The next morning arrived, and Nitin's first priority was ensuring the safety of his wife and son.
After making sure everything was in order, he accompanied his family back home, cautioning the guards not to take them anywhere without his explicit approval.
He emphasized the ongoing threat posed by the unidentified killer who remained at large, a danger that could extend to anyone close to him.
Nitin knew that his position as an IPS officer made his family vulnerable, a potential target for those who sought to disrupt law enforcement efforts.
With a stern demeanour, he briefed the guards on the gravity of the situation and the need to maintain constant vigilance.
He reminded them of the importance of discretion and instructed them not to draw unnecessary attention to his family's whereabouts.
It was a tense conversation, driven by the understanding that any misstep could have dire consequences.
After ensuring his family's safety, Nitin returned to his work zone.
He meticulously visited every zone, engaging in conversations with his fellow officers who were tasked with patrolling the city.
These officers reported to him regularly, providing updates on their activities and the situations they encountered.
Nitin's experience and leadership were evident as he interacted with his team.
He listened to their reports, asked probing questions, and offered guidance where needed.
Gathered with the associate and junior officers in the main hall, Nitin engaged in a discussion about the recent arrests made in response to the escalating threat posed by the unidentified killer.
The power to detain anyone deemed suspicious and potentially dangerous had been granted to them, and this responsibility weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Nitin's inquiry was direct, seeking clarity on the number of individuals who had been apprehended. "How many?" he asked, looking at his team members, his face a mix of curiosity and concern.
One of the officers, Kartik, hesitated slightly before responding. "Sir, we arrested four individuals yesterday. And, uh, prior to that, how many were there, Kartik?"
Kartik glanced at his colleague before answering, "None, sir."
Nitin's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise in his expression. "So, a total of four arrests?"
Another officer chimed in, providing additional information. "No, sir, if we consider the total arrests, we've captured 13 individuals across the city."
Nitin nodded, absorbing the information. His role was not only to apprehend potential threats but also to ensure that their rights were upheld.
He had personally interrogated these individuals, and his decision to release them had been based on his assessment that they posed no immediate harm.
However, the next revelation caught him off guard. "They're still here, locked!"
Nitin's heart raced, his eyes widening with disbelief. "Wait, what?" he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of surprise and concern.
The unexpected revelation created a ripple of tension in the room.
Nitin's mind raced as he tried to understand the situation.
His decision to release the individuals had been intended to maintain a balance between security and justice.
The fact that they were still detained despite his orders left him puzzled and concerned.
As he processed the information, Nitin knew that he needed to investigate the matter immediately.
The safety of the innocent individuals, as well as the credibility of his leadership, was at stake.
He turned to his team, his tone firm yet composed. "Let's address this immediately. We need to ensure that the protocols we've set in place are being followed accurately. Release the individuals who've been cleared, and let's conduct a thorough review of our procedures."
As the tension-filled atmosphere in the hall was punctuated by discussions and activity, a commanding figure suddenly entered.
The room seemed to part naturally as he strode forward, a sense of authority emanating from him.
He stood at around 5.3 feet in height, but his confident presence seemed to make him tower over the surroundings.
Dressed in a sharp, dark blue suit that accentuated his stature, he exuded an air of professionalism and determination.
His well-groomed beard added a touch of gravitas to his appearance, and his piercing gaze surveyed the room with a keen sense of awareness.
It was evident that he carried a significant level of influence within the department. The officers around him instinctively made way, recognizing the higher post he held.
His voice, resonant and unwavering, cut through the ambient noise, capturing the attention of everyone present. "No, that's not gonna happen, Nitin," he declared, his words reverberating through the hall.
Nitin turned his attention towards the imposing figure who had just entered the hall. It was clear that this newcomer held an even higher rank than Nitin. The title "DGP" resonated, indicating that he was a Director General of Police – a position that carried immense authority of the whole area.
The DGP is responsible for the overall administration and functioning of the police force in the state.
"DGP sir! What is he doing here?" Nitin voiced his surprise aloud, his gaze fixed on him. The arrival of the Director General was unexpected, and Nitin's curiosity mingled with a tinge of confusion.
DGP don't even looked at Nitin as he pretended that Nitin was not even there and he walked toward his office, he abruptly opened the door and entered.
Walking towards the DGP, Nitin couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
As he entered the office, DGP sitting on his main chair and staring directly at him.
The situation was evolving, and the presence of someone with such significant authority signaled a shift in the dynamics. "Sir, what brings you here?" Nitin inquired respectfully, his tone reflecting a combination of eagerness to understand and a readiness to respond.
In response, the DGP's voice echoed with a clear sense of urgency. "Everything, Nitin! My god, this horrifying situation. What are you doing here? Do you know how much I had to listen that shit from the Governor. That bastard sitting there and fucking yelling at me telling me what to do and how to do things and top of that you let those two fucking important suspects and might even could be the killer." The words were forceful and direct, underscoring the gravity of the ongoing investigation and the necessity for immediate action.
Nitin's brows furrowed as he absorbed the DGP's words.
He had personally interrogated the individuals who had been apprehended, and he was convinced that they were local residents, not involved in the larger threat. "But sir," Nitin began, his tone firm yet respectful, "I interrogated them myself. I'm confident they're not involved."
The DGP's response was sharp, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. "Oh, Nitin! You underestimate them. People wore masks. I am sure that we might uncover something crucial if we intensify our interrogation process."
Nitin's concern was palpable. "What do you mean by 'intensify,' sir?"
The DGP's tone was uncompromising, almost hungry for results.
He laughed, a sound that seemed to resonate with authority. He was clearly unaccustomed to being challenged. "If they don't answer willingly, we will have to use more severe methods. We need answers."
Nitin's eyes widened with disbelief. "That's not acceptable, sir. We can't resort to such measures. It's against protocol, against ethics. I can't allow that."
The DGP's response was chillingly confident, laced with a subtle threat. "You're in no position to challenge this, Nitin. Don't forget why you're here. I was the one who recommended your name for this position."
The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air.
As he stared at the DGP, he knew that the decisions he made in the coming moments could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the investigation but also for his own integrity and the reputation of the department he had sworn to serve.
"You let Arun escape, and now we have not a single suspect you don't know the pressure I am handling here, I have to be out there in the media and those bastard, fucking dogs always barks and yell and I am working my ass off, I won't let this situation getting more out of my hand, If my job got on the line I am promising you Nitin that it won't be good for you and your future. You are understanding what I am saying?"
Nitin's response was measured, his voice carrying a hint of resignation mixed with determination. "Yes, sir, I totally understand that. But we can't hold them without concrete evidence."
The DGP remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on a point outside the room.
It was clear that he was deep in thought, contemplating the situation at hand and the potential ramifications of the decisions being made.
Finally, breaking the silence, the DGP posed a pointed question. "You talked to that woman?"
"But sir what about arrested ones, we have to release them quickly sir"
He turned his face toward Nitin and ordered "You don't need to worry about that, right now I am ordering you to talk that doctor again and find out something, Maybe she is hiding something"