________________
caught. She accepted her crime at once and admitted that she had been paid by Adharchandra to participate in the drama. She said that she had not expected Adharchandra and the other two men to beat Ramatanubabu up.
Adharchandra was put to shame and was disgraced. Tears started flowing from his eyes. Ramatanubabu was sad to see Adharchandra desolate and implored the Chief Police Officer to release him. The Chief Police Officer was polite with Ramatanubabu but he told him sternly, "Kindly do not interfere in our work. We have caught these people red-handed. We have enough proof and witnesses to implicate them, do not get involved." When Ramatanubabu pleaded some more, the C.P.O. said, “We have called the Doctors from Hugli to come and check on your wounds and all you want is to have the criminals released?" The C.P.O. respectfully sent Ramatanubabu home along with a police officer who was also given the job of bringing the doctor's report to the police station.
Many people from the village had gathered over at Ramatanubabu's house. Everyone's opinion was that the criminals should be punished but Ramatanubabu's heart wished otherwise.
He had a strong desire to save Adharchandra. He told people, "Everyone behaves according to their temperament, at the same time, everyone also feels pain. I was beaten up as a result of my past karmas. If my deeds were not evil, what power did Adharchandra have to hurt me so? Adharchandra is only a 'nimitta' but he and his family have had to face so much trouble due to this situation. He deserves pity and forgiveness. I am asking all
130
