53 Chapter 53
The morning of 15th December 1992 had begun on a sour note for CID officer Kuntal Mitra. His wife Devika made a scene for not remembering her birthday which was on the previous day. She was pacified only after he promised to buy her an expensive birthday gift. Next, his driver rang up to inform that he wouldn't be able to come that day. Then his car got a flat tyre on the road, as a result of which he reached office fifteen minutes late.
The telephone on his desk started ringing even before he could reach his chair. He hastened to pick up the receiver. It was a call from his boss Amit Mukherjee.
"Good morning Sir."
"Morning Kuntal. There's important news for you. A couple has been murdered at Dolphin Heights at Lansdowne Avenue...Flat 8A. The police have already lodged an FIR. We have been instructed to send our best investigating officer from the homicide department. Go there immediately."
"Right Sir."
Kuntal disconnected the call and scowled. Fifteen minutes later he left for Dolphin Heights with two sub-inspectors.
The local police and the forensic department had already reached the scene of occurrence. The murdered couple were Mr and Mrs Sharma, the owners of flat 8A. Mr Sharma's body lay in a pool of blood in the centre of the hall. He was wearing a shawl and blood stained kurta pyjamas. There was a deep slit in his throat which must have caused his death. His wife's body lay in the adjacent bedroom. She had also been murdered in the same way. Both of them appeared to be in their early forties.
The condition of the flat revealed that there had also been a robbery. The steel almirahs, safe deposit vaults and secret lockers had been opened and robbed of their valuables. The police debated if dacoity was the prime motive behind the murders.
Kuntal stood at one corner of the hall and carefully observed the surroundings. The first thing that caught his eyes was a huge, life-size portrait of the couple displayed on the wall. Mrs Sharma looked stunningly beautiful in a red sari and sleeveless blouse that revealed a fair portion of her fair bosom. A heart-shaped ruby pendant dangled between her cleavage. She also wore a matching bracelet, earrings and ring. Mr Sharma, in spite of wearing designer clothes, failed to make an impression. He was an average looking man with medium height and receding hairline.
The forensic department clicked photographs, collected fingerprints and sent the bodies for post mortem. Multiple fingerprints and footprints proved that there had been many assailants. After their departure, the police made a seizure list of the robbery and began their interrogation.
The domestic help and the immediate neighbours were the first ones to be questioned. From them, it was learnt that Mr and Mrs Sharma had bought the flat just a year ago. Earlier they used to live in Behala. The couple owned a flourishing event management company named 'Bon Ami'. Their only son Ankit studied in an expensive residential school in Dehradun. The couple led a luxurious lifestyle and did not mix with anyone outside their own circle.
The bodies were first discovered by the Sharmas' domestic help Radha, the building's caretaker Ratan and their opposite door neighbour Mr Mehta. Mr Mehta was also the constructor of Dolphin Heights. He was a decent looking man in his early fifties. He and his family lived in a duplex apartment on the 8th and 9th floors of the highrise. The office of his company 'Dolphin Enterprises' was on the ground floor of the same building.
Mr Mehta was having his morning tea when Radha rang the calling bell. When he opened the door she told him that the Sharmas were not answering the calling bell. Mr Mehta then came out to check the matter. He pushed the calling bell twice but no one answered. Suspecting some foul play he sent for caretaker Ratan and asked him to open the door using the emergency duplicate key. When the door was opened they entered to find the owners murdered and the flat robbed.
Kuntal was thoughtful. The killers had put in their best efforts to make the police into believing that robbery was the chief motive behind the murders. Was it so? Kuntal was not convinced. Even if the dacoits were known to the Sharmas, wouldn't it have been natural for them to hide behind masks and make the couple senseless? The double murder made no sense at all. The more Kuntal thought about it the more he became sure that the robbery was just a facade to mislead the police.
The Diaries
The first day's investigation came to an end. Kuntal entered the washroom to urinate. It was the typical fashionable washroom of a HIG apartment with all the modern amenities and attachments in it.
After fulfilling his purpose Kuntal lit a cigarette. He inhaled and slowly released the smoke through his nostrils. He had a strong sixth sense that had helped him to solve many cases in the past. That sixth sense was now telling him that there was some important document in this washroom that could play a major role in solving this case.
For the next few minutes, Kuntal methodically searched the washroom but found nothing relevant to the case. He was about to give up when his fingers accidentally touched a hidden button in the wardrobe. He pressed it and a small door opened at the back, revealing a secret chamber containing a few diaries. Kuntal opened the first one and saw the name 'Veena Sharma' written on it. He took all the diaries and left the washroom. He decided to keep them with him for a night. He wanted to read the diaries before handing them over to his boss. He was sure he would get vital information in them.
Kuntal spent the night in the guest room going through the diaries. For a change, Devika did not object. She was extremely happy with the birthday gift he had bought for her. Kuntal did not know why he chose that ruby ring for his wife. Perhaps Mrs Sharma's portrait made a strong impression on his mind.
As Kuntal had expected, Veena Sharma's diaries contained explosive information. He learnt that she and her husband Girish Sharma had studied in the same college. Girish was two years her senior. They dated for four years before tying the knot. Both were ambitious and equally unscrupulous. Veena's assets were her beauty and sex appeal. Whereas Girish's plus point was his shrewd, calculative brain. They used these as their stepping stones to success.
Kuntal was impressed by Bon Ami's clientele list. They ranged from cabinet ministers to movie stars to industrialists to national level sportspersons. Veena admitted spending time with all these celebrities to get work for her company. There were candid descriptions of her intimate moments with these famous people. Kuntal wondered what would happen if these diaries fell into the hands of the media.
One thing baffled him. Veena had repeatedly mentioned the name of some 'K' without writing his full name. This 'K' had helped her during her struggling days and had been her driving force through thick and thin. Over the years they developed feelings for each other. It was 'K' who helped her to buy the luxury flat in Dolphin Heights. Veena did not write much about 'K's personal life. In one entry she wrote, 'K says it's an irony of fate that we are married to the wrong persons.' In another entry, she wrote, 'K thinks he's a bad parent.' From these entries, Kuntal gathered that 'K' was a married man with a family.
Kuntal read the diaries till 4 am. Still many pages were left to be read. He decided to make photocopies of the diaries before submitting them to the authorities. He must read them again before coming to a conclusion.
The following day Kuntal submitted the diaries to his boss Amit Mukherjee.
"Did you go through them?" asked Mr Mukherjee.
"I could only complete the first two diaries, Sir."
"Did you find anything useful?"
"Yes Sir, I did. One thing I must tell you. There will be a lot of scandals if the diaries find their way to the media."
"Really? Okay then, I'll go through them."
"Yes Sir."
The Investigation
The post mortem reports arrived after two days. Both Mr and Mrs Sharma had died from fatal knife injuries on their throats that severed their windpipes. The times of deaths were between 10.30 and 11 pm. The time indicated that the couple knew the killers. Otherwise, they wouldn't have opened the door so late at night.
In spite of trying hard, the homicide department remained clueless. The Dolphin Heights had a tight security system. Uniformed guards were hired from National Security and Detective Agency to keep a twenty-four-hour vigil on both the entrance gates. There was also a guard in the basement parking space. Every flat was connected to the front desk reception via intercom. Sharp iron spikes projected from the top of the eight-foot-tall boundary wall. Outsiders, if not accompanied by a resident, were not allowed to enter the premises without permission. Hence it was almost a certainty that the murder was committed by insiders.
But finding out those insiders was a real tough job. Dolphin Heights was a ten-storied highrise with four flats in each floor. The flat owners were rich and influential people. The police couldn't harass them without adequate proof. They had no idea what could have prompted one of them to commit such a heinous crime?
Solving present-day crimes are easier because of CCTV recordings. But in the early nineties, there were no close circuit cameras, internet and mobile phones. During those times the police had to depend on their internal sources for getting information.
After going through the diaries, Mr Mukherjee became sure that the murders had a direct link with this 'K' in Mrs Sharma's life. He made a list of all the people mentioned in her diary with the initial K in their names or surnames and had them checked. But he failed to find any clue that could link them to the murders. The case almost came to a standstill.
Everyone knows that birds of the same feather flock together. According to that theory, the best way to find a criminal would be to keep watch on other criminals. Kuntal was following this method in this investigation. He had a good network of spies from the underworld. He paid them well and they did their work without asking any questions. He planted these spies in country liquor shops and brothels to look for people who were suddenly spending a lot of money.
Two days later, a spy named Mohan came to him with important news. The previous evening he visited a shack in Phulbagan slum that served country liquor and supplied cheap call girls. Illegal gambling also went on in the back room. Here he met a young newcomer who was recklessly gambling away money playing Teen Patti. He drank foreign liquor, asked for their best call girl and flaunted his brand new Canon camera. Mohan casually asked him his name and where he lived. In reply, he said that his name was Babu Giri and he worked as a peon in an office in Dolphin Heights. He said that he would leave his job and start his own business.
Kuntal had found the link he was looking for. There was only one office in Dolphin Heights and that was Dolphin Enterprises.
Arresting the Killers
Early next morning Babu Giri was arrested from the servants' quarters of Dolphin Heights on charges of murder and robbery. He was taken to the interrogation room where investigating officer Kuntal Mitra was waiting for him. The man was already nervous and it did not take long for Kuntal to crack him. Soon he broke down and admitted being a party to the murder.
"But I was not the only one, Sir," cried Babu. "You must also arrest Raju, Jaggu and Mukesh. We are all partners in this crime."
Raju and Jaggu both worked in Mr Mehta's office as driver and sweeper. The only outsider was Raju's friend Mukesh who worked in the local garage.
"Why did you do it?" asked Kuntal. "For money?"
"Yes Sir. Ma'am paid us ten lakh rupees for doing this job."
"Ma'am? Which Ma'am?"
"Kishore Saab's wife, Vimla Ma'am."
"Who's Kishore Saab?"
"Our boss, Jugal Kishore Mehta Saab."
"You mean Mrs Mehta paid you to commit these murders?"
"Yes Sir."
"Can you tell me why?"
"Yes Sir. Mehta Saab was having an affair with Veena Ma'am."
It was a shocking revelation. Everything started falling into place. Veena's secret lover was Jugal Kishore Mehta, whom she lovingly called Kishore or 'K'. Kuntal felt stupid remembering the sleepless nights he had spent to find out this 'K' when he was right in front of his eyes!
Raju, Jaggu and Mukesh were arrested that very day. All of them admitted to their crimes. Now Kuntal had enough evidence to arrest Mrs Vimla Mehta, the mastermind behind the twin murders. Mr Mukherjee too gave him the green signal to go ahead.
"Arrest her Kuntal," said he, "people like her should realize that no one can escape the law. But be very careful. Her husband is a very influential person. He will leave no stone unturned to get her out."
"Don't worry Sir, I'll be careful. But Mr Mehta can never prove her innocent. All the four accused have mentioned her name in their confession. She cannot escape."
"I hope they don't change their verdict in the court. There's always a chance for them to say that the confession was forced."
"There must be other evidence to back up their statements... like Mrs Sharma's diaries."
"Yes, her diaries are of vital importance in this case. Veena Sharma herself had written there that she was having a long term affair with Jugal Kishore Mehta. They will be produced in the court as evidence. I don't care about the scandals; the culprit must not escape the law."
"Right Sir."
A team of six, including Kuntal and two lady Constables, arrived at Dolphin Heights to arrest Mrs Vimla Mehta on charges of murder. Surprisingly she neither protested nor tried to put up any defence against her arrestors. Instead, she surrendered peacefully. But the police could not contact Mr Mehta, who at that time was out of the city. He was expected to return on the following day.
Vimla Mehta was a frail, fair woman in her mid-forties. As far as looks were concerned, she stood nowhere near her rival Veena Sharma.
"Make her talk before her husband arrives with a battery of lawyers," said Mr Mukherjee. "For once they arrive, they'll teach her to speak in their language."
"I'll try Sir."
Mrs Mehta was cooperative during the interrogation. Kuntal had a feeling that she herself was also eager to speak her mind out. Probably she knew that once her husband arrived, he would never allow her to speak the truth.
The Confession
Vimla was only sixteen when she got married to Jugal Kishore, who was then twenty-two-year-old. Both of them came from affluent business families. Jugal did not want to join the family business. Instead, he set up his own construction company and named it Dolphin Enterprises. His influential father helped him to get big contracts and soon he became a successful businessman. Over the years he channelised his business to other fields too.
Jugal and Vimla were opposite in nature. Jugal was a fun-loving person who liked to go to clubs and parties. In contrast, Vimla was a homely woman who spent much of her time in rituals and worshipping her idols. On rare occasions, she accompanied her husband to the club, but she did like the ultra-modern atmosphere there.
Jugal and Veena first met in a party which was arranged by Mon Ami. At that time the Sharmas were strugglers in business and were looking for new clients. Attracted by Veena's beauty, Jugal introduced himself to her and invited her to dance with him. Veena grabbed the opportunity to impress a probable client. They danced till midnight. Before the party was over, they were on first-name terms. That was the beginning. After that, they regularly met at parties and clubs and their intimacy grew. Jugal got hooked on to Veena's charms and he went out of his way to promote her business. Mon Ami's business grew and so did Veena's popularity among men.
In spite of having multiple lovers Veena nurtured a soft corner for Jugal, the man who stood by her through thick and thin and helped her company to prosper. Jugal also never hid the fact that Veena was special in his life.
In the year 1990, Jugal bought an old house on Lansdowne Avenue. He demolished it and constructed a new highrise named Dolphin Heights. The deluxe apartments of this ten storied highrise were meant for the rich and influential people. He reserved a duplex for himself and his family on the top two floors. And the 8th floor flat opposite to his own was reserved for the Sharmas. He gave that flat to Veena at a throwaway price. The Sharmas moved in and Veena's intimacy with Jugal crossed every limit of decency.
Vimla, who had so far been a silent observer to her husband's extramarital affair, now revolted. It was humiliating for her to listen to her neighbours and employees openly discuss her husband's affair with Veena. She quarrelled with him, threatened to commit suicide, even left the house for a few days but nothing worked. She complained to her son but he refused to get involved in his parents' quarrel. Upon a maid's advice, Vimla even called a tantrik to perform black magic on her husband to separate him from Veena. That too did not work.
One day, while cleaning Jugal's wardrobe, Vimla found a gift deed in it. It was made in the name of Veena Sharma. She was shocked to learn that Jugal had decided to gift his Sonarpur farmhouse to Veena on her birthday. The deed had already been typed on stamp paper. Only the signatures remained to be made.
Vimla felt a murderous rage after going through that deed. In her extreme fury, she decided to murder both Veena and Girish. She thought that a man who let his wife sleep with other men to further his interest was equally wicked and deserved to die with her.
Planning a murder was easier than carrying it out. It was impossible for the sickly Vimla to murder anyone. She needed supari killers to do the job. But she did not know any professional killer. After a lot of thinking, Vimla chose their peon Babu Giri for doing the job. She had known him for many years and had no doubt about his faithfulness. Babu used to slaughter goats and lambs in his uncle's meat shop before he joined Dolphin Enterprises. Vimla felt he had the nerve to kill and summoned him on the following day.
At first, Babu refused to commit murder. But when Vimla offered him ten lakh rupees for the job he fell in a dilemma. Ten lakh was a huge amount in 1992. A little more coaxing and five lakh rupees advance made him accept the job.
Babu knew that it would be impossible to do the job all by himself. He asked Raju, Jaggu and Mukesh to be his assistants and promised to give them one lakh rupees per head. He also gave them an advance of twenty-five thousand each and said they would get the rest after the job was done.
On 14th December Jugal Kishore visited a construction site at Bardhaman. The place was 103 km from Kolkata and Vimla was sure that he couldn't return before midnight. Her son had gone to Darjeeling with his friends for a weeklong vacation. She chose this night to carry out her plan.
Vimla kept a steady watch on the opposite flat from 9 pm. All their servants left by 9.30 pm. Babu arrived at her flat at 10. He carried a bag in which there were weapons and spare clothes. Soon he was joined by the others. Raju, who was an inmate living in the servant's quarters, had helped Mukesh to enter the premises.
At 10.15 the four gathered in front of the Sharmas' flat where Babu often came as Jugal's messenger. He pressed the calling bell and waited. Seeing a familiar face Girish opened the door. Babu and the others pushed him aside and forced their way inside. Girish started to protest but Raju hit his head with a rod and made him senseless. Hearing the noise Veena came out of the bedroom. Seeing the happenings she rushed towards the telephone. She was about to pick up the receiver when Jaggu reached there and disconnected the cord.
Girish started showing signs of regaining his consciousness. Without wasting time Babu slit his throat with a butcher's knife. Seeing that a horrified Veena opened her mouth to scream. Mukesh covered her mouth with his hand and forced her inside the bedroom. Jaggu and Raju caught her from both sides while Babu used his knife a second time. Two murders were committed barely within five minutes. The killers spent the next thirty minutes robbing the flat. Before leaving they changed their clothes and locked the door from outside.
Babu tapped three times on the door of the opposite flat to tell Mrs Mehta that the job had been done. The killers then gathered at Babu's quarter on the ground floor. They shared the robbed money among themselves and stuffed the ornaments and other valuables in a travelling bag. It was decided that the bag would remain with Mukesh till the heat subdued. Then they returned to their respective rooms and fell asleep.
Early next morning Mukesh left the building with the bag. Mrs Mehta handed over the remaining five lakhs to Babu from which he paid the others. Then they normally attended office, as if nothing had happened. They maintained their normalcy even when police investigation was going on in the building. But as the old saying goes, crime never pays. All four failed to control their impulse of spending money and this brought about their doom.
The police raided Mukesh's house and retrieved the bag that contained the stolen items. They were identified by the son of the murdered couple.
The Verdict
A charge sheet was submitted in the court after three months. Jugal Mehta's lawyers tried their best to save Vimla. They produced the certificates of two reputed Psychiatrists in the court to prove that she was mentally unstable and her words shouldn't be taken seriously. They also tried to prove that there was nothing between Jugal and Veena to provoke Vimla into committing such a gruesome crime. But their arguments fell flat when Veena's diaries were produced in the court. It was proved beyond doubt that the murdered woman was having a long term affair with the accused's husband Jugal Kishore Mehta.
Vimla suffered from depression and lost her appetite. She barely touched her food and developed malnutrition. After six months she became seriously ill and had to be hospitalised. In view of her health condition, the court granted her interim bail.
The court gave its verdict after eighteen months. The four accused Vimla Mehta, Babu Giri, Raju Mondal and Jaggu Sheikh got life imprisonment. Mukesh Singh, who became the approver, was sentenced for five years. But Vimla Mehta never got a chance to hear her sentence. The night before the court's verdict came, she committed suicide by consuming an overdose of sleeping pills.
