Ma convinced me to take up the assignment. So I guess I am going to London. It was almost as if the Gods were waiting for me to say yes, because almost as soon as I informed the Commissioner, we got a memo from our Intelligence agencies that at least three pro-Pakistan terrorist groups have threated to disrupt the match.

This is unlike other assignments that I have tackled. Usually I get involved after the crime has occurred. Here, there is no crime yet. Just clear and present danger.

This will require me to use a different mindset. I have to now predict the worst that can happen. Identify every vulnerability. Think like the enemy.

It is going to be a long three months. The India-Pakistan Test Match has a date in August, and there is just some much work to be done and intelligence to be gathered.

I have been invited to a BCCI press conference tomorrow. That’s where I will meet the Indian team captain Shamshir Singh. That’s going to be interesting! I have heard he is quite the narcissist.

Stay tuned. Will document how it goes.

Commissioner Nagarkar (my boss) called me to his office today. Usually that means that some special requires my attention. The timing couldn’t be worse. Early Monsoon is coming to Mumbai and I have to trim the rose bushes at HQ. The gardening help here is pretty useless, and it is up to me to ensure that the blooms survive the lashing monsoon rains. Well, duty first.

It turns out that his friend, the Chairman of the BCCI wants me to accompany the Indian Cricket Team for a high profile match with Pakistan. Now I don’t follow Cricket much, but even I know that an India-Pakistan match is BIG deal. Don’t know exactly what the expectations from me are, and normally a new experience like this would have excited me.

But not this time. The match is in London.

I lost my father in London all those years ago…and I don’t think I am ready to face that place yet.

I don’t know. It’s been almost 40 years since that happened and I should move on.

But it’s so difficult. That 9 year old boy who saw his father being killed by Goons, is still within me. I hate to say it, but probably he is in the driver’s seat.

I told Ma about it. She said nothing. Just got up and left.

I think I will decline this mission. I am happy here in Mumbai. I have avoided going to London for so many years. I can continue to do so.

I will talk to Ma tomorrow and tell her.

Good Night.

Hello world. 🙂

I remember learning basic computer programing at school, and recall quite clearly the excitement I felt when I managed to create “Hello World” on the screen.

I am no computer expert. In fact, I feel quite at odds with a world that is becoming more “automated” and less human. I consider myself a very ‘human’ human. That’s why I chose my profession.

I am an Inspector with the Mumbai Police. Have been for more than two decades. When I started off, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was surrounded by grim, violent people who were weary of the world around them. I knew that I didn’t want to become like them. I decided very early on, that I will focus on the humanity around me, even in the detritus. I was called an eccentric. An oddball.

Probably, that’s what I am. But I also have a unique mind. It recognizes patterns. It figures connections which others miss. My Ma always has said that I am a unique individual with talents that are rare. Maybe. I don’t feel special at most times.

But this blog is not about me. It is about puzzles and clues that I come across as I investigate crimes. Sometimes these puzzles leave me stumped. So if you can help me solve them, I will be grateful.

Sincerely,

Rabin Das