DEATH OF THE DEMON
One day, the Sultan of Delhi summoned Mr. Seebi, his trusted lieutenant, to his palace.
“Mr.Seebi, I entrust you with a special job. Look for bribe-mongers, and put them in jail forever. You must find out their kingpin, and hang him. Within a month, you must eradicate this vice from our kingdom,” the Sultan ordered.
The Sultan then conferred on him, special powers, and asked him to get on with the job.
Mr. Seebi, a devout and dutiful servant, swore with his life, that the royal decree would be executed in time. With sheer determination and good intentions, he ventured out to hunt for the bribe-mongers.
On a public crossroad, he saw a traffic policeman receiving five rupees from an errant motorist. He rushed to the spot, and caught hold of the policeman, and beat him badly.
The policeman threw himself on the ground and prayed. “Sir, I’m a poor policeman. I’m not the one who receives the tip from the motorists. To get this job, I paid the police Inspector two thousand rupees. Besides, I am asked to pay him, ten rupees per day. All this amounts to my three months’ salary. Sir, I have a big family to look after. If I could get back all that money, I would certainly quit this job. I’m telling you the truth. Sir, please…”
Mr. Seebi had a kind heart. He felt pity for the traffic constable, but was angry at the traffic Inspector. With a stern warning, he let the policeman off. He went in search of the Inspector who was the culprit. He caught him near the check post, red-handed. He manhandled him, and warned him of the fate awaiting him. The terrified Inspector knelt down and pleaded, “Please do not crucify me now, sir. Mine is a joint family and my wife is expecting. I’m the only male in the family, and I have to feed ten mouths. I’m new to this place. I’ve already shelled out twenty thousand rupees to the Police Commissioner, to get posted here. I’m also bound to send to his house, five hundred rupees per month. It’s very hard to meet these expenses. This job simply drains me out. Sir, don’t you see I’m a regular payer than a receiver? Look, there goes the blood sucker who has been wrecking my life.”
The Inspector pointed to the Commissioner who happened to pass by in a jeep. Mr. Seebi stopped the car and immediately jumped on the Commissioner, and pounded him on his back. The man staggered. Mr. Seebi kicked him on his ass. The Commissioner got the message. He became contrite, and begged, “Have mercy on me, sir. Spare me this time. I’m not the culprit you are looking for. Please understand. I pushed two lakhs to the Director General of Police for getting me posted here. He was actually demanding three lakhs, but for god Palani Andavan, he settled for two, after many petitions. I have already mortgaged my house to raise so much money. Fortunately, I saved my daughters from his eagle eyes. I’m in deep debt now. I wish I could get back that amount. It is better to go to Gulf, and do scavenging for the Arabs, instead of policing in India. I’ll most willingly leave the job…. even forgo the bribe. Please …”
Mr. Seebi was not rock-hearted. He understood the Police Commissioner’s predicament. He demanded him to stay clear of demanding bribery from the subordinates, and allowed him to go. Mr. Seebi realized that the big gun in this game was the Director General of Police, who needed to be put behind bars. That would be the end of the matter.
Mr. Seebi went straight to the Directorate, like a whirlwind. He faced him squarely. He revealed his identity, and made his intent clear. The Director General grimaced at him sheepishly. When Mr. Seebi raised the handcuffs and threatened him, the Director came around grinning, and cunningly said,
“Please sit down, Mr. Seebi. I don’t understand your impatience. I don’t receive any graft, but actually give it liberally. You know, I dished out twenty lakhs to the Chief Secretary. Is that a peanut? And every now and then I have to arrange call girls and call money. If I don’t, he won’t let me sit tight on my ass here. Above all, had I not bid for this call, I would still have been an assistant to the Deputy Director, washing his dirty linen for life. Now I realize my folly. My classmates are minting money. Had I invested twenty lakhs in real estate, I would have been a kingfisher, or what you call, a man of class. I do want to resign. Sir, consider me. See my points. Help me to recover the sum. Won’t you?”
Mr. Seebi was pensive. The Director was blunt and logical. There was some truth in what he said. While that pig was shelling out his nuts, the big Bull was enjoying his balls. Mr. Seebi felt it unjust and unfair. Nevertheless, he punched the Director on his nose and said, “It’s a reminder. Wait for me. I’ll come back.”
Mr. Seebi then hastened towards the Secretariat. He over ran the protocol. He entered the Chief Sec’s chambers, as if he were the Son of God. He revealed his identity, showed the Royal sanction, produced a warrant, and threw the handcuffs at him. To his great surprise, none of his actions evoked any response from the Chief Secretary. When Seebi pronounced the death sentence on the Chief Secretary, the latter behaved in a style and manner worthy of a top civil servant.
“Mr. Seebi, you are hereby informed that I am officially seated here over my senior’s head, and am pinned to the chair through the generosity and good will of the Hon’ble Minister. To deserve his love and care, I have offered him one crore of rupees, over and above the usual perks and procedures. The account will be made known to you at your personal request and cost. In fact, due to this donation to the Minister, I am in deep debt, and have become a beggar. By virtue of my present status, I am exempted from Income Tax, as my previous official statement can convince you. You are kindly asked to refer to my bank balance for evidence of my present predicament …”
The Chief Secretary produced the passbook from his coat pocket, and flung it at Mr.Seebi’s face. Seebi checked and found that there were several entries of Rs.2000/- credited and debited on the same day. What a fine soul he was! It seemed that the Chief Secretary did not receive any bribe but was asked to pay out. The real thief was the Minister. Others were only channels to bring in the money. Mr. Seebi tore the pass book, and said, “Be at my beck and call, understood? Stay at home, or else you will end up in the gallows.”
The shaken Secretary had no choice but to agree with him.
Mr. Seebi stormed out of the Secretary’s chamber and hurried in search of the Minister. He got the information that the Minister was arriving after a foreign study tour. He then rushed to the airport, and waited in the Arrival lounge.
As soon as the plane landed, as though seeing through his third eye, the Minister directly approached Mr. Seebi and presented him with an up-to-date copy of the official assessment of his assets and liabilities. Mr. Seebi found it modest, and worthy of a patriot. He noted on the credit side, the enormous amount of good work done for the people, while on the debt side, the debts he incurred in serving the nation. No trace of illegal accumulation of money or wealth. Mr. Seebi was really stunned. The Minister led Mr. Seebi to the VIP lounge, and spoke softly into his ears.
“Dear Mr. Seebi, I don’t have much to say, neither do I have time. Let us get down to brass tacks. The ministerial post cost me dearly. For securing this berth in the cabinet, I collected and presented to the Chief Minister 20 crores rupees, all at the time indicated by him. What did I gain now? I got neither money nor power. The ministerial post has become a heavy burden and a responsibility. Like a donkey, I’m carrying it for the sake of the people. How long? I don’t have any guarantee. What I had paid to the Chief Minister is not of much concern. I am ready to relinquish this office at any time. The Chief has got all that you are after. Please contact him. Here is a note of introduction…”
Without regarding Seebi’s protests, the Minister scribbled a note and pushed it into his breast pocket. Then he departed in haste, with his entourage.
Mr. Seebi was confused and seemed at a loss. It slowly dawned on him that the Minister might be correct. After all, he was only a fly in this racket, and a pawn in the hands of the Chief Minister. The Chieftain was the Bull’s Bull, the centerpiece. Mr. Seebi thought if he could destroy the C.M. That would be the end of the matter.
Mr. Seebi made a swift move, and entered the Chief Minister’s cabin like an archangel from Heaven. He identified himself, produced the Royal Sanction, brought out the warrant, and raised the handcuffs and intimidated him.
The Chieftain moved towards Mr. Seebi.
“My dear Seebi first put away those royal documents. These mean nothing to me. They are useless. You are an honest man, straightforward, devout and truthful. I’ll show you the right path. What you heard from my subordinate was correct. To the Minister’s twenty crores, I added mine, another 1980 crores. Altogether I have pushed 2000 crores to the Royal pocket. Amazing? Unbelievable? The Sultan’s demand was for 2500crores, actually 500 crores less than last year’s budget. Had I not done so, we would not have met today. I will not be seeing you next year, unless I make it three thousand crores. It’s all Royal decree in silence. Do you understand? I’m only a peanut. I don’t take a single paisa. I only collect and forward the money to the Royal chest. That’s the truth. Isn’t it clear now to you? Go ahead.”
The words of the Chief Minister shocked and shook Mr. Seebi for a while. He could not believe his ears. Nevertheless, it opened his inner eyes. He saw the Royal path, and where it was leading to, yes, to the kingpin of all bribes! He was indignant because he was a righteous and earnest man. He had to do the right thing at the right time.
“Sir, if what you have disclosed isn’t true, I will chop off your head, and hang it on the palace gates. Your body will be given to the street dogs,” said Mr. Seebi to the Chieftain.
“As you say, Sir,” replied the Chieftain readily.
Mr. Seebi raced to the palace. The Sultan was having his nap. Mr. Seebi woke him up and cried out, “Your Highness, you are the kingpin of bribe-mongers. I’m here to arrest you. I don’t care for your status. It is your decree. I will implement. I’ll chain you and send you to the prison, and then bring you before the people’s court. They will hang you. So please say your last prayers.”
The Sultan was very pleased with Seebi’s boldness and rhetoric. He grinned at him from ear to ear and said, “Shabash Seebi, Shabash! You accuse me of bribing and corruption! Before you carry out your job, listen to me for a while. What my Chieftain disclosed to you is true. But to that amount, I added one more crore, the proceeds from the sale of my properties. Then I threw about three thousand crores all over the country. What for? To keep me safe and secure on this throne, to repulse foreign attacks, to suppress our enemies, to silence our opponents, to appease our dissidents, and finally to run our Mahabali government (a government of justice and peace). Do you understand? Do you know how much I have to part with from the Royal treasury? Have you any idea? I have 300 crores of people like you to support me, from all castes and races. I have paid them all liberally, ten, fifty, one hundred, two hundred, thousand and even lakhs. I have paid even for you, for your support. Didn’t you receive your graft? Gifts? Didn’t your relations and friends get the most of those presents? I’m as generous as King Sibi of the ancient India. You are a Vamana. Aren’t you? You’re the eagle in dove’s skin. Aren’t you?”
The Sultan’s words struck Seebi like a bolt from the blue, pierced his inner core and shattered him. Earlier, he was thunderstruck. Now he became a helpless man. He stretched out his hands towards the Sultan and cried, “Your Highness, mea culpa, mea culpa. I’m guilty. Arrest me and throw me into the dungeon, along with my tribe.”
The Sultan promptly ordered for his arrest and deportation.
“Idiot! How can he survive and succeed this way? He’s a blockhead indeed!” The Sultan muttered to himself, “Perhaps his son will accomplish what his father couldn’t. He has been for long in Gurukulam. Isn’t he just returned from foreign land?
The Sultan called for Seebi’s son. The junior Seebi was brought into his presence. The Sultan bestowed on him special powers, and presented him with the Royal seal and said, “My son, you know the most vicious vice in our kingdom is bribery. It is like a demon with a hundred thousand hands. Seek and destroy him. That’s your mission. I wish you good luck,”
The junior Seebi thanked His Highness for granting him the royal job. He offered a gold ring studded with gems, to the Sultan.
The Sultan accepted the graft with pride and pleasure, and hailed him. “Shabash bete (very good, son) Shabash! You are an intelligent boy”
The junior Seebi bowed down in reverence. Then he raised his head and shouted at the Royal face, “You bloody rascal. You accepted bribe from me. You are the head and the tail of evil.”
Turning to his attendants, the junior Seebi commanded, “Arrest this man. Bind him up. Cut off his hands and legs, and throw him into the darkness outside. Do the same with his whole tribe.”
The soldiers readily executed the Royal decree. The demon fell, and his clan along with him.
Then there was hardly anyone to accept bribe in the kingdom.
Joseph Kaval is a freelance writer since 1960. He writes both in English and Malayalam, his mother tongue. He writes essays, criticisms, book reviews, short stories and novels. He conducts classes on creative writing for graduate and postgraduate students. He has authored around 200 short stories and five novels. He edits and publishes Katha Kshetre, an international literary quarterly in English from Bengaluru since 1999. Email him at joseph.kaval@gmail or visit www.josephkaval.webs.com.
One day, the Sultan of Delhi summoned Mr. Seebi, his trusted lieutenant, to his palace.
“Mr.Seebi, I entrust you with a special job. Look for bribe-mongers, and put them in jail forever. You must find out their kingpin, and hang him. Within a month, you must eradicate this vice from our kingdom,” the Sultan ordered.
The Sultan then conferred on him, special powers, and asked him to get on with the job.
Mr. Seebi, a devout and dutiful servant, swore with his life, that the royal decree would be executed in time. With sheer determination and good intentions, he ventured out to hunt for the bribe-mongers.
On a public crossroad, he saw a traffic policeman receiving five rupees from an errant motorist. He rushed to the spot, and caught hold of the policeman, and beat him badly.
The policeman threw himself on the ground and prayed. “Sir, I’m a poor policeman. I’m not the one who receives the tip from the motorists. To get this job, I paid the police Inspector two thousand rupees. Besides, I am asked to pay him, ten rupees per day. All this amounts to my three months’ salary. Sir, I have a big family to look after. If I could get back all that money, I would certainly quit this job. I’m telling you the truth. Sir, please…”
Mr. Seebi had a kind heart. He felt pity for the traffic constable, but was angry at the traffic Inspector. With a stern warning, he let the policeman off. He went in search of the Inspector who was the culprit. He caught him near the check post, red-handed. He manhandled him, and warned him of the fate awaiting him. The terrified Inspector knelt down and pleaded, “Please do not crucify me now, sir. Mine is a joint family and my wife is expecting. I’m the only male in the family, and I have to feed ten mouths. I’m new to this place. I’ve already shelled out twenty thousand rupees to the Police Commissioner, to get posted here. I’m also bound to send to his house, five hundred rupees per month. It’s very hard to meet these expenses. This job simply drains me out. Sir, don’t you see I’m a regular payer than a receiver? Look, there goes the blood sucker who has been wrecking my life.”
The Inspector pointed to the Commissioner who happened to pass by in a jeep. Mr. Seebi stopped the car and immediately jumped on the Commissioner, and pounded him on his back. The man staggered. Mr. Seebi kicked him on his ass. The Commissioner got the message. He became contrite, and begged, “Have mercy on me, sir. Spare me this time. I’m not the culprit you are looking for. Please understand. I pushed two lakhs to the Director General of Police for getting me posted here. He was actually demanding three lakhs, but for god Palani Andavan, he settled for two, after many petitions. I have already mortgaged my house to raise so much money. Fortunately, I saved my daughters from his eagle eyes. I’m in deep debt now. I wish I could get back that amount. It is better to go to Gulf, and do scavenging for the Arabs, instead of policing in India. I’ll most willingly leave the job…. even forgo the bribe. Please …”
Mr. Seebi was not rock-hearted. He understood the Police Commissioner’s predicament. He demanded him to stay clear of demanding bribery from the subordinates, and allowed him to go. Mr. Seebi realized that the big gun in this game was the Director General of Police, who needed to be put behind bars. That would be the end of the matter.
Mr. Seebi went straight to the Directorate, like a whirlwind. He faced him squarely. He revealed his identity, and made his intent clear. The Director General grimaced at him sheepishly. When Mr. Seebi raised the handcuffs and threatened him, the Director came around grinning, and cunningly said,
“Please sit down, Mr. Seebi. I don’t understand your impatience. I don’t receive any graft, but actually give it liberally. You know, I dished out twenty lakhs to the Chief Secretary. Is that a peanut? And every now and then I have to arrange call girls and call money. If I don’t, he won’t let me sit tight on my ass here. Above all, had I not bid for this call, I would still have been an assistant to the Deputy Director, washing his dirty linen for life. Now I realize my folly. My classmates are minting money. Had I invested twenty lakhs in real estate, I would have been a kingfisher, or what you call, a man of class. I do want to resign. Sir, consider me. See my points. Help me to recover the sum. Won’t you?”
Mr. Seebi was pensive. The Director was blunt and logical. There was some truth in what he said. While that pig was shelling out his nuts, the big Bull was enjoying his balls. Mr. Seebi felt it unjust and unfair. Nevertheless, he punched the Director on his nose and said, “It’s a reminder. Wait for me. I’ll come back.”
Mr. Seebi then hastened towards the Secretariat. He over ran the protocol. He entered the Chief Sec’s chambers, as if he were the Son of God. He revealed his identity, showed the Royal sanction, produced a warrant, and threw the handcuffs at him. To his great surprise, none of his actions evoked any response from the Chief Secretary. When Seebi pronounced the death sentence on the Chief Secretary, the latter behaved in a style and manner worthy of a top civil servant.
“Mr. Seebi, you are hereby informed that I am officially seated here over my senior’s head, and am pinned to the chair through the generosity and good will of the Hon’ble Minister. To deserve his love and care, I have offered him one crore of rupees, over and above the usual perks and procedures. The account will be made known to you at your personal request and cost. In fact, due to this donation to the Minister, I am in deep debt, and have become a beggar. By virtue of my present status, I am exempted from Income Tax, as my previous official statement can convince you. You are kindly asked to refer to my bank balance for evidence of my present predicament …”
The Chief Secretary produced the passbook from his coat pocket, and flung it at Mr.Seebi’s face. Seebi checked and found that there were several entries of Rs.2000/- credited and debited on the same day. What a fine soul he was! It seemed that the Chief Secretary did not receive any bribe but was asked to pay out. The real thief was the Minister. Others were only channels to bring in the money. Mr. Seebi tore the pass book, and said, “Be at my beck and call, understood? Stay at home, or else you will end up in the gallows.”
The shaken Secretary had no choice but to agree with him.
Mr. Seebi stormed out of the Secretary’s chamber and hurried in search of the Minister. He got the information that the Minister was arriving after a foreign study tour. He then rushed to the airport, and waited in the Arrival lounge.
As soon as the plane landed, as though seeing through his third eye, the Minister directly approached Mr. Seebi and presented him with an up-to-date copy of the official assessment of his assets and liabilities. Mr. Seebi found it modest, and worthy of a patriot. He noted on the credit side, the enormous amount of good work done for the people, while on the debt side, the debts he incurred in serving the nation. No trace of illegal accumulation of money or wealth. Mr. Seebi was really stunned. The Minister led Mr. Seebi to the VIP lounge, and spoke softly into his ears.
“Dear Mr. Seebi, I don’t have much to say, neither do I have time. Let us get down to brass tacks. The ministerial post cost me dearly. For securing this berth in the cabinet, I collected and presented to the Chief Minister 20 crores rupees, all at the time indicated by him. What did I gain now? I got neither money nor power. The ministerial post has become a heavy burden and a responsibility. Like a donkey, I’m carrying it for the sake of the people. How long? I don’t have any guarantee. What I had paid to the Chief Minister is not of much concern. I am ready to relinquish this office at any time. The Chief has got all that you are after. Please contact him. Here is a note of introduction…”
Without regarding Seebi’s protests, the Minister scribbled a note and pushed it into his breast pocket. Then he departed in haste, with his entourage.
Mr. Seebi was confused and seemed at a loss. It slowly dawned on him that the Minister might be correct. After all, he was only a fly in this racket, and a pawn in the hands of the Chief Minister. The Chieftain was the Bull’s Bull, the centerpiece. Mr. Seebi thought if he could destroy the C.M. That would be the end of the matter.
Mr. Seebi made a swift move, and entered the Chief Minister’s cabin like an archangel from Heaven. He identified himself, produced the Royal Sanction, brought out the warrant, and raised the handcuffs and intimidated him.
The Chieftain moved towards Mr. Seebi.
“My dear Seebi first put away those royal documents. These mean nothing to me. They are useless. You are an honest man, straightforward, devout and truthful. I’ll show you the right path. What you heard from my subordinate was correct. To the Minister’s twenty crores, I added mine, another 1980 crores. Altogether I have pushed 2000 crores to the Royal pocket. Amazing? Unbelievable? The Sultan’s demand was for 2500crores, actually 500 crores less than last year’s budget. Had I not done so, we would not have met today. I will not be seeing you next year, unless I make it three thousand crores. It’s all Royal decree in silence. Do you understand? I’m only a peanut. I don’t take a single paisa. I only collect and forward the money to the Royal chest. That’s the truth. Isn’t it clear now to you? Go ahead.”
The words of the Chief Minister shocked and shook Mr. Seebi for a while. He could not believe his ears. Nevertheless, it opened his inner eyes. He saw the Royal path, and where it was leading to, yes, to the kingpin of all bribes! He was indignant because he was a righteous and earnest man. He had to do the right thing at the right time.
“Sir, if what you have disclosed isn’t true, I will chop off your head, and hang it on the palace gates. Your body will be given to the street dogs,” said Mr. Seebi to the Chieftain.
“As you say, Sir,” replied the Chieftain readily.
Mr. Seebi raced to the palace. The Sultan was having his nap. Mr. Seebi woke him up and cried out, “Your Highness, you are the kingpin of bribe-mongers. I’m here to arrest you. I don’t care for your status. It is your decree. I will implement. I’ll chain you and send you to the prison, and then bring you before the people’s court. They will hang you. So please say your last prayers.”
The Sultan was very pleased with Seebi’s boldness and rhetoric. He grinned at him from ear to ear and said, “Shabash Seebi, Shabash! You accuse me of bribing and corruption! Before you carry out your job, listen to me for a while. What my Chieftain disclosed to you is true. But to that amount, I added one more crore, the proceeds from the sale of my properties. Then I threw about three thousand crores all over the country. What for? To keep me safe and secure on this throne, to repulse foreign attacks, to suppress our enemies, to silence our opponents, to appease our dissidents, and finally to run our Mahabali government (a government of justice and peace). Do you understand? Do you know how much I have to part with from the Royal treasury? Have you any idea? I have 300 crores of people like you to support me, from all castes and races. I have paid them all liberally, ten, fifty, one hundred, two hundred, thousand and even lakhs. I have paid even for you, for your support. Didn’t you receive your graft? Gifts? Didn’t your relations and friends get the most of those presents? I’m as generous as King Sibi of the ancient India. You are a Vamana. Aren’t you? You’re the eagle in dove’s skin. Aren’t you?”
The Sultan’s words struck Seebi like a bolt from the blue, pierced his inner core and shattered him. Earlier, he was thunderstruck. Now he became a helpless man. He stretched out his hands towards the Sultan and cried, “Your Highness, mea culpa, mea culpa. I’m guilty. Arrest me and throw me into the dungeon, along with my tribe.”
The Sultan promptly ordered for his arrest and deportation.
“Idiot! How can he survive and succeed this way? He’s a blockhead indeed!” The Sultan muttered to himself, “Perhaps his son will accomplish what his father couldn’t. He has been for long in Gurukulam. Isn’t he just returned from foreign land?
The Sultan called for Seebi’s son. The junior Seebi was brought into his presence. The Sultan bestowed on him special powers, and presented him with the Royal seal and said, “My son, you know the most vicious vice in our kingdom is bribery. It is like a demon with a hundred thousand hands. Seek and destroy him. That’s your mission. I wish you good luck,”
The junior Seebi thanked His Highness for granting him the royal job. He offered a gold ring studded with gems, to the Sultan.
The Sultan accepted the graft with pride and pleasure, and hailed him. “Shabash bete (very good, son) Shabash! You are an intelligent boy”
The junior Seebi bowed down in reverence. Then he raised his head and shouted at the Royal face, “You bloody rascal. You accepted bribe from me. You are the head and the tail of evil.”
Turning to his attendants, the junior Seebi commanded, “Arrest this man. Bind him up. Cut off his hands and legs, and throw him into the darkness outside. Do the same with his whole tribe.”
The soldiers readily executed the Royal decree. The demon fell, and his clan along with him.
Then there was hardly anyone to accept bribe in the kingdom.
Joseph Kaval is a freelance writer since 1960. He writes both in English and Malayalam, his mother tongue. He writes essays, criticisms, book reviews, short stories and novels. He conducts classes on creative writing for graduate and postgraduate students. He has authored around 200 short stories and five novels. He edits and publishes Katha Kshetre, an international literary quarterly in English from Bengaluru since 1999. Email him at joseph.kaval@gmail or visit www.josephkaval.webs.com.
