‘As both the accused are under eighteen years of age, this court is bound by the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 and will recommend a specially convened Juvenile Justice board including leading Psychologists, Sociologists, Criminologists and social workers to determine whether the aforementioned accused be tried under the Indian Penal Code as adults.’
The Honorable Judge banged his gavel, ‘The next hearing is set for May 31st, fifteen days from now. Until then, the accused shall be housed at the Juvenile rehabilitation centre. The Police shall not be allowed to meet the defendants without the presence of their lawyers and a member of the Juvenile Justice board. The court is adjourned.’
The two teenagers grinned at each other and looked triumphantly at their families. They were represented by the top most criminal lawyer in the country, who had absolutely no qualms in fighting the cases of known scum as long as the money was right. The defendants had nothing to worry about – their families came from old money and had deep pockets and connections.
Inspector Kuriakose sighed and beckoned his assistant to follow him out.
‘Looks like a gone case, Sir!’ Sub-Inspector Madhu spat into the ground.
‘Looks like it, Madhu! The law is the law. What are we mere mortals before it? Everyone has to obey the words in black and white,’ Kuriakose casually lighted a cigarette for himself and offered one to SI Madhu.
‘Really, Sir? If the law is so impartial, why were those two little pieces of shit grinning and the parents of that little girl crying?’
‘The law is impartial, Madhu. But there are a lot of loopholes and their lawyer sure knows each and every one of them.’
‘So, that is it? Two rich boys rape and murder a little girl and they’ll be tried as juveniles. Three to six months of rehabilitation will be their punishment. Some fair punishment.’
‘Don’t get excited, Madhu. The Juvenile Justice Board is yet to review the case. They can determine that these two may be tried as adults.’
‘Haha! You must be joking, Sir! They already know who’s going to be on the committee. The game is already fixed, Sir.’
‘Maybe!’
‘Maybe?’
‘Yeah! Those two kids, you’ve read their casefile right?’
‘Yes, Sir!’
‘What are their hobbies? Are they members of any clubs? Where do they spend their weekends at?’
‘Typical rich brats routine, Sir. Friday nights at La Sombra Pub, Horse riding every Saturday morning at the Turf Club, Saturday night raves along the coastline, Sunday afternoons at the gun range, Long drives with a bevy of young and drunk girls…’
‘Do you mean to say they can handle a handgun?’
‘Yes, Sir! They are quite good. In fact, they are in the top 1%…’ Madhu let his words trail into silence and grinned instead.
‘This evening, Sir?’
‘This evening!’ Kuriakose flicked his cigarette away, clapped Madhu on his shoulders and walked away.
That night’s news reports flashed the story of how the two teenagers who were implicated in the rape and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl were gunned to death as they tried escaping Police custody. The reporter announced in a somber voice about Sub Inspector Madhu, who was injured in the resulting shoot out.
Kuriakose switched off the TV, lit a cigarette, and sipped his brandy.
Can’t talk for this one in real sense when everybody is flawed and thinks what they are doing is right but what I can say for sure is a brilliant story well written
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Loved this, but that’s become the norm now, right? Time to follow you. This one I thought was your best, so far. Eagerly looking forward to more.
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Ah, vengeance. Always a good story.
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Ah! In india you feel this is what needs to be done everytime as this is the most common thing to see in our legal system. Look at the superstar of the moment who is now out on bail and most probably with just get away with it all while his fans are going crazzzy all over social media.
Harry Potter by JK Rowling #atozchallenge
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Glad to know that the second part is inspired by real event. Well written Varad. Quite sad a reality that there are way too many loopholes that are easily used, and people easily walk away from many heinous crimes, even if their crimes are as clear as a day.
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Well, Great ending! I do believe that one has to be careful when dealing with juvenile delinquency. But allowing rich spoilt brats to get away with everything only encourages them more.
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I know it’s not a popular opinion, but the intent and resulting atrocity shouldn’t be washed away by age every time. Gangs use the very young too many times for that reason.
Great writing, as usual.
Stu
Tale Spinning
https://stuartnager.wordpress.com/
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Reminded me of the Delhi gang rape case. Wish that juvenile had met such an end. What a brilliant write up yet again Varad.
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That case made the judicial system rewrite the juvenile justice act. Both parts of the story are inspired by real events. Justice does get served from time to time. Thanks always, Sonia
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Another well-written post, Varad! Justice is served! 🙂
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Thanks, Tina. You’ll be glad to know that the second part is inspired by real events. For every corrupt police, there is an equal amount who take pride in what they do. 🙂
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That´s surprising! Its good to know that…life is indeed stranger than fiction. 🙂
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This was a very interesting story! Thanks for sharing!
Melanie’s Stories
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Thanks for visiting and the comment, Melanie 🙂
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Just wondering if such a thing can be done for all the rape and VAW cases.
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The second part is inspired by real life incidents (too many instances of the first part happening in reality)
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Sharp thinking by the police to take this outside the law.. nice and compact narrative Varad.. well written as usual ! Love to read your stories for the punch they deliver:)
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Thanks, Sayan.
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Part of me thinks yay for the justice in face of a corrupt legal system and the rest is screaming ‘fix the system’ – well written story!
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings – Movie Monsters
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Thanks, Tasha. No judicial system is perfect nor can they be made perfect. We have to do the best with what we have. If that entails operating in the gray areas sometimes, then so be it.
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I should not say this but this was fair. Game for a brutal game. This is very close to real varad. Many such boys escape the punishment just for being below 16. Although their deeds are as bad as a criminal.
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The second part was indeed inspired by a real life story. Sometimes, fair is fair. Thanks for the comment, Shipra
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Sometimes swift justice is just what is needed.
https://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/06/f-is-for-famagusta-cyprus/
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Definitely! Thanks for the comment, Iain
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Wish all the rape cases were solved that way !
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Public execution would be better. Don’t you think?
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Totally agree but not hopeful that it will happen in India during our lifetimes
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This is the right decision..and I wish all police officers can do this. How could a rapist come under juvenile section? Our law is blind. Thanks a lot for writing such story highlighting one of our major social issues.
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There have been concerted efforts to try juveniles as adults in cases like rape/ murder etc., especially after the nirbhaya case. For me it’s very simple, you do a crime worthy of an adult, you deserve punishment worthy of one too. Thanks for the comment, Sayeri.
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Loved the way this flowed, excellent.
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Thanks, Anurag.
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I want to stand up and start clapping.
The totally deserved it.
Tongue Twister for F
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They did deserve what happened to them. Thanks for the comment, DeeDee
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Very clever writing and all so vivid, Varad. Plays like a movie in my minds eye. Very nicely done indeed.
Natasha
natashamusing
April Anecdotes
Far Far Away
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Thanks, Natasha 🙂
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They got what they deserved, loved the word play
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They sure did. Thanks for the comment, Akshata.
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Yesss! They got what they deserved!
How I wish the real life criminals met with such ends, too!
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There was a similar case a few years ago. Two small kids were kidnapped for money and then later killed by the kidnappers. The Police Commissioner took a decision to encounter them. It created a big sensation, but the public was overwhelming in their support of the Police. I was inspired by that incident to write this. Thanks for the comment, Shilpa.
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Wow! That’s very impressive, and a good decision by the Commissioner!
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Nice! Justice prevails! Superb writing.
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Thank you kindly
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Very interesting indeed! love ur twists.
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Thanks, Priya.
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You should try writing scripts…
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You are very kind. I have a long way to go.
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They deserved it. I really love your style Varad..they are very cinematic. You should try writing scripts ..they would make great short films.
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Thanks, Balaka. Miles to go…
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You have a very interesting style. I enjoyed reading this!
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Thank you kindly 🙂
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Looks like it’s not just the lawyers who know how to game the system 🙂
Debbie
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There’s always someone just a bit better. Thanks for the comment, Debbie 🙂
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Encounter? I hope they did not leave a trail behind so they can be caught!
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It’s the Police we are talking about. They are good at their job 😀
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I am thinking of movies like jolly llb2
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Haven’t seen the movie yet. Will try to find out the context
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A great tale with lots of fine detail. I especially like the closing line! Another gem Varad
Click to visit my A-Z tales about My Friend Rosey
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Thank you very much, Keith. Glad you liked it.
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Clever clever. Kuriakose was definitely a perry mason understudy!
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Thanks, Lavanya. He did have a few tricks for sure.
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Interesting. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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like that twist!!!
well written piece.
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Thank you very much.
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This can be a scene from a movie or just plain old reality
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Both the crime and punishment parts of this story has been inspired by real life events. Thanks for the comment, Namy.
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Nice twist, and I love the comments on the legal system!
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Thank you, Emily 🙂
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