Chapter 6: Merit for Promotion

Merit in exchange for promotion—this was the reality of police hierarchy. The conflict between Director Yadav and Deputy Director Geet Singh was no secret. Yadav had been appointed as the director of Spanda Police Station only three months ago, while Singh had served as the deputy director for nearly three years.

Singh had once believed he was the natural successor for the position of director. However, Yadav's sudden appointment shattered his ambitions. Adding to Singh's resentment was Yadav's caste background as a Vaishya, which made the power dynamic even more contentious. Singh, a seasoned officer, resisted Yadav's authority at every step, making daily operations at the station increasingly difficult.

At a grassroots police station, the chief was typically the only officer at the rank of inspector, while the deputy chief was a deputy inspector. However, Mumbai's status as India's financial center meant that its police stations were more heavily staffed than those in other regions. Spanda Police Station had two inspectors: Yadav and Singh. This parity in rank only fueled Singh's unwillingness to acknowledge Yadav's authority.

For Yadav, this lack of cooperation was a major obstacle, but he knew that patience was key. Until he could establish his own power base, direct confrontation with Singh was not an option.

Now, an unexpected opportunity had presented itself. The theft of Finance Minister Rajat Nair's safe had put Yadav in a position of trust. When powerful figures requested discretion, only a few could be trusted with the task. Naturally, Singh had not been included.

Inside the opulent living room of Rajat's villa, Yadav and Rohan Mahesh stood waiting. Neither dared to sit. A servant had brought tea, but Yadav didn't dare touch it.

Ten minutes later, Rajat entered, followed by his secretary. Without acknowledging them, Rajati took a seat on the plush sofa. His secretary, speaking in Marathi, finally explained the purpose of the meeting.

Rohan quickly pieced together the situation—this was a private matter.

The previous night, a safe belonging to the finance minister had been stolen. It was in transit to another location when the transporting vehicle broke down. While the driver was seeking help, the safe vanished. The incident had occurred within Spanda Police Station's jurisdiction.

The nature of this meeting made it clear that Rajat wanted the safe recovered quietly. The contents were likely illegal—cash, documents, or valuables that could not withstand public scrutiny. His secretary subtly hinted at the need for absolute discretion.

Yadav assured the minister's secretary that the case would be handled swiftly and discreetly.

Back at the police station, Yadav called Rohan into his office and shut the door.

"What happened today stays between us," Yadav said, his expression serious. "This case—"

He hesitated, eyeing Rohan carefully, as if weighing his capabilities.

"Chief, let me handle this," Rohan volunteered. "I guarantee results."

Yadav frowned. He had a favorable impression of Rohan due to his language skills, but he had never considered him particularly competent in solving cases.

"This case is delicate," Yadav said slowly. "Mistakes are not an option."

"Chief, I already have a lead," Rohan revealed.

Yadav's eyes widened. "You do?"

"I live in Dharavi," Rohan began. "Last night, I noticed some members of the Black Lion Gang moving a large box. At the time, I didn't think much of it. But now that I connect the dots, they were acting suspiciously. Their territory isn't far from the theft site, and the timing matches."

"The Black Lion Gang?" Yadav muttered. "That sounds exactly like something they'd do. But they have no idea whose safe they stole. They're playing with fire."

Yadav made his decision. "Fine. I'll assign Bharat and his team to assist you. But listen carefully—you cannot reveal the owner of the safe or its contents to them. Treat this as a standard theft case."

Rohan nodded. He had expected this response.

Of course, his story about witnessing the Black Lion Gang in action was a fabrication. He hadn't seen anything. But when Rajati had mentioned the stolen safe, Rohan recalled something from his past life.

Two years later, Rajati would be arrested for corruption. Reports at the time revealed that the Black Lion Gang had stolen one of his safes, containing over two million rupees in cash and jewelry worth five million. The safe was never recovered.

This time, however, Rohan planned to find it. Solving this case would be a major achievement and could pave the way for his promotion.

Yadav's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Be careful, Rohan. The Black Lion Gang has powerful connections."

Rohan hesitated before adding, "Chief, I've also heard that their leader has a close relationship with Deputy Director Singh."

Yadav's expression darkened.

He had suspected Singh of colluding with criminal elements but lacked proof. Rohan's revelation only confirmed his suspicions.

Singh's unchecked influence within the station had been a major problem, but Yadav had refrained from acting against him. Now, however, the situation was different. If Rohan succeeded in this case, he would become a valuable ally.

Yadav leaned forward. "Understood. Keep this to yourself. Find the safe. Bring it back. If you do this well, I'll make sure your efforts are rewarded."

For the first time, Rohan saw an opportunity not just to solve a case—but to climb the ranks of the Mumbai police force.