Page 68 - Train to Pakistan

move a habeas corpus petition and tell the court the way you go about your
duties.’

‘Habeas corpus petition?’ The subinspector roared with laughter. ‘It seems
you have been living in foreign lands too long, Mr Iqbal. Even now you live in a
fool’s paradise. You will live and learn.’

The subinspector left the cell abruptly, and locked the steel bar gate. He
opened the adjoining one behind which Jugga was locked.
‘Sat Sri Akal, Inspector Sahib.’

The subinspector did not acknowledge the greeting.
‘Will you ever give up being a badmash?’
‘King of pearls, you can say what you like, but this time I am innocent. I

swear by the Guru I am innocent.’
Jugga remained seated on the floor. The subinspector stood leaning against the
wall.

‘Where were you on the night of the dacoity?’
‘I had nothing to do with the dacoity,’ answered Jugga evasively.

‘Where were you on the night of the dacoity?’ repeated the subinspector.
Jugga looked down at the floor. ‘I had gone to my fields. It was my turn of
water.’
The subinspector knew he was lying. ‘I can check up the turn of water with

the canal man. Did you inform the lambardar that you were going out of the
village?’

Jugga only shuffled his feet and kept on looking at the floor.
‘Your mother said you had gone to drive away wild pigs.’
Jugga continued to shuffle his feet. After a long pause he said again, ‘I had
nothing to do with the dacoity. I am innocent.’

‘Who were the dacoits?’
‘King of pearls, how should I know who the dacoits were? I was out of the

village at the time, otherwise you think anyone would have dared to rob and kill
in Mano Majra?’
‘Who were the dacoits?’ repeated the subinspector menacingly. ‘I know you

know them. They certainly know you. They left a gift of glass bangles for you.’
Jugga did not reply.
‘You want to be whipped on your buttocks or have red chillies put up your

rectum before you talk?’
Jugga winced. He knew what the subinspector meant. He had been through it