CHATURBHUJ-2 -2. Meeting With The Culprit

On reaching Perimal’s house, the duo knocked on the door a couple of times but got no response. Fearing the worst, the sturdier among the duo decided to break open the door. He gave a hard push to the door and it flung open! It was after they got inside did they realize that the door was not locked from inside but was jammed.

To their horror they found two pairs of toes protruding from the corner of a wooden case that was kept to the left of the main door. They quickly moved in that direction and found Perimal lying on the floor with his head resting on the wall. One of them tried to wake him but in vain. He, then, put his fingers close to the artists’ nose to sense his breathing and realized that Perimal was no more.  The suspicion apparently turned on Sakaram who maintained that he was innocent. In fact, he claimed that he was not even aware of this tragedy for after stealing some valuables from the room he had entered in through the window, he was making his escape when the duo had spotted him. He wanted to avoid coming to the main hall – where Perimal lay slain – for it was illuminated. However, facts were turned against Sakaram. In the initial investigation the King’s ministers inferred that Sakaram’s claims that he avoided coming to the main hall could be false. In his greed to steal more, he may have come over there to see if he could lay his hands on more valuables where he could have had a physical altercation with Perimal that unfortunately resulted in the latter’s death. Besides, although there were no external injuries visible anywhere in the body, the palace physician on examination confirmed that Perimal had died owing to internal head injury which only gave credence to the theory that his head was banged on the wall. Thus, the suspicion on Sakaram only augmented. Enquiries were also made with those staying nearby if anyone was aware of any possible threat to the artist’s life which elicited a negative response.

Although facts appeared to be against the thief, King Sukhdeva decided to move cautiously. He wanted to take the opinion of Chaturbhuj before deciding anything in this matter.

A few days later, Chaturbhuj returned from his trip and met the King. Both of them exchanged pleasantries. After being seated, the King observed, “You do not appear to be rejuvenated from your trip! Is it owing to fatigue after such a long trip or is anything the matter?”

“The trip was quite satisfactory. I am disturbed to learn about Perimalji’s untimely demise.” Chaturbhuj pointed out.

“You are aware about it?” The King asked surprised.

“After my return, I had a meeting with my spies, Maharaj!”
“Oh!” The King exclaimed admirably, “It is great to see the manner in which you always keep yourself updated!”

“I consider it part of my duty, Maharaj!” the minister maintained.

“That means you are aware with all facts relating to Perimal’s death?”

Chaturbhuj nodded in the affirmative.

“In that case, I want to know your opinion! Do you feel Sakaram is behind this murder?”

“Before I answer your question, let me ask you something, Maharaj! From what I learn, Perimalji’s door was jammed.”

The King agreed. “Did any of our men try to find out if the door was so severely jammed that it was not possible to even lock it from inside?” Chaturbhuj asked.

“I asked them to find out!” The King answered with a smile, “With a little effort, the door can be locked from inside.”

“Great! This is a very vital aspect, Maharaj!” Chaturbhuj pointed out and elaborated, “It is highly unlikely that Perimalji would leave his main door unlocked and keep a window open in the night when that area is prone to thefts! This raises the probability of the great artist being already murdered before Sakaram entered his house. Suppose we believe for a moment that Sakaram is lying about entering the house through the window. He may have well knocked on the main door and when Perimalji opened it, gave it a hard push and forcibly entered the house! Since you say, Maharaj, that the door can be locked from inside with some effort, either Sakaram would have tried to lock it or he would have asked Perimalji to do it for it is too risky for a thief to leave the door unlocked! This did not happen and thus I do feel that Sakaram must be given the benefit of doubt!”

“Excellent!” The King applauded his minister’s sound thinking. “In fact, ever since I learnt this fact about the door getting locked from inside, I, too, had my reservations! You have just confirmed it!” Sukhdeva paused and then continued, “My other ministers consider this to be an open and shut case. Thus, I cannot rely on them to reach this case to its logical conclusion.” The King came near the minister and thrust his hands on Chaturbhuj’s shoulders, “I want you to do justice in this case! You must help me find out the real murderer who has robbed our kingdom of such a talented artist!”

The minister assured the King of his services and thereby the King asked him about his next move. Chaturbhuj expressed the desire to meet Sakaram.

The King took along Chaturbhuj to the prison where the thief was held captive. As they passed along various cells, the inmates bowed before them who responded with a nod. Soon, the King stopped by a cell and asked the guard on vigil to open it.

“We have reached Sakaram’s cell!” he informed his minister.

Sakaram, who was sitting on the floor instantly stood up and greeted them. Chaturbhuj had a good look at him. Sakaram was a lean person, with curly hairs, thin eyebrows and moustache, big eyes, straight nose and was of a medium complexion.

Chaturbhuj came near him and began his communication with the culprit, “You know how hard our King is towards criminals like you! To add to your crime if you lie, then you are only putting your life in peril!”

“No sire! Please believe me! I have not killed him! I am a thief but not a murderer!” Sakaram pleaded with folded palms.

“Only time will tell that!” Chaturbhuj responded and continued, “I want you to give me a detailed account of what transpired that fateful day! But remember, O Sakaram! If you mislead us, you are only leading yourself to the gallows!”

Sakaram agreed and began.