Ch-3: Operation Claw! (I)

Now, eight years have passed. It's 03:00 AM of 14th August 2011.

The headquarters of Rescue Force, Mumbai Branch.

The whispers grew to shouts, and soon, the cobblestone floor was alive with the pounding of feet and the clanging of metal. Jogindar Singh, now the Inspector, had received a tip that a notorious gang, was terrorizing the streets of Mumbai. The gang was involved in human trafficking, Drugs, terrorism and political feuds.

"We've got a lead on 'The Claw's' latest hideout!"

Jogindar's voice boomed, cutting through the cacophony. The hall room went quiet, all eyes on him. "They're holed up in the abandoned warehouses by the docks. We need to move fast, before they can relocate or worse, harm more innocents!"

The Rescue Force officers snapped into action, donning their gear and checking their weapons. The room was a flurry of activity, fueled by the urgency in Jogindar's tone. He knew 'The Claw' was not an ordinary gang. They were connected to a shadowy organization with a twisted sense of justice, leaving a trail of destruction wherever they went.

"I want this done by dawn," Jogindar barked as he strode out of the headquarters, his team close behind him. "We're not just dealing with a gang; we're dealing with a cancer that's spreading through our city."

The team of officers nodded gravely, each one steeling themselves for the battle ahead. They piled into their jeeps and sped off towards the docks, the engines roaring through the night as the crimson moon cast an ominous light over the cityscape. The warehouses loomed like ancient tombs, their rusty exteriors a stark contrast to the vibrant life that once filled the bustling port.

As they approached the area, Jogindar called for a stop a safe distance away. "We go in on foot from here. Stay sharp. These aren't just your average thugs." The officers checked their weapons one last time before they spread out, moving like ghosts in the shadows towards their target.

The air was thick with the stench of rotting fish and the acrid scent of industrial waste. The docks had long been abandoned, but the whispers of the sea breeze seemed to carry echoes of the cries and struggles of those who had suffered here. They approached the first warehouse, and Jogindar signaled for the team to be silent. The rustling of the wind was the only sound as they positioned themselves around the perimeter, ready to breach the fortified structure.

"Remember, we're here to save lives, not to add to the body count," Jogindar murmured into his radio, his eyes scanning the shadowy windows for any signs of movement. His team nodded in silent understanding. They knew the gravity of their mission—to dismantle 'The Claw' and bring justice to those they'd harmed.

The team of officers, including Joginder, move stealthily towards the first warehouse. Two officers sneak around to the side, creating a distraction with flashbangs. As the thugs' attention is drawn away, Joginder and another team member slip into the warehouse through a broken window. The scene inside is grim—dozens of people are caged, their eyes filled with fear and hope as they spot them. They can hear the scuffle of the main force engaging the gang members outside. Joginder notices a man in a black jacket with 'The Claw' emblem on it, pacing near the captives. He's holding a gun, his finger tightening on the trigger as he spots the other officer freeing the people from cages. Joginder knows that he needs to act fast to prevent any harm to the innocents.

"Drop the gun!" Joginder shouts, aiming his pistol at the gang member. The man, startled, turns around, his eyes widening when he sees the uniformed figure.

The thug sneers, "You think you can stop us? The Claw will always rise again!" He raises his weapon, ready to shoot at the caged people.

Without any hesitation, Joginder shoots him in the head! "Fucking pest..... really didn't surrender." Joginder says to himself.

The gunshot echoes through the cavernous space of the warehouse, briefly silencing the chaos outside. The caged individuals cower in fear at the sound, but their eyes soon widen in hope as the thug crumples to the floor. Joginder quickly moves to the next cage, his movements swift and precise as he unlocks each one, freeing the trembling captives.

"Are you okay?" he asks a young woman who looks at him with a mix of terror and relief. She nods, clutching her son to her chest as tears stream down her face.

As the last cage door clangs open, the freed individuals rush out, their voices a cacophony of sobs and whispers of thanks. Joginder's heart clenches at the sight of the broken lives before him. His mission wasn't just about taking down 'The Claw'; it was about saving these people. "Make your way out, quickly and quietly," he instructs them. "We've got a safe area set up just beyond the docks."

The woman with the child clutches his arm. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice shaking. Joginder nods curtly, his expression solemn. "You're safe now. Get going." With a final nod of thanks, she joins the others in their hasty retreat.

Joginder turns his attention to the rest of the warehouse, knowing that the gang member's death cry could bring more danger. He and his team spread out, clearing the space with a sense of urgency. The clanging of metal and the occasional gunshot outside indicate that the battle is ongoing.

"Jogi, we've got movement on the rooftop!" A voice crackles over the radio. Joginder's gaze snaps up, and he sees a shadowy figure leaping from the roof of one warehouse to another. He quickly assesses the situation. "Secure the area. I'm going after the leader!" Without waiting for a response, he sprints out of the warehouse, his eyes locked on the figure that seems to blend with the night.

The chase is on! Joginder's boots thud against the damp ground as he sprints after the fleeing gang leader.