The digital trail

27 days ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

The digital trail

As the authorities took custody of Mohini's belongings from the hotel room, a thorough examination of her spy camera revealed a shocking discovery - a hidden camera, cleverly peeking behind the curtain at a corner just near the balcony side . This chilling finding confirmed that Mohini was not the sole mastermind behind the sinister plot to tarnish Prithviraj Malhotra's reputation. A larger, more complex web of deceit was at play.

ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick's eyes narrowed as he demanded the hotel's footage, including the room's interior, exterior CCTV, and basement area recordings. The grainy video revealed a fleeting glimpse of a suspicious figure, shrouded in mystery. Clad in a long, black coat, black glasses, and a mask, the individual's identity was expertly concealed.

As the camera captured the figure's descent, he scaled down the building's facade with ease, his movements eerily fluid. Reaching the corridor, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the faintest hint of his presence. The footage ended abruptly, plunging the investigation into an even deeper enigma.

Just as the police thought they had finally cornered the enigmatic figure, he vanished into the shadows, leaving behind only a whisper of his presence. The cameras captured a fleeting glimpse of his black coat fluttering around the corner , they found nothing but an empty corridor. It was as if he had been swallowed by the darkness itself. The police were left stunned and bewildered, their confusion compounded by the eerie feeling that they were dealing with a ghost.

ACP Zunaid's eyes narrowed as he turned to the hotel's security chief, "Explain to me how this happened. How did he manage to evade yours cameras?"

The security chief shifted uncomfortably, "I-I don't know, sir. We have blind spots, but...but we've never had anyone exploit them like this before."

Zunaid's gaze intensified, "I want a full review of your security footage and a list of all staff on duty tonight. We need to find out who helped him and how he pulled this off."

The security chief nodded hastily, "Y-yes, sir. Right away."

The elusive figure, a master of disguise and deception, was a seasoned private detective with a reputation for being untouchable. His expertise in surveillance and evasion had allowed him to remain one step ahead of the law, leaving the police baffled and frustrated. Despite their best efforts, they were still unaware of his true identity, and the only clue was the faint glimpse of his shadowy figure, forever etched in the hotel's security footage.

The private detective, Michael, had executed the heist flawlessly, retrieving the valuable data package from Prithviraj Malhotra's hotel room. He had bypassed security cameras and avoided detection with ease, his skills honed from years of experience.

As he exited the hotel, Michael disappeared into the crowded streets, his face a blur among the throngs of people. He had covered his tracks well, leaving no obvious clues behind.

But, ACP Zunaid and his team were not ones to give up easily. They poured over the security footage, enhancing and analyzing every frame. They interviewed hotel staff and guests, searching for anyone who might have seen any mysterious figure with black coat and mask.

And then, a breakthrough. A keen-eyed security guard remembered a suspicious individual, matching Michael's description, who had visited the hotel's IT department earlier that day. The guard recalled a distinctive tattoo on Michael's hand, a rare symbol that few people had.

With this new lead, the police launched a city-wide search for Michael, scouring tattoo parlours and criminal databases. It was only a matter of time before they tracked him down.

Michael, however, remained unaware of the danger closing in around him. He had already delivered the data package to his client and received his payment. He was planning his next move, his next heist.

But, the police were getting closer…

********

ACP Zunaid sprang into action as soon as he learned that intimate videos of Mumbai's renowned business tycoon, Prithviraj Malhotra, had gone viral on social media. He promptly exerted pressure on the platforms, requesting and demanding the swift removal of the compromising clips. However, the sudden and mysterious leak of Mohini's death on news channels left the police baffled. Who was behind the unauthorised disclosure of information?

ACP Zunaid's phone buzzed nonstop, shrill rings piercing the air as his team rushed to his side. "Sir, we have a situation," his deputy said, his face grim.

Zunaid's eyes widened as he scanned the messages on his phone. Intimate videos of Prithviraj Malhotra, Mumbai's business tycoon, had gone viral on social media. The compromising clips spread like wildfire, shared and downloaded by millions.

"What's the source?" Zunaid demanded, his voice firm.

"Unknown, sir," his deputy replied. "But it's spreading fast. We need to act quickly."

Zunaid sprang into action, his mind racing with the implications. He swiftly pressured the social media platforms to remove the clips, but the damage was done. The videos had already been screenshotted, shared, and downloaded.

"Get me Mr. Malhotra on the line," Zunaid ordered. "Now."

As he waited for the call to connect, Zunaid's eyes scanned the room, his team working furiously to contain the situation. But he knew it was too late. The videos would haunt Mr. Malhotra forever, his reputation tarnished.

The call connected, and Malhotra's panicked voice filled the line. " Zunaid, please...you have to do something. My family..."

Zunaid's grip on the phone tightened. "I'm on it, Prithvi. But I need your cooperation. Tell me everything."

The conversation was brief, but Zunaid's mind was already racing with possibilities. Who was behind the leak? And why? The investigation had just begun, and Zunaid was ready to leave no stone unturned.

************

Inspector Ravinder Nagar's eyes locked onto the screen as he delved into the digital world, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Specialized software like Maltego hummed to life, aiding his quest to unravel the mystery.

"Let's see who's behind this," Ravinder muttered, his focus intensifying.

He analyzed the video's metadata, searching for any clues that might reveal the uploader's identity. The software churned out data, and Ravinder's eyes scanned the information, his mind racing with possibilities.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, "Ah-ha!" The IP address used to upload the video flashed on the screen, a digital breadcrumb leading him to the culprit.

Ravinder's excitement grew, "This IP address is registered to a cybercafe in Mumbai." He swiftly noted down the details, his mind already racing to the next step.

ACP Zunaid appeared beside him, "What have you got, Ravinder?"

Ravinder turned, a triumphant smile spreading across his face, "The IP address, sir. It's our first lead."

Zunaid's eyes narrowed, "Get me everything on that cybercafe. Now. I want to know who used that computer."

Ravinder nodded, his fingers already dancing across the keyboard, "On it, sir.”

The Cyber Cafe Lead_

ACP Zunaid and his team arrived at the cybercafe, dressed in civil clothes to avoid drawing attention. They approached the owner, a nervous-looking man fidgeting with his keys.

"Good evening, sir," Zunaid said, his voice firm but polite. "We're investigating a case and believe someone used your cybercafe to upload some compromising videos. Can you help us?"

The owner hesitated before nodding, "Y-yes, officers. What do you need?"

Zunaid's eyes locked onto the owner's, "We need to know about the person who used the computer between 5 and 6 pm today. Can you describe them?"

The owner shook his head, "Our CCTV camera hasn't been working for the last three days, but my head remembers the face. He was a young man, mid thirties, with a scar above his left eyebrow."

Ravinder Nagar, seated in front of a computer, quickly typed away, using the description to track down the person's email address and social media profiles.

"Sir, I've got something," Ravinder said, his voice low. "The login details for the IP address. Username, password, and MAC address."

Zunaid's eyes narrowed, "Let's see if it leads us to our culprit."

But as they dug deeper, they realised it was a fake account, carefully crafted to throw them off the scent.

"Damn it!" Zunaid muttered, his frustration growing. "We need to think like him, anticipate his next move."

Ravinder nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I'll keep digging, sir. We'll find him.”

Ravinder's fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes scanning the screen for any clues. He knew the fake account was just a decoy, a clever move to throw them off the scent.

"Sir, I've found something," Ravinder said, his voice low. "A faint digital trail leading to a VPN server. If we can crack the encryption, we might get his real IP address."

Zunaid's eyes lit up, "Do it, Ravinder. We need to move fast."

Ravinder nodded, his focus intensifying. He worked his magic, using specialised software to crack the encryption.

Meanwhile, ACP Zunaid and his team canvassed the area, showing the cybercafe owner's description to locals. They needed a breakthrough, and fast.

Ravinder's eyes lit up as he stared at the screen, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "I've got it, sir! The real IP address. It's a location in the city."

Zunaid's grip on his phone tightened, his voice firm. "Let's move, team. We have our culprit."

Ravinder's gaze locked onto the screen, his voice filled with excitement. "The name associated with the IP address is Rishi Chawla."

Zunaid's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "Rishi Chawla. That's our guy."

He turned to his team, his voice firm. "Let's get to work. I want everything on Rishi Chawla. Address, phone number, social media profiles. Now."

The team sprang into action, their fingers flying across their keyboards as they worked to uncover Rishi's digital trail.

Zunaid's eyes locked onto the screen, his mind focused on the task at hand. They were closing in on their culprit, and he could feel it.

"Sir, I've got something," Ravinder said, his voice low. "Rishi Chawla's address. It's located near the sea bridge."

Zunaid's grip on his phone tightened, his voice firm. "Let's move, team. We have our location.”

Zunaid's team cheered as he revealed the identity of the culprit. They quickly got to work, tracing Rishi's location and preparing to apprehend him.

**************

Zunaid's phone call to Prithvi was brief, but the information he received was explosive. "Prithvi, we've identified the person who uploaded the videos. His name is Rishi Chawla."

Prithvi's expression changed from concern to confusion as soon as he heard the name. "Rishi Chawla? That's a name I haven't heard in a long time."

Zunaid's eyes locked onto Prithvi's, sensing a deeper connection. "What do you know about him, Prithvi?"

Prithvi's voice was laced with a mix of emotions - shock, guilt, and regret. "Rishi Chawla...he was an ex-reporter who used to work for a news channel. We had a...history, of sorts."

Zunaid's grip on his phone tightened. "What kind of history?"

Prithvi took a deep breath before speaking. "He had a crush on Sanyogita, but she rejected him. He took it personally and insulted her at our reception party. I had to throw him out."

The air was thick with tension as Zunaid processed the information. "So, Rishi has a personal vendetta against you and your family."

Prithvi nodded, his eyes downcast. "I guess so. I had no idea he was capable of something like this."

Zunaid's expression was grim. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Prithvi. But I need you to be honest with me. Is there anything else I should know?"

Prithvi's voice was laced with worry. "I need to find Sanyogita, Zunaid. She's too upset and angry with me. She's with her best friend Radhika right now."

Zunaid's expression was grim. "I understand, Prithvi. But you need to be honest with me. What else is going on? You're not telling me everything."

Prithvi sighed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm worried about my family, Zunaid. My brother Aaryan keeps calling me, and I don't know how to face him. And my sister Anushka...I'm embarrassed, Zunaid. I don't know how to face them."

Zunaid's expression softened slightly. "We'll get through this, Prithvi. But you need to trust me."

Zunaid's voice was firm and reassuring. "Prithvi, you're innocent in this. The mastermind used you as a pawn to destroy your reputation and relationships. Now that we have Rishi Chawla's motive, it's clear he was the one who orchestrated this to ruin your married life and tarnish your image in front of Sanyogita."

Zunaid's words were laced with conviction, and Prithvi felt a sense of relief washed over him. He had been doubting himself, wondering if he was indeed responsible for the chaos that had erupted. But Zunaid's assurance gave him hope.

"Rishi's actions were deliberate and calculated," Zunaid continued. "He wanted to make you look like a filthy man in front of your wife, to destroy the trust and love you share. But we won't let him succeed, Prithvi. We'll expose him and bring him to justice."

Prithvi's gaze intensified as he listened to Zunaid's words, his eyes burning with a mix of gratitude and determination. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he grasped the truth - he was innocent, and Rishi was the puppet master manipulating the strings.

With renewed resolve, Prithvi's voice firm, "Thank you, Zunaid. I know I can trust you. Together, we'll expose Rishi's sinister plot and clear my name. I won't let him destroy my reputation and relationships."

Zunaid's reassuring tone echoed through the phone, "We'll get to the bottom of this, Prithvi. I promise you that. We'll bring Rishi to justice and restore your honor."

Prithvi's grip on the phone tightened, his mind racing with anticipation. He was ready to fight for his truth, and with Zunaid by his side, he knew he would emerge victorious.

His expression remained stoic although , but his mind was racing with doubts. He wondered if Rishi was just a pawn in a larger game, a mere distraction from the real mastermind. Perhaps Rishi was just like Mohini, a mere scapegoat.

But Prithvi's thoughts were also consumed by a darker truth. He knew that Rishi's actions were not just a result of his own vendetta, but also a consequence of Prithvi's own actions. He had used his influence to destroy Rishi's career at the news TV channel, fueling his own desire for revenge.

Prithvi's grip on his phone tightened as he struggled to come to terms with his own culpability. He had justified his actions as a means to protect his pride, his wife, and his love. But deep down, he knew that his actions had contributed to Rishi's downfall.

"If Rishi had only insulted me with his words, I might have forgiven him," Prithvi thought to himself. "But he insulted my pride, my wife, my love. That's something I can never forgive."

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his mind made up. He would let the police handle Rishi, but his inkling was saying to him that the real game player was still out there, pulling the strings from behind the scenes. And Prithvi was determined to find them, no matter the cost.

"Zunaid, have you made any progress on tracking down Nishant?" Prithvi asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Our team has been keeping a close eye on him, but we haven't found anything suspicious yet," Zunaid replied. "However, one of our men spotted him at a pub tonight with an unexpected companion - Inspector Naveen."

Prithvi's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's the same inspector who arrested Nishant for sexual harassment four months ago! What are they doing together?"

Zunaid's tone turned cautious. "We've already questioned Inspector Naveen, but he denied any involvement in the leak. He's currently at the police station, and ASP Zoya is keeping a close eye on him."

Prithvi's mind raced with possibilities. "This just gets more and more twisted. But I trust you, Zunaid. I know you'll get to the bottom of this."

Zunaid's voice was reassuring. "Don't worry, Prithvi. We're working tirelessly to catch the mastermind behind this. We'll get them before midnight, I promise."

Prithvi's gratitude was palpable. "Thanks, Zunaid. I owe you one."

Zunaid's voice was filled with conviction. "It's my duty, Prithvi. Moreover, you're Anushka's big brother. She has immense respect for you, and I can't let her down. I won't fade the pride of her brother. I'll never disappoint you, nor my love, Anu."

Prithvi's eyes welled up with emotion, touched by Zunaid's words. "Thank you, Zunaid. You're a true friend and a wonderful partner for Anushka."

Zunaid's tone turned resolute. "We'll get through this together, Prithvi. I'll make sure your name is cleared, and the real culprit is brought to justice. Anushka's love and respect for you will only grow stronger."

Prithvi's voice was filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Zunaid. You're the best thing that's happened to our family."

Zunaid's response was firm. "We're in this together, Prithvi. As brothers, we'll face every challenge and emerge stronger. Now, let's focus on catching the mastermind and putting an end to this nightmare."

***********

ACP Zunaid's ordered his junior officer, sub-inspector Suresh to scrutinized the CCTV footage from the nearby area of the Same Cube Cafe. "Zoom in on the timestamp," he instructed his team. The footage showed Rishi Chawla exiting the cyber cafe, his eyes darting around cautiously.

As he turned into a nearby alley, the CCTV feed cut out, leaving a blind spot. But Zunaid's team persisted, fast-forwarding through the footage until Rishi reappeared on camera a few minutes later.

"Enhance the image," Sub-inspector ordered, his voice firm. The footage sharpened, revealing Rishi's furtive glances over his shoulder. He was checking for tails, ensuring he hadn't been followed.

Suresh eyes locked onto the screen. "He's trying to cover his tracks, but he's not clever enough. Let's canvass the area, see if anyone saw him enter any buildings or meet with anyone."

The team sprang into action, meticulously combing through the alley and surrounding streets, searching for any lead that could take them closer to unraveling Rishi's sinister plot.

Here,

After finishing phone calls with Prithvi , Zunaid asked his junior officer. He has promised Mr.Malhotra to bring him clean and clear by preserving his reputation.

ACP Zunaid's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities, as he turned to his junior officer. "Ravinder, get me Rishi Chawla's location and details. Now." His voice was firm, urgent, and laced with a hint of frustration.

Inspector Ravinder's fingers flew across his keyboard, his eyes scanning the screen intently. "Sir, the location is pinging from a nearby fishing village, approximately 18 kilometers from here." He looked up, his expression grim.

Zunaid's gaze shifted to the sea, his mind connecting the dots. The waves crashed against the shore, a rhythmic backdrop to his racing thoughts. "It seems Rishi Chawla is leading us on a wild goose chase." He slammed his fist on the steering wheel of his police Scorpio, the sound echoing through the air. "Let's move, we need to cover that village, now!"

But before they could move, Ravinder's voice cut through the tension. "Sir, the mobile location is being kept moving...and now it's very difficult to trace. I think Rishi either destroyed the mobile or threw it in the water."

Zunaid's face twisted in anger, his eyes flashing with frustration. "Oh, no...no...no!" He punched the table again, the leather creaking under his fist. The sea, once a calming presence, now seemed to mock him, its vastness a reminder of Rishi's elusive nature.

ACP Zunaid's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in self-rebuke. "How could I have been so blind?! Rishi's a reporter, he'd never leave a trail of evidence behind." He slammed his fist on the dashboard, frustration coursing through his veins.

Inspector Ravinder placed a reassuring hand on ACP Zunaid's shoulder, trying to calm the storm brewing within him. "Don't lose hope, Sir. Rishi might still be in the vicinity. If we canvass the area, speak to fishermen or passersby, they might have seen something."

Zunaid's expression remained stern, his jaw clenched in frustration. "Do it now, Ravinder. Every minute counts. We can't afford to waste any more time."

Ravinder nodded swiftly, his eyes locked on Zunaid's. "Yes, Sir. I'll get the team on it right away." He turned to leave, but Zunaid's voice stopped him.

With renewed determination, Zunaid barked orders at his team. "Search the entire village area with Rishi's sketch. Leave no stone unturned!" The team fanned out, scouring the shoreline with the cyber cafe owner's description of Rishi etched in their minds."Get the local police to set up checkpoints around the village. I want to know if anyone suspicious is spotted."

Ravinder nodded again, his face set in determination. "On it, Sir.”

As the city lights danced across Mumbai ses coastal side , Zunaid's cyber team toiled away, fueled by determination and caffeine. Their relentless efforts finally yielded a breakthrough when they cracked the code to Rishi's digital identity. His Aadhar details revealed a tantalizing lead: Rishi was employed at MTC News Channel in Mumbai.

With this newfound information, the police and local authorities launched a massive manhunt, scouring every nook and cranny of the city. The air was electric with anticipation as they closed in on their quarry.

Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the railway station, a sharp-eyed local spotted Rishi attempting to board a train. The man's eyes locked onto Rishi's familiar face, and he swiftly alerted the police.

Within moments, the platform erupted into a flurry of activity. Policemen in crisp uniforms swooped in, surrounding Rishi. He stood frozen, clutching a worn leather bag in his right hand, his eyes darting wildly around the crowded platform like a trapped animal.

As the police zip closed behind him, Rishi was dragged into the dimly lit lock-up, the sound of clanging metal echoing through the corridor. ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick sat down in the worn, wooden chair opposite Rishi, his eyes fixed intently on the former reporter.

When ACP Zunaid heard about the information Rishi was carrying a bag with him , as he was boarding a train to Moissoirie. He has a master prof plan.

ACP Zunaid's eyes widened as he received the update on Rishi's attempted escape. "A bag with personal documents and thirty-five lacs in cash?" he repeated, his mind racing with the implications.

He summoned his team to investigate further. "Get in touch with the bank and trace the source of this money," he instructed. "I want to know who sent it and why."

As he waited for the bank's response, Zunaid's thoughts turned to Rishi's background. A junior reporter for only three years, and recently fired from his job for six months, it was highly unlikely he had amassed such a large sum through legitimate means. Rishi's financial records showed a meager balance, and his recent unemployment made it even more improbable.

************

Rishi's face contorted in a mixture of fear and anger as he glared at Zunaid. "Officer, can I ask why your police caught me? I missed my train!" he shouted, his voice bouncing off the cold, grey walls.

Zunaid's expression remained calm, his voice firm but controlled. "Stop yelling, Mr. Rishi Chawla. This is our police station, and we have sufficient evidence to interrogate you." He leaned forward, his eyes boring into Rishi's. "You're not going anywhere until we get some answers."

The air was thick with tension as the two men locked eyes, the only sound the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. Rishi's chest heaved with agitation, his hands clenched into fists as he struggled to contain his emotions.

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]