4th February 2024
Huu.. Huu...
Rohit took deep breaths regularly as he waited for the secured vehicle to arrive. He drank water every minute but still couldn't calm his nerves. Currently, Rohit is walking on the edge. If his plan succeeds then a lavish life lies ahead but if he fails then everything he worked hard for will go down the drain. A single mistake and everything would be ruined.
This.... this is the thrill he always wanted.
" Are you excited about the cash our head office sent? What are you getting excited about?" Rohit's co-worker asked.
" I know it's not my money, it's just that the responsibility will be heavy." Rohit waved his hand not bothering to look at the person.
***
Beep... Beep...
A horn blared, cutting through the air like a proclamation of clandestine activity. The arrival of the secured vehicle marked the commencement of a covert transaction. Two armed guards disembarked, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. Following closely was an individual in casual attire, carrying a locked bag that presumably housed a significant amount of cash. The guards maintained a vigilant perimeter as they escorted the mysterious figure into the bank. All eyes were focused on the bag's potential payload.
Silently, the man handed the locked bag to the BM (Bank Manager), who, without uttering a word, scrutinized the bag for any signs of tampering. Satisfied with its condition, the BM swiftly entered the password, unveiling the neatly labeled and packed bundles of cash within. A nod from the BM signaled the successful completion of the transaction. The armed guards and the casually dressed individual made a hasty exit, their departure as discreet as their arrival, with other similar packages awaiting their attention.
Rohit, observing from his vantage point, felt a surge of adrenaline at the audacity of the operation. The allure of robbing the secured vehicle flickered in his mind, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Even in his mental simulations, every method seemed to crumble against the reality of well-trained guards. The missing elements were people and weapons, and despite Sanju's prowess as an experienced thief, the odds were insurmountable. Reluctantly, Rohit conceded to the impracticality of the notion.
As the cashier responsible for safekeeping, lockers, and deposits, Rohit held a unique position within the bank's operations. Only he and the BM possessed the password for the intricate safety mechanisms. Following the successful transaction, Rohit joined the BM in counting the money using the precision of a machine. After confirming the amount twice, Rohit meticulously arranged the cash in his locker, a choreographed dance of financial secrecy in the heart of the seemingly ordinary bank.
***
02:00 pm D Bank, Sector N-3
Similar to all the offices and banks, D bank is also situated on the right side of the Jalna expressway.
The abrupt entrance of two helmeted individuals disrupted the tranquil atmosphere of the bank, sending shockwaves through unsuspecting customers and staff. The shorter of the two, brandishing a weapon, aimed it menacingly at the security guard, while the other wasted no time rushing toward the cashier. With an air of authority, he pointed his gun at Rohit and demanded, "Give me all the cash you have!"
In a country where the possession of guns is strictly prohibited, bank patrons found themselves defenseless against armed intruders. Panic ensued, and a wave of people frantically fled the scene, leaving only a handful of courageous souls standing frozen in the corner. The unwritten code of self-preservation prevailed, discouraging any attempts to thwart the robbers, especially for a mere bank.
Rohit, caught in the crossfire of fear and compliance, handed over all the cash within his reach. Yet, the tall robber, unsatisfied with the haul, expressed his discontent, "Is that all? I know you guys have just received 15 crore rupees, and you have lots of gold in the safekeeping too. Give it to me quickly, or I will kill you!"
Under the looming threat, the cashier, Rohit, had no choice but to comply. Unlocking the numerous lockers and safes, he relinquished everything in their possession. The short robber, armed with a pistol, ensured the security guard remained incapacitated throughout the ordeal. The chaos unfolded in a blur, and the robbers made a swift exit, leaving the bank in disarray and the hostages in a state of shock.
As the robbers sped away on a sleek black motorbike, the police were quick to react, initiating a high-stakes pursuit. The city's pulse quickened with the urgency of the chase, and the wailing sirens of a police van added to the chaotic symphony. The criminals, however, seemed determined to evade capture, driving toward the East with the intention of reaching the 'Sukhna River.'
Inside the getaway vehicle, the tall robber and Sanju engaged in a terse conversation amidst the roaring engine and blaring sirens. The tall robber, his frustration evident, voiced his discontent, "Sanju, do you really trust this plan of the mysterious figure?"
Sanju, keeping his focus on the road, replied, "I don't trust anyone, but this plan is our best shot. We have to reach the 'Sukhna River' quickly, or we'll be cornered. Keep your cool, and we'll make it out."
They drove the bike towards the East, intending to head toward the 'Sukhna River'. The distance was roughly seven kilometers, considering traffic about a 30-minute ride was enough. At full speed Sanju drove the bike, gradually overtaking other vehicles. Sanju knew the risk was high, so he wanted to quickly escape the city.
"Black-colored motorbike, stop right there. It's a warning! Please stop! Or we will be forced to shoot!" the police announced over a loudspeaker.
The tension escalated as the chase intensified. The tall guy on the back of the bike screamed, "Boss Sanju, POLICE!"
Sanju, assessing the situation, made a split-second decision. He swerved the bike sharply, taking a right turn into a narrow alleyway to evade the police. The cops, undeterred, got out of the van and pursued them on foot through the labyrinthine network of city streets.
Rohit, who had been watching the unfolding events, felt a rush of conflicting emotions. The thrill he had sought had now escalated into a high-stakes chase. His heart pounded in sync with the revving of the motorcycle and the distant shouts of the police.
In the alleys of the city, Sanju skillfully navigated his bike, ducking and weaving through the narrow spaces. The echoes of police footsteps and distant sirens created a symphony of chaos. The tall robber, still holding the stolen loot, shouted, "We can't let them catch us, Sanju!"
Sanju gritted his teeth, pushing the bike to its limits. The police, determined to apprehend the criminals, chased relentlessly. The chase continued through twists and turns, creating an intense cat-and-mouse game between the robbers and the law.
As they approached a junction, Sanju spotted an opportunity. He darted across the intersection with a sudden burst of speed, narrowly avoiding an oncoming police vehicle. The maneuver left the police momentarily stunned, giving Sanju and his accomplice a slight advantage.
The adrenaline-fueled chase continued, with the cityscape blurring around them. Sanju knew that reaching the 'Sukhna River', as per the plan, was crucial for their escape. However, the police, now regaining momentum, were relentless in their pursuit.
The city, now a canvas of shadows and sirens, held its breath as the pursuit unfolded through its labyrinthine streets. The outcome of this high-stakes chase hung in the balance, and Rohit, standing at the epicenter of the chaos, braced himself for the unpredictable twists that lay ahead.
*****
While the police officers in the slum area often exhibited a lax approach to their duties, a markedly different scenario unfolded in the developed areas. Here, law enforcement officers were swift to respond to any reported crime, their proactive stance a testament to the contrasting dynamics between neighborhoods. The dichotomy in the police force's responsiveness underscored the socioeconomic disparities that permeated the city.
Unlike their counterparts in some other countries, Indian police officers rarely resorted to the use of firearms. The stringent regulations surrounding the possession and deployment of guns ensured that such measures were reserved for the most dire of situations. The prevailing ethos prioritized the de-escalation of conflicts, emphasizing dialogue and mediation over the use of lethal force. Many police officers, in fact, went through their entire careers without ever firing a shot, holding a gun only fleetingly during their training.
In India, the aversion to gun violence was deeply rooted in the philosophy of law enforcement. Stringent rules governed the use of firearms, reflecting a commitment to maintaining public safety while minimizing harm. The scarcity of gun-related incidents mirrored the overall trend of relatively low crime rates, fostering a sense of security in many regions.
This unique approach to policing also reflected the broader cultural values of the country, where an emphasis on non-violence and conflict resolution permeated various aspects of society. The police force, seen as guardians of peace and order, aligned itself with these principles, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation within the communities they served. In a land where tradition and modernity coexisted, the police force played a pivotal role in upholding the delicate balance between enforcing the law and preserving the principles that shaped the nation's collective identity.