constructed hardly six months ago, dug out by labourers and new tiles are being fixed in place of it. Whereas in your colony service-road, streets are uneven, damaged badly and developed path-holes for the last five years, drains are blocked, sewer is stenching. Despite complaints, no one is hearing and repairing.

These incidents make you fret, frustrate and restless, and you discuss others to vent your spleen out. There are scores of muggers in society whom you come across daily in your day-to-day life, challenging you and your democracy as well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Feb 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781482815795

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Copyright © 2014 by Arjun Singh Rawat.

ISBN:              Ebook              978-1-4828-1579-5

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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CONTENTS

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

To my parents

ONE

The Sun was about to sink. Its rays were fading. Shadows of hills were becoming lengthy. Hav Bhagat Singh was taking groceries from the market. His both hands were fully loaded. Footway was narrow to walk. Few school children were also following him.

His sight fell on a moving figure hill opposite. A man was staggering on the footway. To support he was using bushes and stoned. His walking seemed he might fell any moment. Hav. Bhagat Singh focused his eyes and recognized. He was Nathu, who belonged to his own village.

Nathu was an agricultural labourers. He used to plough villagers fields and earned his livelihood. He was a habitual drunkard. Occasionally someone offered him drink in market. Whatever he earned most of it spent on liquor.

Hav. Bhagat Singh took his steps fast and caught hold of him. He thought if he fell down the hill, his wife, poor children would become supportless and go in distress, dilemma. He hurled the children following him, handed over his bags. Held Nathu by the hand to support. Footway was narrow, not safe for long distance.

Nathu, your wife is not having good cloths to wear, children don’t have any shoes and you are spending wages on liquor like this. Hav. Bhagat Singh rebuted him.

What can I do brother, sometimes I feel like drinking and above all I couldn’t give up this bad habit. Nathu mumbled in slurred voice.

You can change, if you wish. Said Hav. Bhagat Singh.

I am quite well, brother. Said Nathu getting his hand free. He walked quite well for some distance, but his legs didn’t support him properly and he collapsed right then.

Path leading to the village was quite long and uneven. Villagers used to carry their household goods on their heads. In case of heavy or unable to lift, they were to hire collie or pony. Villagers used to visit the Bazaar for shopping on foot. A school was also near the Bazaar. Work was done collectively and cooperatively. It was tradition in village society.

Hav. Bhagat Singh waved the boys. Few more also dashed towards him. Someone held Nathu’s hands, others his legs and body. In this way, Nathu was motioned to his house.

Brothers, his fate is like this. But our hearts don’t permit us to leave him here like this. We feel pity on his children, and after all, it is also the question of village’s honour. Quipped Hav. Bhagat Singh nodding his head.

They put Nathu on a bench. Cold water was poured on his head. People were laughing. Someone or other used to take him to house daily in evening. By the time his wife also arrived.

Why don’t you mend him Laxmi. He used to drink daily. Said Hav. Bhagat Singh in harsh words.

What can I do brother? He make our lives hell. Why did you bring him? Let him be left there. It would be better tiger eat him. At least, we get rid of this daily trivial. Replied Laxmi weepingly. Hav. Bhagat Singh remained calm.

Even in this severe cold, children go to school with half torn out sweaters and trousers. They feel ashame to go out. And he has no other business except drinking. Brother now you advise him properly. Probably, he may hear your words. God must punish those liquor suppliers. She started sobbing.

Blaming or cursing others will not solve your problem. Only you can mend him, if you are worried about the future of your children. With these words Hav. Bhagat Singh left.

Laxmi lifted Nathu from the bench, put him on the bedstead and spread with a blanket. She made the children to sleep on another bed. Thinking over the habit of Nathu, she also fell in sleep.

There was no use to advise Nathu. Now he had become habitual drunkard. Whenever he was in intoxicating state, he didn’t know who took him to home and in which condition. On the very next morning he used to say sorry by folding hands. On this act, Laxmi forgave him in sympathy. Next day he again came home in drunken state. Outwardly he was a gentleman.

Nathu inherited the habit from his father. Earlier his father was also in the same situation, as he is. Few years back, he died accidentally. He mistakenly took the rat-poison, kept in a bottle. As the poison showed action, he entreated abjectly and pleaded the people to take him to doctor. But they didn’t believe and made fun of him. Laughed at him, as he used to prate while drinking.

In the meanwhile, his body became motionless and he left the world. Only then people believed he was telling the truth.

Nathu also started supplying liquor. He was the right hand of Gajraj Singh. He delivered liquor-pouches to villages at night. He was not afraid of any beast, bitch or ghost. Taking match box or torch was totally prohibited, as it was danger and attracted the police or villagers, which was enough to suspect. Fellow gangsters used to hide the liquor-pouches under the motor-road in kalmats and covered it by pebbles, dried leaves, thorn bushes. And the very next night they drew it out to deliver to respective places. In this way, he was making money without any hard work.

His small family consisted of wife, a son and two daughters. His illicit activities created trouble to them. Everyone knew about their father’s illegal business.

At evening the family was taking meals in the kitchen. Laxmi was serving the food.

Mother, boys tease us in school. His son grumbled.

Who teases you? I wring his neck. Said Nathu looking towards him.

Boys call us son of drunkard and tease us. They said your grandfather also done the same business, and now you will also. Said the son weepingly.

Are you listening? Aren’t you? Children are suffering because of you. I also feel ashame to go my parents. People keep distance from us. Said Laxmi and sobbed.

I willn’t go school from tomorrow. On listening this I get angry, and one day I hit someone with stone. Said the son in anger taking a wood-piece in his hand.

Till both the girls were silent, now they also started.

Father, it is difficult for us to go out. Why don’t you leave this dirty business? said the eldest one.

I am earning this for you too. Tell me who is earning more than me in this village. I am doing this job for livelihood of you people. Said Nathu staringly at them.

Hell on this earning. Somehow your father earned earlier and now you are adding more in family’s reputation. We don’t need your earning. Said Laxmi in anguish.

Just then they heard the voice of Hav. Bhagat Singh. Calling out the name of Nathu, he stepped in kitchen. He heard the last sentence of Nathu.

‘Welcome uncle, please sit.’ Said the younger daughter pulling a wooden-stand towards him.

‘Uncle, please take tea.’ Said Nathu’s son extending a tea-glass.

In kitchen, fire was burning slowly. It was full of smoke. An oil lamp was also giving light. Its light was seemed dim in dark smoke.

‘Lot of noise is coming out of your house. On what the discussion is going on. Is something important? Today Nathu is also seen. It seems that he hasn’t gone out on work.’ Quipped Hav. Bhagat Singh and took a glance at Nathu.

Bhai Sahib, only one thing is left for discussion.’ Laxmi said with a long sigh. After a pause she added, ‘We advise this man several times to leave the dirty business but he don’t listen. And says he is doing this for us. Bhai sahib, it is better to live hungry rather than this dirty earning. Disgrace is unbearable now. She began weeping.

‘Are you listening Nathu? The entire world is against you, even your own family too. Do you know Gajraj Singh has made houses at Delhi, Ramnagar? His children are studying there. And in cities, nobody know about others job?’ Said Hav. Bhagat Singh. Nathu became speechless.

He further added, ‘You and we have to live here in this village only and run our family. People know each other in distant villages. Relationships are binding us.’

‘Yes, it is true. Our world is also here only.’ Supported Laxmi.

Hav. Bhagat Singh said in convincing words, ‘Listen Nathu, children are small and innocent now. Tomorrow they grow, get employ. Isn’t it? Think over a little, who will give his daughter to your son or who will marry your daughter? At least, a good and respected family will never. Nathu was listening calmly bowing his head.

Hav. Bhagat Singh put his hand on shoulder and said, ‘You already spoil your future. For the God sake don’t spoil the children’s future. You have no right.’ After a pause he added, ‘Villagers know you used to supply liquor pouches to Aeroli, Chaundala, Chandoli, Panas. It also disgrace our own village.

At last, Nathu uttered sheepishly admitted, ‘Bhai sahib, you are right, but I don’t know other work too and Gajraj Singh also not leave me so easily.’

‘First of all, you leave this job, Gajraj Singh himself leave you. There is no scarcity of job. We make prosper with honest job. Administration has launched lot of schemes for the villagers. They can engage you at any work.’ Assured Hav. Bhagat Singh.

‘Father, when you go out in dark, we feel like scare.’ Said son hesitatingly.

‘See Nathu, now the children also understand the things. Think, if you become prey to any beast or fall down from hill and injure at night, then who will save you. Do you know criminals have short life-term? Either they kill each other in rivalry or police kill them in encounters. Didn’t you hear about the liquor mafia of Rikharikhal, who killed two near Bironkhal, and at last shot by police?’ Said Hav. Bhagat Singh citing examples.

‘Bhai sahib, only you people bring him in correct path. I shall be grateful to my entire life.’ Said Laxmi with folded hands.

‘If our brother stray, it is not good for us. Listen Nathu, we can only advise you. Rest on you. You have to judge." Saying this, Hav. Bhagat Singh stepped out.

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Gajraj Singh was driving the jeep quite fast. This time he loaded six cans of twenty litres. In the season of marriages, consumption of liquor increased manifolds. From Satpuli, he reached easily near Baizro. No one stopped him. He boarded three-four passengers in the vehicle giving the impression of a passenger-vehicle. He was to deliver the consignment to Bironkhal, Maithana Ghat and other places.

Now Gajraj Singh was driving the jeep fearlessly. He lit a cigarette and inhaled. He offered cigarette to fellow-passengers but they refused politely. It was his own region now. As the jeep wheeled in jungle of Rikhad, he saw a broken tree on the road amid. He stopped the vehicle and alighted. As he leaned to remove, he heard noises of swinging leaves and footsteps. He caught glimpse of ladies descending on road and advancing towards him grabbing sickles and sticks in hands. He remained stay and tried to guess the situation. Passengers sitting in the vehicle also surprised to see ladies in the form of dacoits. Such an incident never happened in this region earlier. Ladies reached around the jeep and removed the cover.

Staring at the canes, Tara Devi said in stern words, What is inside the canes?

Sensing the situation Gajraj replied gently, Didiji, these are water canes and I am taking them to Bironkhal. There is a scarcity of water now-a-days. And grinned.

Let us see. with these words one lady climbed on the vehicle and started checking the canes removing lids and sniffing.

No water inside. The canes are full of liquor. She cried in a loud voice.

Who are you to search my vehicle? Gajraj Singh said truculently and in a warning tone.

Meanwhile, two more ladies climbed and opened the lids of canes.

By what authority you are putting hands on my goods? Get down immediately. Is it your road? Said Gajraj Singh again showing courage but his words didn’t give any effect on them.

We show you the authority. With these words, ladies pulled down the canes on the road one by one.

Well done sisters Many voices raised in unison. Liquor spread on the road and so the foul smell in atmosphere. On the slanting charcoal road, it flew quickly downward.

Gajraj Singh could not bear this. He became furious and hurled abusives, I will see you. I will not leave you unhurt. I will complain to Patwari and Tehsildar. He was continuously hurling abusives in rage. Some of the ladies ran after him with sticks and sickle. He ran away for his life.

Long live Mahila Mangal Dal These slogans were sounded in the silent valley of jungle. On witnessing the situation, other passengers alighted from the jeep quietly.

Ladies were not satisfied with this only. Today they came out of their houses with fierce determination. They were now in full enthusiasm. They stormed towards the Bazaar.

Sisters, let us attack on liquor shops. These kinds of people don’t mend like this. Something has to be done. said Tara Devi in excitedly. They were chatting agitatingly.

Let us go together. said Damyanti in a joyous mood. As they reached near the Bazaar, a small crowd also accompanied them. Some passengers from the buses and vehicles witnessed them throwing out the liquor canes. They transpired others in the Bazaar.

Under the leadership of Tara Devi a small crowd stormed towards the liquor shops. As the shop-owner came to know about the incident, he locked the shop and slipped away for the sake of his life. The agitated ladies became furious and attacked the doors with stones and sickles. They broke the hinges, opened the door and threw out the bottles, pouches on the road, and destroyed the material.

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Gajraj Singh was a liquor mafia in the hill region. Initially, his business was restricted in a limited area. Later, he spread it to Pauri, Kotdwara and Ramnagar. The raising demand of liquor made his business flourished. He learnt this business from his father. His father was tiller in village. Tilling was not sufficient to earn livelihood. He developed his relations with the liquor suppliers. Initially, he supplied liquor from outside. There were lot of customers in near and far villages. Now he became more courageous. Meanwhile, he constructed a small distillery in his own cow-shed. Now the customers crowded there for their daily need during evening hours. His father used to give an amount to Patwari. As a result, fear of raid went away from his mind. Wherever any fair or fete held, he reached there with his liquor can. Even at marriages, he reached with liquor-can of twenty litres. He used school-going children to supply liquor in far flung areas offering hundred rupees for delivery of a five liter liquor-can. Gradually, school children also became his regular customers.

His son Gajraj Singh went advance to him. In addition to assist his father, he also committed small thefts and crimes. Sometimes he took hen or goat and sold them to others. He also manhandled school masters in the school. Anyhow he managed to pass intermediate cheating, copying. Villagers were fed up with the activities of Gajraj Singh. They tried to find a chance to teach a lesson to him but he slipped each time. One day he left the village and went to city. In the city, he learnt the new crime techniques. Now he started threatening, bullying.

Gajraj Singh formed a gang. Their job was to supply the liquor in hilly areas. To carry out this job, he purchased three-four jeeps. He extended his acquaintance with police and politicians. As a result, his business flourished by leaps and bounds. He engaged youths and school-going boys of nearby villages in his gang. To supply the liquor they used to go at dark-night and returned before sunrise. There was a immense profit in this business. To show him sober and kind, and to make his image in public, on and off he used to donate a good deal of amount during religious function like Ramlilas. In the nearby villages, he used to attend the marriages and donated eight-ten thousand to the father of bride. Such an amount was a big one for a poor and needy. Thus, he was regarded as a God in region.

Earlier he supplied liquor stealthy at night in the villages. Now he took the authorised shops on contract basis. He filled the global tender for shops and captured most of the liquor shops at Baijro, Vedikhal, Thalisain and Nainidanda region. Earlier in these shops, liquor was supplied through selected distillery or contracted beverage factories. He paid some sort of amount regularly to dealers and sold liquor at enhanced rates. For making money, he mixed cheap and spurious liquor. People didn’t bother about its quality. They purchased it at any cost. In this way, his earning increased manifolds.

Gajraj Singh ambitious of making money was increasing day-by-day. Now he took the contracts of roads. Extending his acquaintances with leaders and officers, he became a registered contractor. Property, status and experience were essential for enlisting a registered contractor. Trained masons and Nepalese labourers easily available there. His own agents supervised the entire jobs and he used to go on sites only for visiting and enquiring. He managed to give certain percent of amount to JE and other employees for passing bills and vouchers.

With the blessing of Jeevanand, he was now getting liquor and road contracts easily. Other contractors never tried to come in his way. If any challenged, his application made rejected without reason or Gajraj Singh’s men made them to withdraw by threatening or jostling. Gradually, he placed his henchmen in each and every department. Now, his access was everywhere. His ambition was not fulfilled to that point too. He vowed to capture the entire region. So, he organized his own gang. He grouped unemployed boys, goons and wicked in it. Started taking money from the shopkeepers for their security. He also started taking ransom from the vehicles, trucks. And no tempo or jeep plied on roads without his permission.

Gajraj Singh became right-hand of Jeevanand. He played important role in Jeevanand’s victory helping money, vehicle, liquor and his own agents. Because of Jeevanand, police and administration also hesitated to reach him. In other words, Gajraj Singh had independent regime in that region. He instructed from his place and it immediately carried out. Being his right hand, Jeevanand also entirely depended on him.

One day Gajraj Singh was playing cards with his companions. A boy quipped lightly, Gajju Brother, you help Jeevanand with heart, soul and money, why don’t you fight the election yourself.

This stuck Gajraj Singh’s mind deeply. The fact was true. He mulled over it seriously. What kind of deficiency in his candidature? He do all out efforts for Jeevanand. If he do it for himself, has he not reach Vidhan Sabha. Once win, then need not require to go Jeevanand every time. What-else has he not? Huge money for publicity, vehicles for movement and workers at his own.

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A big city. In that city, one small town, and in that town there were numerous colonies, few authorised, some other unauthorized and underdeveloped. These colonies grew without any planning or scheme. Thousands of people thronged towards cities, for quest of employment, job or any kind of work. Someone with his relative and some other alone with empty hands. They roamed around the premises building. Some got employed in offices, factories or shops. Sent one part of their salaries, wages to village to run their family. If able to save some sort of money for years, purchase a piece of small land and built one or two rooms for shelter, to live a peaceful life.

Agricultural lands near the cities turned to townships. Because of persistent pressure of population and urbanization, farmers couldn’t save their land. Someone sold it to the people, whereas some other sold to property-dealers, colonizer on throw away price. Property-dealers, colonizers demarked the land in smaller pieces and sold at sky-rocketing rates. Houses constructed and hundreds of small colonies established. In these colonies, there was no facility of water, electricity, roads and toilets. Only a roof to cover the head. No permission require to construction of houses from any authority. And how far the authority run its eyes and for what. These are termed as unauthorized colonies. After constructing the houses, struggle for regularisation started to save of being razed down by bulldozers of authorities. Facilities like water, electricity were demanded pressuring leaders and political parties, sometimes on the force of votes or bribing. To stay alive, the struggle of man was kept on going continuously.

Sekhar was habitating in such a locality. A small room. A string bedstead, bedding, two plastic threaded wooden chairs and one small stool. Above the head, a loft, for surplus material, covered with lengthy cloth. On a small table books, magazines were lying. In kitchen, small canes and tiny boxes of rice, flour, dal etc were placed. In the midst of roof, a ceiling fan was hanging sufficient to protect from warm. Sekhar invited few of his friends for discussion and exchanging views.

He was engaged in small job, enough to earn his livelihood. Lean body, light beard, serious face and intelligence eyes. Having enough qualification, he was an energetic youth, eager for work of any kind. On getting information about a meeting or conference concerning his region or village, he rushed to listen and put his views too. These kinds of programmes were organized off and on. Attending these programmes, he made acquaintances with other youths of his age and like-minded.

He stepped out of room and headed towards the street. Ran his eyes around. Just then his sight went to the last corner of the street. Two youths were coming towards him enquiring. He recognised them. These were the chaps to whom he was waiting eagerly. He walked briskly towards them waiving one hand. Filthy water collected in the street and giving foul, bad smell. It required to walk little carefully. He took both of them with him and made sat on wooden chairs. Sekhar brought glasses of water.

It seems only we people arrive so far. Said Abhinash taking the glass.

Waiting for others. Hoping few more to come. Replied Sekhar smilingly and grinned.

We hope so. This kind of discussion take place seriously only by sittings. Said Abhinash and turned his eyes on the other.

They heard a noise outside. Sekhar stepped out. One more arrived. He brought him inside and left for another walk-round of the street.

How many are expected to come? Asked visiting person.

Around eleven-twelve. Let us see how many keep their promise. Replied Abhinash in an uncertain voice.

We should not wait for long now. If three-four more reaches, we shall start. Suggested Vivakanand.

Can we accommodate in this small space? Questioned Abhinash feeling the capacity of room.

It is enough. We only have to sit. Replied Vivakanand. He took the string bedstead out of room.

Now space is quite enough. Said Abhinash and spread out a mat. Sekhar went out quickly and returned with one more plastic mat.

Tell me now, how much more space we require? He said unfolding the plastic mat. All of them laughed aloud.

If there is a will, then there is a way. Quipped another.

Till then, seven-eight more gathered.

Let us start the meeting. No more waiting now. Said Abhinash impatiently.

You start first. No formality. Said Vivekanand pointing out to a person.

The person started, Brothers, today we gather here to mull over the existing problems in our region. The region is utterly neglected. Because backwardness, there are acute shortages of employment resources. And unavailability of employment make the youth to migrate outside persistently. In the name of development, there are only few roads, schools and post offices.

Youths were excited, yet there was a little uncertainty on their minds about participants in this discussion. Sekhar was strolling in and out intermittently in the hope of others.

Carry on. Don’t hesitate. One man said.

It is pleasure we are now awaring about the problems and there is a state of thinking in our minds for development. With these words, he finished his talk and sat down.

A man with a broad smile entering the room said with folded hands, Sorry, I am late. All of you are single. But I am a family man. We have to finish the pending-work first before leaving out. He put off his shoes, pealed out socks and sat down.

We welcome you brother. It doesn’t matter. Your presence is more important. Many voices raised in unison.

The second one put his views, In our area, the fields are step-like and also small in size, resulting in less yielding. The crops totally depend on rain. And even the fodder for the cattle is hardly available. Global warming is also affecting. Apart from that, monkeys, pigs are also damaging the crops and vegetables badly.

On his last sentence, all laughed aloud.

I am putting the real position in front of you. This is not a matter of fun. Monkeys are becoming a big problem for villagers.

He further added, A farmer gets only two-three quintal yields maximum even in favourable situation.

Sekhar was preparing tea in kitchen. He was hoping for concrete results. Now the third youth begun, Education standard is not up to the mark. For science subjects, there is no laboratory for practical. There are no employment-oriented courses. In colleges, lecturers do not stay long and transfer out to plains. Getting recruited in Army is the only source of employment.

Abhinash nodded his head, On imparting that kind of education, army is the only option. They can’t look for another job.

He pointed out another youth, Now you put your views.

Friends, liquor-mafia put the region on shackle. Liquor is now become a part of our daily life. No work can materialize without offering liquor, whether it is marriage, or a religious function.

After a pause he added, I want to tell you how the liquor-mafia is spoiling the life of students. For delivering liquor, it pay rupee one hundred to each student.

It is too much. What the patwari-police are doing? One man asked in anguish.

They give lump-sum to them too. The youth replied.

It is a known fact there are lots of problems. Make suggest what better can be done for there. Another bald-headed man said.

Just then ceiling fan slowed down and in seconds completely stopped. The power had gone.

There is no dearth of problems in cities too. Vivakanand remarked.

Sekhar extended hand-fans, books, copies and newspapers to fan.

Once a strict SDM was posted in our region. He took firm steps to drive out the liquor from the region. On finding a person in an intoxicating state, he took him in custody and leave only giving stern warning. At night, the fearless officer used to go liquor-distilleries along with police, arrested the culprits and destroyed the liquor vessels. One man said.

We have to honour that kind of officer. Said Abhinash and look around.

"Do you know what kind of honour he got? In a few months, he was transferred out. Our leaders, liquor-mafia did not like his act. Now you can