The Kalanta Village Murder

PROLOGUE

“We found your cat” said Ayushmann Yadav, assistant of Detective Darshan . The mistress of the cat asked where she was to which Darshan Replied “Probably she was in your car’s trunk. When you opened the trunk, put your cat in and went for your driver’s seat, she left the trunk as she saw a foodlike smell from the footpath of the road your car was on . You didn’t pay attention and closed the trunk. Your house was locked too so she kept roaming here and there on the road. I deduced as much because when I came to your house the scene of the footpath looked disturbed. It could have been a dog or a cow but she had accidentally stepped on the water and her footprints were visible to some extent. As me and Ayushmann followed the footprints until they disappeared we heard dogs barking from a lane. We followed the noise and saw two dogs barking at a cat. I was glad that I reached there before it was too late and scared the dogs away. I saw your surname on the locket on the cat and immediately knew it must be your cat. It was us which reached before time otherwise your cat would be severely hurt. Please be careful from now on about your belongings. You know Going late is better than Going dead.”

The Mistress exclaimed “Brilliant! I apologise for my carelessness. Your brain should be used for much more than just finding pets, shouldn’t it?” Darshan Replied “Thank You So much ma’am”. As they left The Mistress’s house Darshan talked to Ayushmann about what The Mistress told. Darshan said “You see, now even our customers agree that our brains should be used for Something like murders, illegal businesses,scandals or thefts. It has been ages since we got cases involving thefts and kidnapping. We are just wasting our talent being limited to just lost and found cases. The image of a detective as I saw in movies and books is completely different from what it is in real life.”

Ayushmann replied “Well, of course things are dramatic in the media as they appear. You cannot expect police or investigation bureaus to assist them in a big scene you know as it might bring unwanted detectives into this stuff. And on a positive note if we are not getting any cases like you mentioned it can also mean that crime rates have fallen down.”

As they were discussing, Ayushmann’s phone started ringing. Ayushmann picked up the call. “Hello, Ayushmann Yadav from Darshan Detective Agency. May I know who is calling?” The Man behind the call surprised both Darshan and Ayushmann. The One who called was Inspector Ritesh who was helped by Darshan in a theft case. Since then Ritesh has been in touch with Darshan and now he is gonna give the biggest case Darshan has had till date.

Ayushmann said to inspector Ritesh in surprise “long time no see inspector. It has been ages since that theft case ,isn’t it?”. Ritesh replied “Yeah, It has been quite a time. Well, right now I am in a big case and I need Darshan’s help. May I speak with Darshan?” “Of Course you can” replied Ayushmann

Ayushmann keeps the call on speaker so even Darshan could hear it. Inspector now gives details on the case revolving in Village Kalanta. Inspector says “The Older Son of Village Kalanta’s Mayor Prassana, Srinath was found dead in his home. There has been a conspiracy revolving around the village that behind his death is a transgender ghost as per how Srinath’s dead body is dressed. However, Law doesn’t believe in these things.You can look upon the dead body yourself when you arrive in the village.

Mayor Prassana is ready to give all your expenses and plus salary of your choice and his capabilities if you can solve this mystery. I will email you the address. Do come because we need your help.” The inspector then ranged up the phone. As anyone would guess Darshan was ever ready to go as he was longing for such a case. Darshan was feeling the detective vibe and was excited as if he was a ten year old kid. But little was he aware of what was going to happen.

Suspects & Alibis

Darshan and Ayushmann arrive at Kalanta by train the next day. They take a cab to the place where Inspector Ritesh told them to be at. When they arrived the inspector waved his hand towards them. They meet with the inspector and both greet each other. The inspector then shows them the crime scene’s photo. The crime took place in the mayor's own house where his son Prasaana who is no more was also living. The victim wore a saree which was covered in blood. The Victim’s throat and stomach were cut with a sharp weapon like knife,dagger or a blade. Lying next to the victim were bangles. This one clue was why there was a conspiracy roaming everywhere.

Darshan asked the inspector if there was any other evidence found. Inspector said “ except the body and bangles there was nothing found. Srinath’s throat has been cut which led to his death. Police were not able to discover the murder weapon either. The Murder happened around 8 in the morning. The body was discovered by the victim's mother and the mayor’s wife Rupali around 9:30 am.”

“There must be suspects around here right?” Ayushmann asked Inspector Ritesh. Ritesh told them that there were some who could be suspected and we questioned them too. They were relatives of Srinath who lived with him and his neighbours. “May we have a look at their alibis?” Asked Darshan curiously. Ritesh said “You can have a look, Here”

The alibis and suspects were as follows:

1.Mayor Prassana, Father of Srinath:

“I was at my office at the time my son died. I had been called early for some paperwork. I got a call at about 9:30 from my wife that my son had died and the police had arrived . Without even a moment of thinking I took my car back home. I was so depressed seeing my son lying dead and all these rumours about how he was attacked by a transgender soul scares me even more. Just what wrong my son did that now a ghost is after him.

—“Transgender Ghost? This is something new!” exclaimed Ayushmann. “Me too” added Darshan. He asked Ritesh “what is it about this ghost thing that is scaring everyone?” Ritesh said “I will explain it all to you once you are done with seeing everyone’s alibis.”

2. Shankar, Srinath’s brother—

I went to the blood donation camp in the hospital. It has been arranged for people who are suffering from blood loss due to accidents or lack of nutrition. Yesterday, my brother was the first one who donated blood in the same blood camp as his blood group was 0+ which is the most common blood group currently

— “We checked his alibi by enquiring in the hospital and asking them about people who entered. It seems there was an entry by Shankar as well.” Said Ritesh. “I see, may we check Rupali’s alibi since she was the one who discovered the body? Maybe we can find a clue regarding this mystery.” Said Darshan. “No need to ask,here you go” said Ritesh.

3. Rupali , Srinath’s mother—

“I was at the top floor instructing the newly arrived maid about the housework. I then remembered that there were clothes that needed to be ironed. When I came down to pick them I saw Srinath’s body lying on the floor with bangles next to it and the whole body being covered in blood. I did not hear any noise like screams or struggles. About what people are saying about the ghost thing, is it true that there is a ghost's sight in our family?”

— “We confirmed the alibi from the maid as well,” said Inspector Ritesh. “Now can you tell us about this transgender ghost, Sir?” Asked Ayushmann. Inspector Ritesh answered “Well, you see that this village might appear to be a single town geographically but this town is rather divided into two parts. One where all people and government officers live and other where only those who acknowledge themselves as transgenders live. They have their own temple where they meet and worship. Under Srinath, they got some facilities like electricity but it faced some backlashes by people too.”

He added “Since he was good with transgender community, people think that a transgender ghost took advantage of his goodness and attacked him. Srinath dressing as a woman made this conspiracy even stronger among people.” “This is utter nonsense!” Exclaimed Darshan angrily. “First, they seperate transgenders like untouchables were back in the day. Then they accuse that because he was good with them some transgender soul took advantage of his kindness. All of this is rubbish! It could also mean that someone tried to frame the murder on them.” Ritesh said “That is what I think as well and that is also why I called you here.” Ayushmann replied “That is why we are here! What do you mean sir? Aren’t we here to find out who the murderer is?” Ritesh said “Well, you are technically here for that. But what your work is to inspect the transgender community and find if you see anything suspicious.” “What? Then why don’t you make any of your officers do that? Why did you make us come here all the way from Bengaluru?” Asked Ayushmann. Ritesh answered “Our officers have become familiar with the citizens here. You are a newly arrived one. And I even gave you suspects’ alibis so that you would be able to know if something is wrong when you are there. And our officers seem to be afraid to go there because of all these rumours too.” Darshan asked, “But you said that the mayor was ready to pay any amount if we solved the mystery.” “That is still true, if you can figure out the truth in that town and bring the culprit to us you can ask whatever you wish for from the mayor” replied Ritesh.

As they were discussing they heard a crowd fighting outside the mayor's house. They went outside to see what was happening. They saw a man dressed in a saree, most probably a transgender fighting with other man. The man was raging saying “all you do is be a walking dummy. Neither do you do any benefit by working on a job or providing any services and get a whole separate town for free. And now one of you who died is back to get revenge on us. Just what else do you want from us. Just tell it!” Few policemen went to stop the fight and sended all the gathered people back to their homes. Ayushmann and Darshan saw the sight of everyone’s grudge as they were leaving. Darshan whispered to Ayushmann “Let’s go”to which Ayushmann asked “where?” Darshan answered “For what we are here for.”

Inspection

They went to the part of the village where all transgenders lived. Many common people used to visit there so it was not an issue if they were found there. The only consequence would be if they were found out.

Ayushmann seemed scared and asked Darshan “If all these rumours about the transgender ghost are true then we shouldn’t be here. We should leave immediately. We can work on any case in future if you wanna just work for money and fame.” Darshan laughed at it and said “You are an assistant of a detective and still believe in these things. I am sure all this story is spread by the culprit to fram the whole community and escape themselves from all the suspicion. And in the future if we ever get popular there will be so many cases which can be as scary if not more. If you don’t learn by experience how will you ever be prepared for something big.”

They saw a site where someone came and threw a black coloured bag. It seemed the bag contained the thrower’s garbage. As they walked they overheard two persons speaking to each other. They hid behind a pillar from a distance where they could hear the conversation without being caught. One guy told the other one “You see how that man was shouting back then. It is as if because of one person’s fault our community is getting thrashed.” The other guy replied “Yeah, and besides we don't even know if it is really a transgender ghost who killed the mayor’s son. The mayor’s maid was the one who screamed that this was done by a “ghost”in public before the police arrived. It can be that she was involved in all of these and put the blame on us.”

They heard the conversation throughout and left. Ayushmann in a silent voice talked to Darshan about what they heard. He said “You heard that maid was the one to bring up this ghost thing. Why would she do that? And the inspector didn’t tell us about this, did he?” Darshan replied “Well, we wouldn’t know that she is the murderer or not at least not until we don’t find the evidence. And about why the Inspector did not inform us about this can be because he arrived late at the scene. He would not know who made this comment until he heard everyone talking about this. I think there were very few people initially before people arrived and they were one among them. I don’t think even the police or most of the people would know about this.”

They kept on walking and found another group of four talking about the same matter. One of them went like “I am definitely sure it is the mayor's wife. It is an open and shut case. She was at the house and was one to call everyone. It is obvious she killed her own son and now acts like she is the most innocent in the world.” The one sitting next to him asked “What could be the reason though?” To which they replied “Maybe she wanted her other son to become the mayor as her other son was doing well with the public.” The third person asked “She seemed terrified when she saw bangles next to the body. What can be the reason for that?” No one knew a possible explanation for this.

Darshan and Ayushmann were listening to conversation. The person gave their opinion and said “I believe it can be the mayor himself. Look how he stood silently when all these accusations and fights about our community being a burden were raised. It seems like he himself is homophobic like all other citizens out there while his son did not go with his ideology. He thought his younger son could be a better option than his older son as the younger would go with his ideas and follow him like a donkey unlike Srinath.”

The conversation then changed in some time. Ayushmann was going to talk to Darshan about this just when two other guys passed by. One guy said “Why is no one paying attention to the mayor’s driver though. He had so many chances to kill. He could leave the mayor at his office, come back to his home, kill the son and then again go to pick the mayor. You know how in movies the one with least suspicion is the culprit.” Ayushmann said to Darshan “that guy did have a point. Even the police did not bother checking the driver's alibi just because they thought he was with the mayor.” As they were discussing this another person on a phone pass by talking “Most probably it is his own brother who did it. They are all putting up this ghost story just to cover him up.”

Now Darshan took a deep breath and said to Ayushmann “Well, all these conspiracies won’t let us anywhere. We have to get good evidence before we make a judgement.”

They walked back to the inspector after all the things they saw. When they came back the inspector asked them what all they saw. Ayushmann replied “Not much sir, we did find out that the mayor’s newly arrived maid was the one who started all these rumours about the transgender ghost. We also heard about a suggestion of how the driver can be a part of all this. What all rest we heard were just a bunch of conspiracies around everyone related to the mayor family.” Just then they heard the mayor's phone ringing. Mayor picked up the phone. Mayor asked the person on the phone “Have you started the blood transfusion?” To which the person on the phone replied “Yes sir, if we have any other updates or issues we will contact you.” He then hung up the call.

Darshan thought in mind “now this is getting interesting.” The inspector told Darshan “You guys can leave now, your work for what you were appointed is fulfilled. You can now rest easy.”

Darshan replied “A true detective never gives up on a case sir, and a detective like me who is passionate about mysteries will never forgive himself if I ran away from this. My stomach won’t rest easily if I don't find the answer to this mystery. I am not going anywhere before I solve this mystery!” “I don’t know if it is allowed for a non-government investigator to investigate or not but if you do, don’t mess up the official investigation and work without messing up the evidence we found.” Replied Inspector Ritesh.

Investigation

“You said you will solve this case, but how?” Asked Ayushmann to Darshan. Darshan replied “We need to have good observation skills and notice every detail we find. But first,we need to know who the suspects are. Now we know our prime suspects are:

The Mayor, Prassana

Mayor’s wife, Rupali

Srinath’s brother, Shankar

Mayor’s Driver

Mayor’s newly arrived Maid

Next, we examine their alibis and then the crime scene. We need to relate everything which seems wrong according to collected alibis. Here there is nothing we can conclude wrong just from alibis and crime scene. But we did find something new from our inspection in the transgender community’s side of the village. We found that the mayor's maid was the one to spread these ghost rumours. Mayor’s wife also got frightened when she saw bangles next to the victim. That also brings in another mystery you know. But you know just now what I found out?”

Ayushmann asked him what it was. Darshan replied “The Mayor was talking to someone about the blood donation camp. It seems to me the paperworks mayor was talking about in his alibi were about the blood donation camp itself.Also Shankar told the police that Srinath also had donated blood in the same camp. It seems visiting the hospital will give us some clues about this mystery.”

Darshan and Ayushmann visited the blood camp in the hospital. As they entered the reception to sign their entries Ayushmann asked the receptionist where the blood camp was and who was the manager of the camp. Receptionist answered “Blood Camp is on the second floor sir next to the elevator. The manager of the camp is Dr.Raj.”

They took the elevator to the second floor. They entered the room on top of which was written “Blood Donation Camp.” After entering they saw a man in his 40s with a white lab coat. Darshan approached the man and asked “If I am correct, you are Dr.Raj, Aren’t you?” The Man replied “Yes, I am. But who are you? I have seen you for the first time here. If you are here to donate blood I am sorry to say that there is just enough blood for everyone who is in need. I guess you should save it for next time who is injured but don’t get yourself into one.” Darshan replied “I would be fortunate to donate blood for someone in need but right now I am not for that if I have to be honest.”

Dr Raj asked “What made you visit here then?” Darshan replied “Inspector Ritesh sended us here for some investigation purposes.” Ayushmann immediately whispered to him “Oye,oye is it really good to use his name as he told not to mess up their investigation.” Darshan replied “Yes, trust me.” Dr Raj said “Ok, ask what you plead to.”

Darshan asked Dr Raj “You must have heard about Srinath’s death. It has caused a buzz around the village. I heard he himself donated blood here. Is it true? And if yes, when did he donate his blood?” Dr Raj answered “Yes, he indeed donated his blood. It was yesterday morning at the inauguration of the blood camp. He was

The first one to donate blood in the camp. He had a blood group of O positive which is the most common blood group in the world as compared to other blood groups. Also, people with O group can donate blood to people belonging to any blood group. One of the patients here must have already received his blood or will in some time.” Ayushmann then asked, “The Mayor said he had gone out for some paperworks when his son was killed. Do you know what the paperwork was about?” Dr Raj answered, “I think it must be for the permission for transfusion of blood into patients.” Darshan told Ayushmann “see, I told you. My instincts never go wrong.”

As they talked a nurse came running to them. When she stopped Dr Raj asked “What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?” The nurse replied,”Sir! We are in a problem! We are running one short on blood. One patient namely Mr. Venkatesh requires blood urgently. ”

“That is Ridiculous!” Exclaimed Dr Raj angrily. “We had collected fifty blood donations for exactly fifty patients. We collected no more no less. How can there be a shortage when there should be just enough blood?” The Nurse replied “We did have contact with the mayor signed for blood donations we received and it indeed says fifty. But now we only have forty nine blood donations which are being used. We have to find the one which has been lost.” Dr Raj then says “Ok but first put the person on the bed and try with the necessary treatments.” Nurse replied “He was already in bed , sir.He suffered from an accident this morning so we had to convince one more person to donate blood. All of the blood is already utilised and we don't have any more donations. Since Mr.Srinath’s blood group was O we thought we could use it but now find that it is lost .” Dr Raj replied “There is no time for explanations, we need to hurry!”

Darshan and Ayushmann along with The doctor followed the nurse towards Venkatesh's bed. He was lying unconscious on the bed. He had some stitches around the body where he had been hurt. Ayushmann asked Darshan “Don’t you find it strange? Srinath is already dead. What would anyone do with his blood? Is it that some other person wanted the O group blood and stole it?” Darshan answered “ That is unusual. If someone wanted blood they could have asked the hospital itself. Why would they bother to go to this extent?” Ayushmann said “Maybe when they asked the hospital they said they ran out of blood so they just stole it to save themselves or their loved ones.” Dr Raj said “As far as I know,there was no such case where someone asked us for blood and we could not give it.” Darshan said “ This is not just the case of stealing blood Ayush, there is something more.” Darshan called inspector Ritesh and asked “Sir, Do you know how much blood had Srinath lost due to the wound he got?” Ritesh replied “His throat had been cut. According to forensics Blood was very little which was lost from that particular wound but the impact of that cut had led Srinath to die. Even his throat bone had a little injury.” Darshan then asked “Can you send me the photo of the dead body immediately. And if possible send the earliest photo of the dead body whether it was shot by police or anyone else.” Inspector Ritesh sended them the photo. After looking at the photo it seemed Darshan lost his mind. He asked Dr Raj his phone number so that he could again contact him if needed. He collected the number and then ran towards the trangender’s territory. Ayushmann ran after him. Darshan found a rickshaw and asked the driver to take him to the entrance of transgender’s territory. The rickshaw driver was confused as he thought no one would like to go there. But since it was only till entrance he said yes. Ayushmann came running and sat beside Darshan in the rickshaw. He said (breathing heavily) “Wait for me, I am your partner don’t leave me alone especially in a village where a murderer is roaming!” Darshan said “Ah, I am sorry. I almost found out the trick behind the murder that happened. I got so thrilled that I couldn’t help myself.” Ayushmann asked “What are you upto now?” Darshan took his phone out and showed the photo of the dead body which inspector Ritesh had sended. He said “Look Ayush, the dead body here. As per what the Inspector had told, what do you find unusual?” Ayushmann said “A man wearing a saree lying dead and a pair of bangles beside him. What can be more unusual?” Darshan said “No Ayush! I am asking as per what the inspector said!” Ayushmann replied “I don’t get it! What is so wrong in this that made you thrilled?” Darshan said “Look, inspector said Srinath did not lose much blood from throat cut. But look, the saree is covered in blood completely. Also if there was so much blood too that covered the clothes, there should be an amount of blood going underneath the saree too. But that seems not the case here. Also see how much blood is poured on the floor beside the neck and on the saree. I think that Srinath was killed when he wore gents clothes and then his clothes were removed and changed with a saree. His clothes most probably have been thrown in transgender’s territory so that even if someone found it out the suspicion towards transgenders would increase. I think both the culprit's and victim’s clothes were abandoned since there would be blood on them. After reaching there I want you to call inspector Ritesh to ask him what clothes Srinath wore. Meanwhile I would search for the abandoned clothes.

Darshan and Ayushmann reached at transgender territory. There was someone who was cleaning the ground where the garbage was collected which they saw earlier. Darshan started asking everyone if anyone saw someone throwing or keeping some clothes or a bag somewhere. The response didn’t seem well. Meanwhile, as Ayushmann had been instructed he called inspector Ritesh to ask for the description of Srinath. Ritesh asked the mayor about it. At the garbage site, as workers lift the garbage bags and put them inside the truck they found some stuff. There was a noise at the site. Darshan went to see what happened. He went there and was even more shocked than the workers. As he was digesting the thing he saw Ayushmann came running towards him saying he got what Srinath had worn. What Ayushmann said and what Darshan had found matched each other. “A jeans with a white Flauren shirt which he bought yesterday for inauguration.” However, when the garbage was getting removed they found a pair of the same clothes but different colours. One white shirt which was almost covered with blood from collar to the bottom and another Flauren company’s yellow shirt which had some sprinkles of blood, one jeans which too had some blood and another black pants which seemed unaffected with blood. All of the clothes were obviously covered with mud.

Darshan asked the people nearby who sells Flauren shirts. They told him that a shop on the other side of the village sold those. Darshan and Ayushmann immediately took a rickshaw towards that shop. When they reached the shop, they asked the shopkeeper if he had sold any Flauren company’s clothes. The shopkeeper said “there was one person who bought them from here the day before yesterday.” When he told the name all the mysteries of the Kalanta village had been solved.

Deduction

Darshan and Ayushmann went to the mayor’s house where the crime was committed. Darshan opened the cupboard near the dead body outside the kitchen. After seeing the opened cupboard he smiled and closed the door. Then he went to Inspector Ritesh and said “Sir, I request all the prime suspects: Mayor Prassana, Mayor’s wife Rupali, Mayor’s newly arrived Maid, Srinath’s brother Shankar and also Mayor’s Driver to gather at the crime scene. ” Inspector Ritesh asked “ What is it that you want to discuss so urgently?” Darshan answered “ I have found out the truth behind the murder. I want all of the villagers to know what they think is the opposite of what really happened.” Ritesh said “You are sure of what you are going to accuse right? Because if your deduction is wrong and you blame someone you may be in trouble.” Darshan answered “Yes sir, no doubt this is it and there can be no more or no less than this.”

The suspects gathered at the police's order. The crowd was discussing why they were bought here. Darshan then came and told everyone “I was the one to call you all. I know you must have many questions in your head but bear with me for sometime.” Mayor asked Darshan “Who are you though? I haven’t heard about you?” Darshan replied “ My name is Darshan, this is my assistant Ayushmann and I am a DETECTIVE. I was called here to inspect the transgender territory on behalf of the police. However as I have a detective’s blood I couldn’t resist myself but got involved with the case and committed to solve it. And no one would have thought I could. But guess what? I have indeed solved the case!” The maid asked “ Is it really someone from those transgenders? Tell me it is!” Ayushmann answered “I am sorry to say but that is not the case. By the way, why are you so obsessed with transgender ghost thing?” The maid answered “Ah, I saw Mr Prassana’s son dead in a saree. I had heard about an urban legend similar to this in my childhood. So I thought of this when I saw the body.” Darshan replied “I heard you were the first one to come up with this rumour, is it true?” The maid answered “I think so, yes, and what I said would be the suitable explanation.” Darshan said “Well, anyways this is not the case. How the murder was done and who did it will be shown now. First, let me ask some questions.

Darshan then asks Rupali “ You discovered the body at 9:30 am right?” Rupali said yes. Darshan then adds “ Forensics says Srinath was dead at 8 but you found the body at 9:30. Where was the body till then?” Rupali says “I don’t know but it was not here I am sure. I was instructing the maid here until I went up to show her work up there. When I came back I saw this body dead. I don’t know how it got there.”

“Now onto you Mr. Shankar” Said Darshan. “You said you went to the blood camp to check on the situation there. When did you go there and when did you leave?” Shankar said “I was there at about 8:30 am and left around 8:50.” Darshan said “I see.”

Darshan went to the cupboard and opened the door. Everyone was confused about what he was trying to show. Darshan then said “Inspector, did you check upon the cupboard?” Inspector said “Yes, but we didn’t find anything much relevant to the case.” Darshan laughed and said “Sir, you looked upon a very important clue and left it as irrelevant.” Inspector replied “what are you talking about?” Darshan then showed the opened cupboard to everyone.There were footprints mixed together with some sand on the surface of the cupboard. “You did notice this right?” Darshan asked the inspector. Inspector said “Yes I did, but it seemed to me these were for some household work so I left it there itself.” Darshan said “well these have a role in the murder. I will explain to you bit by bit.”

Darshan starts by “The culprit said Srinath that as it was an occasion for the inauguration of the blood camp he should wear a new white dress he gave. Srinath wore them yesterday morning for inauguration. When he came from inauguration around 7:30 he got a call to come to the garbage site as there was a problem. He went there around 7:55. His mouth got covered by a cloth and was taken behind the garbage site and his throat was cut up. The good thing for the culprit was that both them and Srinath wore new clothes from the Flauren company. After they had confirmed his death they changed both their and Srinath’s clothes. The culprit wore ideal clothes whereas he made Srinath wear a saree. They changed their own clothes as Srinath’s blood would dry enough for change. Now before I continue I want to ask Mrs. Rupali, you were more frightened than usual by the site then, weren’t you?” Rupali answered “I was frightened as my own son had died. Which mother won’t be terrified seeing her own son’s dead body?” Darshan replied “Obviously every mother will. But if I am right, that saree which Srinath wore was your newly bought one too, wasn't it? You bought it only a month ago but you never wore it. Almost no one, even the mayor, knew about it. It was a very common expense to be discussed among the family for you. This attitude made the culprit use it for his trick. You didn’t say a word about it as you thought suspicion would be directly on you.” Rupali said “Yes, it was mine! But I didn’t kill my own son! Please believe me!” Darshan replied “Don’t be impatient, everything will be revealed very soon. Stay here till then.”

Darshan then added “The culprit took his car back home. They were gonna prepare the crime scene but saw Rupali waking up. They then hide in the cupboard. Hence the footprints came there. After Rupali left the culprit came out of the cupboard, dropped the dead body and poured the BLOOD DONATION they acquired from the BLOOD CAMP on it.”

Ayushmann asked “ I had this question in mind, wouldn’t it have been easier if the body was left on the garbage site itself?” Darshan replied “maybe it would but the killer’s motive to kill Srinath was most probably to gain power Srinath had. If he would have put the blame on transgenders he would have not only got Srinath’s power in local government but also people’s trust. Mayor, you said you were gone for some paperwork during the murder. What paperwork was it about?” Mayor answered “Ah, it was just some formalities on allowing the blood camp for transfusion of blood.” Darshan then asked “How many blood donations were supposed to be in the camp today?” Mayor answered “ If I remember correctly it was fifty.” Ayushmann then said “Well,sir, in the blood camp there were only forty nine donations!” Mayor then said “I may be wrong you know. With so much work you end up forgetting things.” Darshan said “No, you did not forget anything. At least not right now.”

Now Darshan had a smirk on face. He continued saying “The killer is none other than Srinath’s brother and Mayor’s son, SHANKAR!” Shankar got frightened and said “Wha-What! How am I the killer? I am Srinath’s brother! How can I kill him! Don’t you dare go around putting False accusations on me, you Mr. wanna be a detective!” Darshan smiled and said “Fine, if you want it this way let me expose your whole plan to everyone.”

Darshan took a deep breath and said “Firstly, I believe some numbers are wrong. You arrived at the blood donation camp at 7:20 am and not 7:30. I asked the hospital to check your entry time and they said you came there at 7:20. Am I right?” Shankar said “Even if I did, what would you make of it?” Darshan said “Thank you, you confirmed that. Now my job has become easier. As I said you gave a new dress to Srinath and made him wear it. You went to camp at 7:20 am and did all the checks within 7:30-7:35 am. You did not take your driver with you and told him to go for a holiday, didn't you ?” Shankar said “Yeah, it had been a time since he took a holiday and plus on the blood donation day it would have been not much work so I gave him a leave.” Darshan said “You did not give him a leave for his sake but your own sake! You went to a blood camp to steal the blood donation which was given by Srinath and not for a real check. You called Srinath, killed him, dressed him as a woman so that everyone thinks there was a shadow of transgender on him. You parked the car near the garbage collection site itself. As soon as you were done with the killing you took the corpse into the car and put it in a suitcase. You bought it home and when you saw Rupali you hid yourself with the suitcase in the cupboard. Since if anyone discovered at that time your alibi would have been failed. You looked upon if she left with the peephole on the cupboard's door. As soon as she left you closed the main door, took the corpse out and poured the blood you acquired from the camp and then threw the bangles along with it. Just how many things do you carry at once?” Shankar said “You see too many detective stories sir. Anyways you don’t have any proof of anything, do you?” Darshan said “fortunately or unfortunately I do. Ayushmann, please show him the flauren shirts we found.” Ayushmann then brings the shirts they found at the crime scene. Darshan adds “It seems there is only one guy who sells Flauren company’s shirt in this village. We asked him and he said it was only you who bought these shirts. The yellow one with blood sprinkles on sleeves and collar and white one covered in blood. Maybe this rings a bell?” Shankar says “I did bring Flauren shirts but that doesn’t prove anything. Maybe someone bought it a long time back and used it for the murder?” Darshan took a breath and said “Ah, I suspected this. I knew you were not gonna give up that easily. Well I have found the suitcase where you kept the body too. Ayush, please bring that in!” Ayushmann brings a suitcase. He opens and shows it to everyone. Inside the suitcase was blood all over the place. Darshan said “See this, this is where you kept Srinath’s corpse. You kept it inside here. We found it out. You threw it near the temple at transgenders’ territory so that suspicion goes there. “ Shankar said “No, don’t frame anything not confirmed on me. I am not the one who threw it there.” Darshan raged “You did! You killed Srinath and the corpse here threw the suitcase at the temple!” Shankar raged in return “No! I did not! I did not throw it there.” Darshan said “Why can’t you? You need to get away with a suitcase right? How would you do so? You threw it there to have suspicion on them!” Shankar now lost patience. He said “ No I did not!” Darshan said “Why can’t you?” Shankar then said “Because I BURNED THE SUITCASE and did not throw it!” It was at this moment that Shankar knew he messed up. Darshan smiled and said “It’s dumb. Both you and your trick. I knew you would have burned the suitcase or dumped it somewhere we wouldn’t know. Even if we found out you would say it is not yours. So I had to play some tricks” Now Ayushmann got a moment to speak. He said “All your tricks are now in light. But one question before you are arrested. Why would you kill your own brother?”

Shankar’s face seemed like he was about to cry. He knelt on the ground facing upward and said “All my life, I have seen Srinath being praised everywhere. He was good at games in school. Even teachers liked him and complimented him for his doings. He topped in the exams whereas I scored till eighty percent. I was never appreciated for it but Shankar was praised for every little thing he did. That was still ok but even now he got a big seat in the village’s government. I was ignored like I did not exist. And now he had a liking among the transgender community too! The family, government, schools, everyone liked him. If I had not stopped in his initial days I would have to struggle for every piece of food for my life.” Ayushmann asked “ Why did you put the blame on transgender community then? Why would you blame them for the murder when you could have taken their support?” Shankar answered “Though Srinath was getting familiar with them they were not given equal rights in the village like voting rights. If I did something which would be noticed by the voters I would have been in power. I too have been hearing about this urban legend of transgender ghosts since childhood. So I thought it would be a good time to use the fear of people into the murder. It is thanks to you guys that I am caught.”

Darshan said “Even if Srinath was better than you the whole time the better fight to put up would be to be even better than him. Even if we weren’t here, all your life you would have thought of killing your own brother and so will you now in prison. Even if you got the biggest powers and biggest fame your guilt would have been with you all your life. Well, it seems I can’t be helped now. Inspector I think you know what should be done now.” Darshan and Ayushmann walk out of the house and inspector Ritesh arrests Shankar.

Darshan says to Ayushmann “Can you call Dr Raj for me now.” Ayushmann calls Dr raj. The doctor picks up the call. Ayushmann “Hello, Doctor?” Raj says “Yes? How can I help you?” Ayushmann says “Darshan wanted to talk to you.” Ayushmann hands over the phone to Darshan. Darshan says “Doctor, how is Venkatesh’s health?” Dr Raj replies “He is doing well right now thanks to our immediate treatment but he needs blood within sometime or else he can even die.” Darshan says “Wait for me there, I am heading there right now.”

Epilogue

Darshan and Ayushmann take a rickshaw to the hospital in the village. Ayushmann says “Are you sure you wanna do this?” Darshan replies “I am.” Dr Raj comes and greets Darshan and Ayushmann. He says “Mind if I know what your blood group is Darshan?” Darshan replied “Sure, it is the rarest blood group as per stats.” Dr Raj replied “Rh null?” Darshan laughed and said “No No, not that rare. My blood group is O negative. You know O blood group can be donated to anyone and I have that speciality.” Dr Raj replied “It is grateful for you to help a stranger you didn't even know before. Are you really sure you wanna do this?” Darshan said “No doubt. I have been given this speciality. It would be a waste if I can’t save a person. I don’t think you will find anyone else ready to donate blood since everyone who could have already donated.” Dr Raj said “Alright, first, we will need some signatures. You can read the terms and discuss with me if you have any doubt. Then we will need to test your blood if it is good for transfusion.” Darshan said “Sure.”

The blood donation process became successful. Dr Raj said “The patient will gain consciousness in some hours. Darshan said “We will need to leave right now. When he wakes up and asks who helped him say “ A messenger from god did.”

As Ayushmann and Darshan walked out of the hospital they were surrounded by a crowd of reporters from state tv channels and newspapers. Inspector Ritesh came closer to Darshan. Darshan asked “What is all these for sir?” Inspector replied “ Well, private detectives are quite uncommon in india. Even if there are a few they are generally used for finding a lost pet or following someone’s life partners. Seeing a non police officer solve the case with on spot clues is interesting here you know. And all this publicity is for your good doing today. I know you dreamed for this day as detectives.”

Darshan and Ayushmann with inspector Ritesh in between takes a photo. This was published in a well known newspaper in karnataka. The headlines went “Two private detectives solved the transgender ghost mystery in kalanta.”

In Karnataka, a few kilometres away from Darshan and Ayushmann’s house was a rich man drinking jasmine tea on a luxurious couch reading the same article. He thought in his mind “private detectives? In India? That too from my native! Interesting…”