28. Ram takes Kadar’s name

CHAPTER 28

Ram takes Kadar’s name

Ram and other commandos were sitting in the office of chairman of science conference.

Chairman said, “Sir, this is the total list of the persons who supplied items for the conference.”

Ram went through the list. He looked at Kashyap. “Note down the name of the flower supplier Ajeem.”

Kashyap noted down the name.

Ram looked at the Chairman. “Give me the list of organizers from your company.”

Chairman was surprised. “Why do you need the list of our men? Do your suspect any of them?”

He passed a file. “I am the chairman for that committee also.”

Ram went through the list. “Kadar. What job does he do here?”

Chairman said, “He is a software engineer. A very good person.”

Vice-chairman Karim said angrily, “You men always suspect Muslims. Don’t you see any other person? Just because he is a Muslim, does he become a suspect? I am also a Muslim. Will you brand me also as a terrorist?”

Ram looked at him seriously. “Mr. Karim, all Muslims are not terrorists. But all terrorists are Muslims. Understand that. We have 10 to 12 Muslims working in our intelligence department. You yourself are branding your own community. We are branding only terrorists. People who are dishonest to their own country.”

Karim keeps quiet for a while. “Sorry sir.”

Ram asked, “Mr. Chairman, has Kadar come for duty today?”

“Yes sir. He is the one who organized the condolence meeting today morning. He spoke with tears in his eyes.”

“Very good.” He looked at Kashyap. “Take him to custody. We will open everything from him. He shed tears for the dead.”

Chairman was shocked. “But he is a very good person. His father is a retired school teacher.”

Karim said, “Not only that, he is my relative. My uncle. He used to sing Onde mataram during Independence Day and on Gandhi Jayanti. He even used to hoist the national flag and distribute sweets. Kadar is the son of such a spiritual person. His father’s heart will break if he comes to know that you suspect his son.”

Ram said, “Take it coolly, Mr. Karim. Please don’t brand. Abdul Kalam Azad supported Gandhiji in the fight for independence. Dr. Zakir Hussain became president. Dr. Abdul Kalam, the famous scientist also became the president. He read Bhagwat Geeta with Quran. I am not saying that Kadar is a culprit. But we got a thread to open the issues. Don’t brand him as a terrorist.”

Chairman said, “As you wish. You just catch the anti-nationals. My stomach is burning when I think of the innocent people who died.”

Karim got up and gave shake hand to Ram. “You should find and hang those anti-nationals in public. If it is really Kadar, his father will burn him alive. Just watch.”

Ram said, “I am sure.”