PROJECT NO 3 P - 1 CH - 1
PROJECT TITLE : THE SMUGGLERS TRAIL
- the biggest crimes are the quietest
DRAFT NO - O1
CHAPTER - 1
OPENING SCENE : ANDHRA HIGHWAY NIGHT 1O:3O PM
It was a dark night, with heavy monsoon rain and thunders in the sky .....
A middle sized green cattle truck speeding on the highway. The road was wet and slippery
The driver hold the steering wheel tightly. On all of sudden a tree fall on the road, Driver
hit the brakes and turned the steering wheel to left the tuck crashes the guard rail and crashes into a muddy ditch. The back doors of the truck is opened, some cows jumped out some are stuck in the truck and
mooing loudly. The driver came out of the cabin of the truck. He was wet and scared , He looked around talking to himself
? "If the police arrive here and found me then I'll be in big trouble"
He ran into the fields close to the road.
In the police station, ACP arjun was working late at the police station.
suddenly phone rang. A villager called and talking loudly
"sir there is an accident happened on the highway near our village. A big truck fell in to a muddy ditch and many cows are hurt and struck"
Arjun whispers " OH GOD THIS MUST BE SERIOUS ".Arjun said to basha to keep the jeep ready there's an accident at the highway. The rain poured heavily. Jeep slowdown at the accident spot. Arjun stepped out carefully. He looked a green truck lying half on ground and half in the mud. The back door is open the cows are mooing. Then arjun started shouting
"Hello are you okay help is coming". Arjun found that the driver. Arjun turned his torch on and started looking towards the truck. Arjun barely see the ground around the truck marked with tyre screeches and the broken guardrail near the ditch, He described himself how the accident happened. Arjun said "there is no driver find him, the accident happened a few minutes ago, He would be somewhere nearby. After two minutes basha came and said "I found the driver hiding behind the tree near the fields". Arjun and basha went to the tree, They found driver shivering. They got him back to the truck. Arjun carefully climb on back of the truck. He saw a tarpaulin, He pulled it he found some plastic packets Arjun opens a plastic packet and said " IT IS BEEF". Arjun face is full of anger his eyes caught a book covered in dust, He opened it and found some strange symbols and numbers, After turning 5 pages he found a metal box secretly hidden in the book.
The box has a strong code lock on it. Arjun searched for the clues an anything like that in and on the book, he found nothing. Arjun thought someone wants this to be not found and kept with him and hid from the department. He closed the book and put it in a plastic cover to protect from the rain.
POLICE STATION :
In the police station, the driver sat on a wooden bench, his hands were shivering, he is full of fear. Arjun kept the driver in a quiet room and dim light and kept a drum of water in front of him.
ARJUN :
Listen carefully, Who told you to deliver this? What was really inside the truck beside the cows?
The driver[48 yrs] quiet for a long time, And looked arjun's feet and afraid to speak.
ARJUN :[raising his voice loudly]
This is not a small thing. You are caught now. If you try to hide the truth, It'll be worse for you. I am asking you last time tell me what you know about it?
Driver maintained silent.
Arjun told basha "He is testing my patience". Basha told the driver "Anna what you know about it say it otherwise it will be a problem for you".
Arjun hardly pressed driver's head into the water drum. Arjun said this is not a small thing!
Driver[breathing heavily]:"Sir cows are just to hide the truth". There is frozen meat under it
Arjun asked, "and who sent you?". Driver nodded his head. Tell me their names! you thing i don't know how these work.
driver shook his head and kept quiet . Arjun's voice became harsher and told i will kill you, and went outside. Arjun lit up a " MARLBORO STELLAR " cigarette, And came back after 3 minutes and said " If you tell me everything, I promise your protection, I know your family is not safe know, But if you lie or hide anything I can't help. The driver slowly started speaking " There is a big group of rich people. They run this business they supply to other countries, The trucks are unloaded at Vishakhapatnam port, They pay many people to be quiet. The boss is 'AMARNATH REDDY'. He works with others in big cities. They pay me well.
Arjun called his mentor DCP Raghu and said about the beef, Raghu warned arjun not to enter into this, arjun hung up the call.
In a quiet room in the police station arjun sat on a wooden table with Priya a young and clever friend of arjun.
Arjun placed the book on the table and removed the plastic cover off. Priya after examining the book said " This book looks old and it consists of strange symbols and numbers. Arjun took the book near him and opened it slowly. The pages were filled with codes and strange symbols.
And said "this is not an ordinary book". It look like a secret diary. the small metal box with the codes in an book arjun paused....Priya took a notebook and pen and started comparing with alphabetical order, They worked together for hours, Slowly some symbols and numbers began to make sense. They found a list of dates, locations, and bank transfer statements.
Arjun said "I think I found something? ..I think these represents locations of smuggling.
Priya wrote some numbers and that can be the password, She tried the longitudinal and latitude locations into numbers. she tries the both numbers and the screen on the box showed 3 attempts left. Arjun went to the white board and asked the telephone codes of the countries...
INDIA - 91 BANGLADESH - 880 THAILAND - 66 MEXICO - 52
Arjun said to try 918806652, Priya tried and it showed 2 attempts left. Arjun said to try 916688052, Lock opened. They found some Indian currency and Bangladesh takas Next day morning arjun followed the same kind of truck and found the trucks entered the Vishakhapatnam port. On that night arjun secretly followed the truck and took pictures of the containers named "FROZEN FISH EXPORT". Suddenly 2 masked men on bikes stopped arjun.
MASKED MAN 1 : Stop your investigation here only ACP otherwise you need to lose your loved ones.
ARJUN TURN THE WALKIE ON, HIS TEAM LISTENED HIM AND COMING FOR BACKUP.
MASKED MAN 2 : If you don't leave you will regret this.
They attacked arjun, one pulled his knife and another one tried to punch arjun. Arjun dodged and said "There is no one who can stop me". They fought hard, arjun pushed one man down, the other tried to stab arjun. Arjun took the knife and threw the masked man 2 to the ground. Basha came with police support, Both masked man ran away.
Priya called arjun and said "As per the codes the shipment is going from VIZAG TO KOLKATA and from KOLKATA TO DHAKA.
Arjun called DCP Raghu who once warned arjun about his safety, and said " Sir i have proofs ". Raghu said " Arjun forget this case, It is too dangerous let them do their business, otherwise your family gets involved in this, it is not safe. Arjun hung up the call. Arjun entered the dark warehouse silently and he confirms that the shipments is from VIZAG TO KOLKATA by seeing the containers. Arjun in his radio sent his police to search other warehouse While arjun leaving the warehouse a smugglers aide told arjun " They are smuggling meat and hides and.....suddenly sniper shot at the smugglers aide. Aide is dead.
THE HOME :
Arjun went to his house. His sister Sarah came and said " Arjun why are you coming late on these days". Arjun replied new case, So it take some time to settle. Sarah said " Arjun be careful ". Arjun said okay. Sarah called arjun to eat. Arjun is eating, After eating Sarah asked arjun " Do you remember what day it is ". Arjun softly replied sorry i forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Sarah said " Today is Priya's fourth birthday and you came late". Arjun said that he need to leave to Kolkata tonight. Sarah after 2 minutes and and said, Your luggage is packed. Priya cane and held arjun's hand. Arjun lifted Priya up and kissed on forehead and left.
KOLKATA :
Next day arjun stepped out of train at Howrah station, Kolkata. The city was alive with loud voice of venders and chatter. Arjun whispers "The city is busy".
Arjun looked around and noticed a pickpocket eyeing his luggage. Arjun staring at the man and raised one eyebrow. The man disappeared. ANANYA SEN customs officer waiting for arjun at the platform waved at him from the crowd.
Ananya[little smile in face]said "ACP arjun finally in Kolkata"! you look tired, you must try Kolkata tea. She give a hot cup of chai in the railway station their fingers touched for a second. Both paused. Arjun smiled and said "Kolkata welcome feels special now".
Both took a yellow taxi. As they speed past the Howrah bridge, Ananya started explaining about the smuggling rack. Arjun looked at Ananya[HE SAW DETERMINATION IN HER EYES] and said " Ananya you are so passionate about your work". Not many officers are like this. Ananya blushed a little, Hiding her smile by looking outside the window.[Arjun asked you're not afraid? Ananya said " I am afraid sometimes, but today I feel stronger].
CUSTOMS OFFICE :
While planning the raid about Dhaka, power cut. Only lantern light and the glow of laptop screens are visible. Both leaned closer across the messy table with files and tea on it. Ananya said " After all this, Maybe you'll stay a day or two in Kolkata? I can say the real city. Arjun smiled and said " Only if you promise one more chai ". Even his rough face softened. Ananya[laughing ang blushing] said "Deal! but first finish the raid sir". power came
Ananya started the making of plan. Ananya pointing at the map "this is the warehouse near Bangladesh border", It is sensitive area. All the cargo is collected here before entering into Bangladesh. They sketched their plan on white board. Ananya said our team will be ready at 4:OOam, We need to reach at 6:OO pm. As the clock struck 2:OOam, The office grew quiet. It rained soft outside. Ananya yawned. Arjun said you should rest now, Tomorrow will be tough... I'll watch these files. Ananya said only if you go to sleep, I don't want you catching cold before sharp-shooting time. Ananya handed arjun a blanket. She started walking away but stopped and said good night. MORNING 3:55 AM :
Arjun called all the 3 teams outside the office, 1 Commando team and 2 Police teams are formed SPF vans arrived.
EVENING 5:35 PM :
They are 1km from the target, Arjun sent commandos first and said them to wait at 5OO metres. All teams reached the location at 6:O5PM, They waited until a 'FISH EXPORT' container truck entering the warehouse. Arjun said "Teams surround the building, no mistakes, check every door and every container. The warehouse doors are massive and metal. Police teams surrounded the warehouse and moved towards the warehouse, Suddenly a guard stepped out and said " Who's there stop! Ananya[loud and bravely] Customs and police! drop your weapons now. They started gun fire. Bullets striking metal crates, Arjun took cover behind a metal crate. One of the thug came to arjun with a knife, Arjun twisted his hand and disarmed him and took the knife and gave a cut to his hand. another masked man aiming at arjun, Before the shot rang Ananya came and pushed arjun and shoot the masked man. The bullet gave a cut to arjun's left upper arm. Ananya warned arjun to stay low. The commando team using snipers knocked some men and gave them cover to arjun. Pause for a minute. Arjun's hand is bleeding through the cut. A gang from distant started firing and rushing towards them. Violent fight breaks out. After the fight they found Frozen meat, Cow hides and they caught a international smuggler RAFIQ. The police reinforcements arrived in time attackers escaped. They are exhausted.
THE INTERROGATION :
They kept Rafiq in a special room for interrogation. Ananya turned the camera on for recording. Arjun entered the room and said "Rafiq, you are exposed now, Frozen beef, Hides etc. Cooperate and you might save yourself.
Rafiq said "What do you think, it is just about cargo? This is power, money, politics, You have no idea about it. Arjun kept his hands on the table and lean forward and said we know your supply chain from Asia to North America, You are not just trafficking meat you're dirtying pharmaceuticals and fashion houses. Tell us the names, Locations and help yourself. Arjun using cutting blade removed Rafiq's nail and said " You'll speak now "
Rafiq[laughing] : Everyone bought or scared of us you are small players in a bid chess game.
Arjun slammed his fist on the table and said your game ends here we have evidence and now you will speak. Rafiq's smile replaced with anger and said Be careful officer Falling into this means losing freedom, Powerful people will come for you. Ananya said " We will bring them down". Rafiq said " Very well then I'll talk. The shipments don't stop here We have labs and warehouses across Asia and North America From BANGLADESH to THAILAND,MEXICO etc. MEAT for us and bones and hides for Thailand and Mexico, Ananya recorded and noted everything. Arjun asked about main buyers. Rafiq said some pharmaceutical firms in India. Arjun examined the files and documents and files found at raid in warehouse. Arjun found some information about some tanneries in Bangkok.
OPERATION TITAN :
After realising that the syndicate is in many other countries and further investigation required, Arjun contacted with his international contacts. Arjun received a clearance for a joint operation in Thailand. They named it OPERATION TITAN. Ananya is a crucial partner in investigation and she is efficient to handle cases out of border. Arjun contacts Thai agent SOMBAT to track syndicate operations.
Arjun and Ananya landed in Bangkok. Arjun partnered with Thai agent SOMBAT. SOMBAT is a sharp brained short officer, But scars on this body will tell stories of street wars. Moving in traffic SOMBAT said " Arjun Bangkok is full of masks be careful ". They started investigating from outside of city. They worked day and night in tanneries. Inside the tanneries the chemicals are mixed with ODOR of raw COW HIDES. SOMBAT gave bribe to floor supervisor in the tanneries and arjun noted about the oxygen tanks used to treat HIDES. After One week of investigation. Documents collected Showed large, Irregular shipments routed from KOLKATA to VIZAG, Labelled as 'INDUSTRIAL SCRAPS' But matching the weight of beef and hides in the containers, After 2 Days a real breakthrough came when SOMBAT'S trusted informer, A Bookkeeper in library named Boonmee, Gave them a intel about a high-class nightclub in ,SUKHUMVIT[Many redlight areas are located in Sukhumvit]. It is underworld's VIP room - Parties of Powerful and rich men.
THE ROMEO :
One hour before entering the night club, Arjun in his room, Stood at balcony looking at the distant street lights, His hand gripping the cold steel railing, His face was calm, He is a man who carried violence like a shadow, Ananya entered the room quietly, Her anklets made the softest sound, But he did not turn. He had already felt her presence the moment she stepped into his room. Ananya came close, Slowly, Carefully as if not to disturb his thoughts. The night air was cool, But when she stood Just behind him, He could feel her heat. The warmth of her breathe touched his neck and it shook something inside his chest. Ananya slowly kept her hands on Arjun's shoulders, they didn't pressed or pulled him, They rested on his shoulders. Weakness spread through him But, he didn't show it. suddenly inside him there was a delicate and sensitive pain, that he never felt in violence. they both paused. She moved slowly to stand in front of him. Ananya lifted her face, Her eyes looked straightly into his. He saw no fear there. Only softness and trust. Ananya came closer, And without a word, Her lips brushed his. At first he froze, His lips were rough, He kissed her back, Once, Twice.... Then deeper, As if everything inside him was finally set free. Ananya leaned into Arjun. Arjun's hand slid down her back. His palm pressed gently, Pulling her close until air not remained between them. Through her touch, He felt something he was never felt. Arjun surrendered to her. The violent man and a gentle girl, in the silence of the balcony, Let their angers and fears fall away and entered the bedroom. Their mouth, Hands and their bodies collided. Arjun felt the Tenderness that Ananya gave to him. They stood up and wore their clothes back. Ananya gently and carefully kept a silver hairpin in his pocked above the chest secretly, As if She remain on his heart when he entered into violence situations.
They entered the night club, Their plan was to gather evidence and steal incriminating data to expose syndicate. Arjun observed a suitcase with US Dollars quietly swapped between men in suits. As they moved through Red Velvet ropes and mirrored corridors, They entered server room. Ananya kept a close lookout while arjun copied files from a Guarded laptop, SOMBAT covering their escape. Just as they about to sneak out, A security guard observed their moves instantly 1O members cornered the three members, A man grabbed Ananya's arm and forcing Arjun and SOMBAT to surrender at gunpoint. The men dragged them into underground, They tied them to different metal chairs. A muscular man named ALEXANDER IVANOV arrived wearing a green baggy pants and black T-Shirt with LIGHT BODY ARMOUR and said OH! here is my meal tonight. He went near to SOMBAT and said I LOVE POLICE because they listen to me as my dog listen to me, But not you. They are locked in a deep underground in separate rooms. Arjun heard Ananya's voice from the next cell. Arjun doesn't found any way to get out of the cell. Arjun with frustration threw his suit to the ground, He heard a small, soft metal clang sound, When he looked he Found Ananya's hairpin. With his skilled fingers he opened the rusty lock, The door opened just enough to get out. Arjun freed SOMBAT and ANANYA using the same trick. They regrouped. Arjun said " Ananya thanks for the hair pin, we need to move through the corridors, Be careful". They are moving towards the first set of stairs in deep underground, Suddenly a guard from the corner sweeping the flashlight, SOMBAT reacted fast, Cracked his neck dropping him silently on the ground. Ananya took the keys from the guard. A man came and saw the body and moved forward and saw the three members and shouted " WAIT " and sounded the alarm. Ananya took him out. They silently moved forward to the corridors. Gunmen attacked from hidden doors in the dark, Flashlights and Guns aiming them, SOMBAT got shot. A violent fight in the hall. Arjun rolled behind a pillar, Two masked men came from both sides of the pillar and arjun took them out. SOMBAT fighting a masked man hand to hand having a metal pipe.
THE FIGHT :
Arjun confronted Alexander Ivanov and said " YOUR EMPIRE ENDS HERE ". Alex tried to punch on Arjun's face Arjun blocked it, Alex hit on Arjun's stomach Arjun tried to hit back Alex, Alex punched Arjun on his face, Arjun hit hardly to the pillar and fell down. Alex make fun on him. Arjun stood up and said come on bald man. Alex tried to hit on his ribs arjun dodged and kicks Alex on his face. Alex took out his knife and attacked arjun continuously arjun dodged and blocked them, Alex made a small cut on Arjun's stomach. Arjun kick sideways on Alex knees Alex sat on knees Arjun hit him hard on Alex face using his elbow. Arjun grabbed this armour and pulled him, Arjun lift his hand to punch on Alex's face,
But reinforcements arrived, The trio escaped through a underground tunnel that SOMBAT had spotted earlier. They rushed through the streets of Bangkok. The trio found refuge in an safe house of SOMBAT'S friend. Arjun pressed the wet cloth around the scratch on his stomach. Ananya cleaned her own wounds and treated SOMBAT'S wounds. They found data and shipping Info,
Bank transfers statements an coded messages all pointing towards VERACRUZ, MEXICO. Arjun said " I thought it will end here " But now again to Mexico, We need to go after their labs.
END OF CHAPTER - 1