Secrets Hidden In Time (Time #1)

78 | Siege In Fog : The Troubled Child & A Hawk On The Lookout

"Any update?" The DGP probed while Mahadevan, Vijaypath, Karim, Raghav, Rukmini, and the others looked on.

Patwardhan, Maninder, and Jishu exchanged worried glances as Patwardhan sighed, "Sir, the whole state, at this point, is on high alert. Almost all the toll plazas, railway stations, entry and exit points surrounding the state and within the state, in fact even the airport—we have set up checkpoints at all these places. I have put a few informers around the episcopacy too. The SWAT is on standby. They just need orders."

"Yeah," Raghav nodded, adding, "I actually contacted ACP Nihal Dhanoa from SWAT early this morning, since this has become almost like a hostage situation involving those fifty girls, Rao, and Daleep Ji. Dhanoa said they are all prepared. We just need to give a signal."

"As for the surveillance cameras around the episcopacy, Sir ji . . ." Maninder Yadav began, "I searched around that whole area, but there is not a single CCTV camera out there."

"Exactly," Jishu remarked. "It's a very isolated area."

"Our men and women are on the move, too." Karim put forth.

The DCP massaged his forehead, exhaling heavily, "This is the police's work, Mr. Khan. You can't involve civilians in this."

Karim's jaw twitched. "Members of the Dogra security unit are far better trained than any of your policemen, officer. Don't dare compare the two."

"No, you can't—" Raghav tried to counter.

The Dogra patriarch, meanwhile, clasped his fingers tightly on the table, his eyes sharp behind his specs. "Really? Are we now going to argue about this, Katoch?"

Vijaypath, on the other hand, continued to look at his lap, completely still, his head some other zone.

"Alright." Raghav raised his arms in submission. "Do as you please."

Just then, the door opened again as Praapti escorted a man inside. Clothed in the regular khaki uniform, he appeared a little anxious, especially after witnessing the man sitting next to the Dogra security chief.

Positioning herself just beside the anxious man who was sweating bullets, she began. "Sir, this is Inspector Hiten Pahwa."

"He says that he has some information regarding Madam Hinduja that he needs to share with you all." She specified.

The Dogra patriarch's ears perked up as he shot up from his chair along with his brother-in-law and chief of security. "What?" He heel-and-toed towards the policeman, towering over him, his massive build overshadowing the man before him. "What information do you have?"

Sensing the shivery movements of the inspector, who instantly took a step back, Raghav got up. "Mahadevan, you are scaring him. Back off a bit." He advanced in their direction. "Please."

The Dogra patriarch locked eyes with the DCP, his gaze icy for a brief moment, then he nodded curtly and retreated a few steps.

Raghav redirected his gaze from him and looked the inspector in the eye: "Don't be scared. What information do you have?"

The man in khaki promptly handed him a file he was carrying. "I have come here from the Esselford Colony Police station, as madam introduced me—" He gestured at Praapti. "My name is Hiten Pahwa."

"Continue." Mahadevan folded his arms across his chest.

The inspector gulped, nodding his head, "Sir, the lady who is missing, she came to our police station yesterday at around 4:10 p.m. to file an FIR."

A bubble of astonishment blasted in the air, as most of them felt their eyes narrowing.

"Hinduja Rao? SDM Hinduja Rao?" The DGP got up from his chair, his eyes wide. "She went to your police station at 4:10 p.m. yesterday to file an FIR?"