"Operation Desert Safari" continues...

Following Ambassador’s call, options before me were either to direct them to the Delhi Police or to refer them to the Special Crimes Division of the CBI or take up the case in one of my own branches in the Economic Offences Wing of the CBI, of which I was then the Joint Director. The last option was the most tempting but was fraught with inherent risks. At the same time, I was conscious of the faith reposed in me by our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, whom I was loath to disappoint. Also, the case involved rescuing a NRI held hostage and had the potential of providing a fair amount of adrenaline-rush, thrills and adventure, which every police officer craves for, or, should crave for, if he is worth his salt.

At this stage, it is important to inform the readers that the CBI has three divisions: the Anti-Corruption Branch, the Economic Offences Wing and the Special Crimes Division. Cases of murder, robbery and kidnappings are usually investigated by the Special
Crimes Division, which has Branches located in different parts of the country; just as the other two Divisions also have. As already said CBI undertaking a case that involved a live hostage situation requiring search and rescue operations was unheard of. Volunteering to investigate such a case and, that too, by a Branch of the Economic Offences Wing, was sticking one’s neck out a bit too far.

My career’s track record thus far had earned me, by God’s grace, ample laurels and medallions. I
had had the privilege of leading investigations into sensational crimes, often involving the
underworld. But then why was I racked by worries and imaginary fears instead of just going ahead with this case? But why need I take it up and risk my own reputation and that of the CBI?
If things did not fall in place, the consequences could be enormous. The media would run me
down for years as would my own colleagues.

To be continued...