The Defense Lawyer

NOTE: Writing Legal-drama and Legal-thriller type of stories are really challenging. It needs a lots and lots of research and high degree of realism is expected. I have to make so many changes when writing this story to make this realistic and intense. When writing this story, there was tears in my eyes. Since, the case that I have took was very disturbing and heartbreaking.

This is going to be a changing phase with this story, explaining how men treat women and how they try to blame them for everything. I didn't compromise in explaining the vulgarity and brutality of our people and explained the inhuman behavior well!

24 APRIL 2021:

4:30 PM:

CHRIST UNIVERSITY, BANGALORE:

Without an integrated understanding of life, our individual and collective problems will only deepen and extend. The purpose of education is not to produce mere scholars, technicians and job hunters, but integrated men and women who are free of fear; only between such human beings can there be enduring peace.

The time is around 4:30 PM. Everyone are rushing up to their home. It's as usual and Sai Adhithya sees Shyam Keshavan, who's in black suits and jeans pant with a saffron in his forehead. He asked him, "Hey buddy. Are you going home now?"

"Some pending work there da buddy. You go home. I will pick you up later." He smiles and goes out. While, Shyam tried to contact someone in his phone, but in vain. Going out, he finds out Priya Darshini Gowda and Sai Adhithya.

"For her only, you waited here right? She have come da" said Adhithya to which Shyam joked, "You are a king in doing uncle work da?"

"Hey buddy. Don't insult our friendship in front of Priya da" said Adhithya, laughing.

She laughed and Shyam surprisingly takes her in his Yamaha Bike followed by Adhithya's KTM Duke 360, which he bought with his own money.

"Where are you taking us da? Looks like Mysore road!" Adhithya said to which Shyam said it as surprise.

When going towards Mysore, Shyam suddenly changed the route to Chamundi hills around 6:30 PM and been asked by Sai Adhithya he tells: "This is the surprise spot da buddy. After two years of Covid-19 pandemic, I am visiting this spot."

When they were enjoying the natural scenario inside the forest, covered by beautiful hills, trees and plants, a group of six boys around the age of 25 years said, "Correct...after 2 years of lockdown, we are here to enjoy." They were heavily drunk and had Honda SUV Car with them.

The men, who were in an inebriated state, surrounded the couple and passed lewd remarks against the girl and start videotaping her on their mobile phones. When Adhithya objected, the accused started getting violent.

"Buddy. Let's go from here" said Sai Adhithya and he takes Shyam and Priya. When going, one of the six members takes photos of Priya Darshini's private body parts and this angered Shyam Keshavan.

"How dare you take her photos man?" An angry Shyam hits the guy's nose following which, blood oozes out from his nose.

Video-tapping the nose cut, the guys demanded compensation of 3 lakhs from Shyam, which he refused to give and further he breaks the limbs and hands of the same guy and said, "I will punish those men, who tried to harass a women."

Taking a stick, the six guys engage in a fight with Shyam Keshavan. To save his friend, Sai Adhithya joins hands and severely fights them off. One of the guys takes a bolster and hits both the guy's forehead.

"You bloody fuck....go and suck da..." the guy said and the guys forcefully dragged Priya Darshini in their car, along with an unconscious Adhithya and Shyam Keshavan. The rich guys takes them to Lalithandrapuram and throws her into a nearby bush.

"Please. Don't do anything. No brother. Please leave me." As Priya cried, one of the guys didn't show any mercy and said, "Buddy. You go and enjoy her da."

The drunk boy removes his dress and goes near Priya Darshini, who looks at him fearfully. Looking into her eyes and cheek, he said: "You look so beautiful. Today, we have got a good time to enjoy you and your body baby. Muah!"

He takes off her clothes and as she cried out aloud, he brutally raped her. Followed by him, the other member also took off their dress and proceeded to gang rape Priya, who falls unconscious due to severe injury. Another guy video-tapped the entire crime and he threatened her stating: "Baby. We are all influential and rich. You can't do anything against us."

As the rich guys laughed at her, one of them told: "If you try to give a police complaint, we would leak this sex show live in facebook." He laughed and Priya Darshini cried, worrying for her fate.

EIGHT HOURS LATER:

The innocent girl was again been subjected to horrendous sexual assault by the gang and the four boys then surrounded an unconscious Adhithya and Shyam Keshavan, who waked up from their consciousness.

Adhithya goes near to Shyam and asked him, "Hey. Are you fine da?"

"I am fine da. Where are we now da? Where is Priya da?" asked Shyam to which, one of the rapists dragged an unconscious Priya and laid her besides Shyam. He and Adhithya were shell-shocked and bursts into tears.

Shyam was beaten to a pulp and was threatened to call his father and asked him to arrange for the money. The father, who hurried to the crime spot after receiving the call, rushed the three victims to the hospital.

On reaching the hospital, the victims, reportedly, did not tell the doctors about the rape and assault. They said they had fallen off their bike and sustained injuries. However, upon examination, the doctors realise that the girl was sexually assaulted. 

The doctors, then at around 7 am on August 25, informed the Mysuru city police. Within some time, the Alanahalli police reached the hospital.

Sai Adhithya meets Inspector Prakash Kumar Gowda who tells him, "They are very influential Adhithya. If you give complaint or if I register an FIR against them, it could turn into a big problem."

"Sir. I have a strong evidence against them. Shyam and I have witnessed their brutality."

"Then, I have to file a case to you both only. Who asked you two to go for such dangerous places? Fault is with you!" said Inspector Prakash. He feels hesitant to help him. A disappointed Adhithya returns back to his outside hostel dejected, where he finds out Priya Darshini unconscious.

He further finds Shyam Keshavan's hands bleeding and nearing him, he asked: "Shyam ji...what happened da? Who did this?"

He said to Adhithya: "Adhi ji. Those rapists got to learn about our plans to complaint and they attacked me and Priya brutally da before fleeing the spot."

The duo were admitted in the hospitals for treatment and a case was lodged with ACP Ram Kumar IPS, a honest and sincere police officer.

Ram Kumar asked Adhithya, "Adhithya. Have you seen those people clearly?"

"Sir. They were not conversing in the local language." As he said, they visited the crime spot, where the police also obtained liquor bottles belonging to different states at the crime spot.

Meanwhile, both the victims continue to receive medical treatment in the hospital. Both of them are said to be out of danger. Priya Darshini however, is still under shock. With the advice of his friend Krishna, Adhithya decides to meet his elder brother Sanjay, a famous Defense lawyer in Karnataka, who is currently under medication due to personal reasons.

Surprisingly his brother himself calls Adhithya through phone and asked him, "What happened da? How is Priya and Shyam?"

"They are out of danger brother. But, Priya still is under shock." He said and a bearded-Sanjay with his blue eyes approached the hospitals in his City car to meet them.

Smoking a cigar, he sees Adhithya and asked him, "Who did the crime? Who are those guys?"

"The police is investigating brother" said Adhithya and he sees Shyam and Priya in the hospitals and consoled them both. When the police comes to record the statement from Priya, she refuses to give her words unable to come out of the shock.

"Sir. What are you saying about this case? How far this is improved?" asked a Media man, who had been standing outside the hospitals.

The ACP in the hospitals said to them, "These cases are very sensitive. We cannot reveal too many details. An FIR has been registered. We will know how the attack happened when we get a statement from the victim. Meanwhile, her friend has given a statement and we have filed an FIR on the basis of that. We have set up special teams for investigation. We are looking at all angles. An incident has occurred and we want to probe it effectively."

"Sir. What about the victims? Whether their family know about this?"

“They are both students. At around 7.30 pm yesterday, they went to the forest region near the helipad. Some people who were following them have done this. At around 1.30 am, they got admitted to a hospital. In the morning, a memo was received from the hospital. An FIR has been registered. Further inquiries are on. I have directed the police to take it very seriously. No arrests have been made until now. We have sent an ADGP to Mysuru" said an Inspector, the officer of the crime spot.

The news angered Karnataka people and everyone marched to protest in front of the High Court, demanding for the arrest of the culprits. Several organisations too helmed their support against the horrible incident.

9:30 AM:

Around 9:30 AM the next day, ACP Ram arrested those six people, whom he leanred from few of the witness that, the five belonged to Sathyamangalam of Erode district and relatives of a local MLA. The sixth, son of Puneeth Rajendran is also arrested sooner and are produced in the court.

 "It is a sensitive case. We have technical and scientific evidence." ACP Ram Kumar said to the media, when they asked for evidences.

Meanwhile Sanjay and Shyam Keshavan meets Adhithya and there Shyam asked him, "Where is Priya da?"

Hesitant, Adhithya replied him: "Buddy. Her father have learned the incidents and is taking her with him back to Pune."

Angered, Shyam and Sanjay meets her family in the room and questioned them, "Why sir? Why you want to take your daughter?"

"Since, she had been cured sir. That's why" said Priya's father to which, Adhithya said: "Uncle. She had been gang raped. We want to get her justice."

"No need guys. They all are influential people. Would buy the law. We have to fight like Nirbhaya's rape case for more than six years."

Hearing this, Sanjay tells them: "Sir. Blame rapists for rape. Not the women or our law system. Rape isn't cool. When will our blood boil? Just look upon your daughter's face. Don't you feel painful or angered? Believe and trust me. I will get justice for your daughter."

Priya's father replied in tears: "Sanjay. It's simple to talk about statistics. But, it is more difficult to remember that each number is a victim and they represents a daughter, sister or friend."

"Coming May 6th is the hearing date uncle. Get ready for the trial and be prepared uncle." When going from the place, he turned to Shyam and Adhithya telling them: "Get ready for the trial guys."

"Ok brother" said Adhithya. Everyone knew well that, Adhithya is Sanjay's younger brother.

KARNATAKA HIGH COURT:

KASTURBA ROAD, BANGALORE:

Sanjay wears his coat suit and shaves his beard. Taking his brother, Priya and Shyam in the car, he goes to Karnataka High court and sits in the chair, arranged for lawyers. Outside the court are surrounded by trees, plantations and a statute of some leader.

Seats are arranged for people to listen straight to the judge's point of view. While, lawyers, who argue are made to sit at the centre. Some lawyers and people down to the judge were going through the bundle papers of some cases.

The Public prosecutor Amit Rao representing the accused comes and takes his seat in the chair. As Priya Darshini, Adhithya and Shyam Keshavan sits in the chair, the accused(coming along with the police) stared at them.

The Judge, around the age of 68 comes and everyone stands to show their respect. Backside the seat of judge, there's a quote from Tiruvalluvar, "Truth finally prevails."

He greets everyone and the lawyers too greet him. The reader to the right side of judge reads, "PT no. 53/17. Priya Darshini Gowda."

"Public Prosecutor's argument!" said the reader.

"Your honour. India respects women. It considers women as god. That's why we have quoted: All Indians are my brothers and sisters. We have strengthened our law to safeguard women. For an example, rape, dowry, molestation, etc. But, some women misue these laws. These kinds of people blackmail rich people and lure them into trap for the sake of money. April 24, 2021 police reported that: Priya was molested by these Tamil people. But, as per our reports, Priya, Adhithya and Shyam have trapped these five people, seeing their luxury car. They tried to rob them and a fight ensued in the bushes. And, in all of a sudden Shyam hit the nose of the said accused: my client Joseph and all of a sudden Priya threatened to give them money faovring for sexual charges and as they escaped, Shyam engaged in a fight. To control this as an act of self-defence, my client beat Shyam and Adhithya in their forehead. So the case is very clear your honour. Section 383- Robbery attempt, Section 324- Causing grievious injuries, 307- Murder attempt. That solve your honour."

Now, Sanjay is called by the Judge and he remains unresponsive. As Adhithya called him, he gets up and speaks lower, which the judge is unable to hear properly. He asked him to speak louder.

"Ah! Let me make this clear sir. This is a real case sir. To hide some evidence to save the reputation of bigwig politicians, the opposition have completely changed the evidences. Real charges were: IPC Sections 397, 376B, 120 B, 334, 325 and 326. These sections were charged against the culprits for raping Priya, attacking the three students(my clients) and for blackmailing them. It was prepared by ACP Ram Kumar sir. While, I don't know who have signed the fake documents of the accused rapists."

"Any other thing sir?" asked the Judge, to which Sanjay said: "No sir. That solve."

Now the Judge called Amit to reveal his statements.

"I like to call the Police Inspector and ACP Ram Kumar for investigating about this case your honour!" said Amit.

"Ok. Proceed." The Inspector goes and stand in the court stand, where culprits and witness would be questioned. Since, the reader calls his name.

"On which basis, you proved these six as the culprit sir?" asked Amit to the Police Inspector.

"Sir. We got to learn about the rape incident with the help of few witnesses from the place sir. As we went there, we found out several glass pieces of Alcohol and the tag name of Tamilnadu. The locals too said they frequently visit this place and have done suspicious activities" said the Police Inspector.

Amit asks permission to question ACP Ram Kumar and he is granted permission. As he comes and stand in the court cage, the lawyer now asked him, "Sir. Why you seemed rushed while arresting the accused? I think you seemed rushed and hurried due to pressures from government. Am I right?"

"Sir. No sir. With strong evidences, we arrested the culprits and when one tried to escape, our team managed to catch and arrest him too." Ram said.

The evidences gathered in the crime spot had been given to the judge by the police and they confirms that, "It belongs to the culprit."

Amit decides not to ask the questions any further and now the judge asked Sanjay, "Would you like you ask cross questions?"

Standing up, Sanjay said, "I would like to cross question Doctor Sriramachandran, who treated Priya Darshini, Shyam and Adhithya sir."

As he comes, Sanjay asked him, "Doctor. When the three were brought to the hospitals, how much were they injured?"

"Sir. When brought to the hospitals, they said they fell from bike. But, as we did medical test, our doctors said Priya was sexually assaulted. So, we immediately informed ACP Ram Kumar and also, the girl was mentally disturbed due to this incident. Our medical reports stated, she was gang raped by these guys."

They gives medical evidence to the Judge and he confirms the same. Now, Sanjay tells: "My lord. I would like to cross question Adhithya and Shyam respectively."

"Adhithya, Adhithya, Adhithya." He goes to the stand.

"Adhithya. What happened when you went to Chamundi hills?"

"Sir. After two years of Covid-19 pandemic, we went to the hills and enjoyed the forest. However, when going these guys spoke bad about Priya and took vidoes. In anger, Shyam hit one of the guy's nose as an act of self....self-defense when he tried to misbehave with Priya and they indulged in fights. I and Shyam were hit brutally in the forehead. Priya was gang raped by these six guys sir. We layed helpless." Adhithya said, crying.

Shyam too gets up from his chair crying aloud and said, "They dragged her mercilessly and layed her besides me sir. After informing my father, we were taken to the hospitals. Hang these brutal guys sir. Hang!"

"Order, order, order. You would get a chance to tell your point" said the Judge, tapping the table.

Now, the judge with these evidences said, "The verdict would be told tomorrow." He asked his writer to explain everything related to this in the computer.

Meanwhile, Sanjay in his house thinks the world of his daughter Aadhiya studying in the hostel when relaxing himself. That time, Adhithya comes along with Shyam and Priya.

Shyam asked Adhithya, "What happened to your brother da? Why he went into sudden medication?"

Initially hesitant, Adhithya later tells, "His world is about his wife Nisha and daughter Aadhiya da. However, my sister-in-law died due to pregnancy complications, right after the delivery of Aadhiya. It really affected him and he turned fragile. You know da. He have fought for several human rights cases, especially for women empowerment and brought dowry, domestic violence to the light. He never turned to court following this tragic incident in his life."

Shyam now said, "Such a great lawyer is very rare in today's fast growing society da."

Priya feels emotional and the next day, Amit questioned Shyam: "You come from Coimbatore and settled in Bangalore. But, speak Kannada very fluently. Ok. Let it be asides. You have to speak fluently for doing these kinds of illegal activities, right?"

"Objection, my lord. Nothing was proved so" said Sanjay.

"To prove, I have to ask questions Mr. Sanjay!" said Amit.

The judge hesitantly asked him to proceed with the questions and now he asked Shyam, "Ok. Let me ask this way of question. How many years you and Priya do this type of business pa?"

"Sir. This is a lie. I do nothing of this sort" said Shyam, turning to the Judge.

"Shyam. You don't need to answer for this question."

"Sir. I, Adhithya and Priya are college students. And the lawyer tries to frame us wrongly." Shyam said.

"Then, why did you go along with Priya and Adhithya to such a kind of secluded hills pa?"

"Sir. Adhithya told right. We wanted to go for such a good hill station and weren't able to go there, due to the pandemic." Shyam said and Amit asked him, "So, everything was well-planned right?"

Shyam said, "No sir. We didn't plan anything. We just wanted to explore nature. No plans and nothing."

"Sanjay. Would you like to cross?" asked the Judge.

"No cross my lord" said Sanjay

"I wish to cross-question Priya Darshini Gowda my lord." Amit said.

"Priya Darshini Gowda, Priya Darshini Gowda, Priya Darshini Gowda."

She comes in a fragile mindset and stands in the court stand.

"Priya. As per police sources, you had gone back to your native place and remained incommunicado with the police for a long time. Why?"

Looking at him and the judge, she replied: "Sir. We were middle-class. My father didn't have the courage to face the court of law. However, ACP Ram sir kept in touch with me and managed to convince to give a statement before the court."

"ACP sir told you to come and give a statement. So you came or any other people favored you to do so?"

"Objection my lord" said Sanjay. He gets up and tells, "Opposition lawyer is trying to provoke the case. Now, I would like to cross-question Priya."

"Proceed" said the Judge and he goes to Priya asking her, "Priya. What happened when you gone along with Shyam and Adhithya?"

She was so hesitant to reply and as she remained silent, Sanjay said: "Your silence proves that, you are guilty and the culprits as innocents."

Angered, Priya cried aloud and tapped her hands telling, "My silence means to say that, I have survived. I am here confused, screwed up, but here. I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. There is no timestamp on trauma."

She reveals how she was brutally molested and raped by them and hearing this, even the women lawyers and people shed tears.

"That solve, my lord. This was how Priya was affected. These guys have stalked her without knowing that, Stalking isn’t cool. Stalking sucks, Stalking is for cowards. Stop stalking and instead start caring. Beauty provokes harassment. Her dress doesn’t mean yes. Her dress is not an invitation. Stop teaching don’t get raped. Start teaching don’t Rape. There are lots and lots of crimes including Nirbhaya and Hyderabad Gang rape my lord. I am sorry my lord. Have spoken beyond my words." After Drinking a glass of water, Sanjay said, "My lord. We have to Respect the Sex which gave you birth. What part of no don’t you understand? Stand up for women rights. Men can stop rape. No more rape culture. Children are people too. Rape is a real crime. We want justice. There is no excuse to ignore rape. Drinking is not a crime, Rape is. Looking good is not a crime, Rape is. We want justice for the rape victims. Take responsibility for ending rape. Sex or Rape? The difference is consent. Listen when a girl says no. Short skirts are not a sign. Girls aren’t toys. Don’t tell your daughter not to go out. Tell your son to behave properly. Stop rape now, no means no. Her dress doesn't mean yes. Her dress is not an invitation. I think it’s important for everyone to; understand that there is much more light than darkness. We want justice. Hang the rapist."

The Judge tells, "Final Verdict will be given within few minutes."

Few minutes later, the Judge comes and tells, "As per the evidence, it's proven that the six guys are the main culprits behind the brutal rape of Priya. This is a horrible case that have came to Mysore. And the second gang rape, that have happened in this city, 10 days later. As per Sections 397, 376B, 120 B, 334, 325 and 326 the accused are sentenced for life-long imprisonment for gang raping the women and as per Section 376A of the Indian Penal Code, the rapists should be hanged within 24 hours period."

Priya, Shyam feels emotional and when Sanjay is going outside, Adhithya and Priya holds his hands and cried emotionally. The police constable, who was standing outside and hearing, salutes him, shaking his hands. Amit, although been defeated, appreciates Sanjay and leaves, watched by MP Puneeth Rajendran and the Tamilnadu MLA. The rapists were hanged by the police as per the orders of court. People outside celebrated the rapist's death.

Priya, Adhithya and Shyam attends the classes regularly. Their life goes normal. However, Priya's injuries and few marks still reminds her off the terrible events. While, Sanjay returns to fight for women's empowerment as the defense lawyer.