Caught in the loo . . . .
by A
(appeared on the gb mailing list on 30th Aug 04)
Whenever I read such things, I always
thought it happens to others and it will never happen to me. But it did.
I am writing this after a lot of hesitation. It will give me lot of unnecessary
publicity. But I thought if I do not feel comfortable in the group where else I
can?
The purpose of writing is two fold:
a. If someone from the group could provide a workable solution and
b. To caution other members in the group to be extremely careful
Read on.. (bit long.. But I have poured my heart out)
Date: Saturday, 28th August
Place. CST(VT)Station
Time: Between 2.00PM and 2.45 PM
Inside the Loo:
I am staying in central suburbs. Saturday being half day I was returning home. I
felt like peeping in the VT loo. It was comparatively empty and I saw an young
thing (I get attracted to them) standing in one of the last cavity. I went and
placed myself besides him. The moment I went, he started giving me response and
started showing me his tool. He was telling me to handle it by gestures. I did
it once and then he told me " Bahar jayenge kya?". The moment he
opened his mouth I lost interest in him (he was sounding like a street smart
kid) and went out hurriedly.
On the Platform:
As soon as I came out I did not wait there for a minute also. I ran to catch my
train at PF.No.3. Someone tapped me from behind and asked me " Kahan kam
karta hai". I retorted, " Who are you? He responded by saying "sab
patha chalega..Chup chap chalo.." While taking to him one man emerged from
the right side and another from the left. Two were dressed in cream colour
safari and one guy in jeans and T. shirt. They were looking like cops in plain
cloths. They were wearing gold bracelets and rings and all of them were having
mobile phones. I got panicky and I realised I am trapped and some how I have to
get out. I silently walked with them.
In side the police station:
They took me to the police station just outside the VT station.(Between the
suburban Platforms and the long distance Platforms; just opposite to the ticket
counters). I was taken to the mezzanine floor. No body was there except the
three of them and me. One guy took a piece of paper and started writing. He
asked my name and I told the correct name. Another guy started asking all the
details about me. My name, address (residence/office) my post etc. In the
meantime they asked for my I-card. Instead I gave them my visiting card
containing my office address, phone number, residential address and the phone
number. During the entire process, I was pleading with them to leave me and
promised not to repeat what I did. They were telling me that their duty is only
to catch the culprits and produce them in the Court. They said the court will
close by 5.00 PM and I have to pay a fine of Rs.25,000.I told them I will pay
the amount and pleaded with them to leave me. They asked me how I am going to
pay. I told them I will go home and withdraw the money from the bank through
ATM. They told me to call someone from my house/friends who can pay the money. I
said no one can come; if some one comes to know about this I will be put to
shame. They started searching my bag/purse/pockets. They were looking for an ATM
card. They got my credit card from my purse and asked whether it is debit card.
I said I do not normally carry my debt/ATM card. They were looking for my
Identity card which was very much in my bag but they could not lay their hands
on that as it was concealed inside my bag. Eventhough I had my mobile phone (it
was hanging inside my shirt they could not find it. After so much threatening,(I
have to spent one day in jail / I will loose my job if they inform my office/ my
family will disown me if they come to know this etc)they told me to go home and
bring Rs.20,000 within 2 hours.(they were asking for Rs.25,000 and I said I will
come back with Rs.20,000) They told me to come back with money and wait
near the ticket counter by 5.00 PM. They said they can see me through the
window from where they were sitting. They also said that I should not go up and
meet them after coming back. I asked them for their name they did not tell give.
They said " tum auo jao and kada raho; hum log thum ko phachan lega".
I was in deep fear. I firmly believed they were cops and whatever they were
saying was true. I wanted to run home withdraw money and throw it on their face.
With that intention, I left the place to return as quickly as possible. They
have told me to come back in time by 5.00PM. I even suggested to them that if
one of them could accompany me to my place and I will hand over the money to
them. Which they refused. They threatened me that if do not go back in time they
will send a warrant to me home.
In the Train:
I was completely nervous. All alone sitting in the compartment was a horrid
experience. I recollected whatever has happened and started thinking about the
sequence of events. Slowly things started falling in place. During the course of
events my brain completely stopped functioning and I went through the events
like a zombie. In the train I tried to analyse the situation. I realised
1. The guy who was with me was never on the scene. Even though the cops
mentioned to me that he is being dealt with separately.
2. I did not see any of the three cops inside the loo as the loo was
comparatively empty.
3. Inside the police station, they did write some statement but they did not
take my signature on the paper. (I did not know what they wrote; they did not
show me.
4. I was wondering what is the charge against me? Is it 377 or indecent
behaviour in public.
5. They do not have any proof for the incident; unless the guy who was with me
comes out and confesses; then he also becomes equally guilty.
6. They do not have any of my things except my visiting card. Anybody can have
my card that does not prove anything.
7. If they are cops why did they leave me? If they are not cops how could they
take me inside a police station?
8. Sending a warrant to my home is easy or what?
9. They were very careful not to attract any attention in the police station.
They did not talk to any other cops or they conducted everything in a subdued
manner.
I was afraid and confused. Wondered what will happen if I do not go back
to them with money. I thought I should talk to some of my friend.
Friend in Need:
I called my friend (G) and told him that I am in trouble and he should come and
meet me immediately. The time was running out; it was already 3.45 PM.
He came and we analysed the situation. He said it looks like a blackmail scene.
Even if they are cops, they cannot do anything, as they do not have any proof.
As they are blackmailers they may not be satisfied with Rs.20000 and may ask for
more and more in future. He told me to be bold and deal with the situation. We
tried to call Humsafar Trust. After so much efforts, we could get the number
through a friend; but nobody was available. Someone in the Centre told me call
them on Monday. My friend told me that cops (?)are sure to call my home and ask
for money if I do not go back. At that time I should deny having gone to the loo
and ask them details about them; their name badge number which rank they are
etc. If they persist I should tell them I would go to the press.
After talking to my friend, I regained my confidence and decided that I should
not go back. By the time we decided the course of action it was already 5.15.PM.
I called my house to find out any one called. No one had called by that time and
I told my folks at home not to give my mobile Number to any one if the caller
makes such a request.
Home:
After talking to my friend (he had lot of things to tell me about black
mailers/cops and his experience) I reached home at 7.00PM. As soon as I reached
home I gathered from my folks that one Mr. Naik called and asked where am I?
Whether I had come back from office?.
After that at about 5.30 PM, some other person calling himself as Shankaranad
asked for me. When he was told that I am not at home, he asked for mobile
Number. He did not take 'No' for an answer and persisted with his request. But
luckily he was not given my mobile number.
Later:
I lived in fear thereafter. Whenever the phone rang I got jittery. I could not
sleep on Saturday night. Luckily on Sunday we all had gone out after 11.00AM and
returned only at 11.00PM.
Monday the 30th August:
I got up with a start in the morning remembering about the incident. How I am
going to reach my office through VT. I thought of taking leave. But how long I
am going to hide? Somehow I pulled myself and started for office. I took my
usual train and when it reached VT got out of the station through back door
bridge (near Times of India).
Still not sure what will happen to me. All sorts of thoughts come to my mind.
Suppose they come to my house or office how I am going to face them?
If they call me what am I going to tell them?
Whether they are going to compliant to my office?
Are they going to harm me in any way?
I am feeling miserable and totally lost my peace of mind. Feel like ending my
life.
Request:
I request each and everyone of you to pray for me.