PRESENT TIME
A s twilight descended over Behala. The evening sky took on a sombre hue casting long shadows across the narrow lanes and bustling streets. The air felt heavy and still as if the city were collectively holding its breath. At the Parmar Residence, a modest but well-maintained apartment building nestled amid the neighbourhood's clamour. A group of police officers stood in tense silence. A senior officer flanked by two constables pushed open the creaking door to the staircase and made their way up to the terrace. A cool breeze swept past them carrying the distant sounds of the lively city below. Inside homes throughout Behala, televisions flickered with breaking news. The same image dominated every screen. A young man's face, both familiar and enigmatic. Childhood photographs flashed repeatedly alongside live footage from inside the Parmar apartment. The headline rolled across the screen in stark white letters against a dark background. "The Cold Tomb of Behala" The news anchor's voice was grave, almost hesitant as she began her report. "Kanishk Parmar, a thirty-year-old clinical research associate from South Kolkata's Behala who's known for his work at the esteemed 'Jasubhoy Jirawala Hospital' in Mumbai has been implicated in a case that has shocked the nation." As the camera transitioned into the apartment, police officers moved cautiously through the rooms their faces reflecting disbelief. "Kanishk is accused of a shocking crime. Instead of cremating his mother's body after her death, he preserved her corpse in liquid nitrogen at an astonishing minus 196 degrees Celsius for over a year."
The anchor's voice trembled slightly. "The ramifications of this act extend far beyond mere eccentricity. Authorities claim that Kanishk used his mother's preserved fingerprints to fraudulently secure a loan of twenty lakh rupees and pension benefits effectively exploiting the deceased for financial gain." Outside the Behala Police Station a crowd had gathered. Their expressions a mix of curiosity and horror. CID inspectors faced the press with their sombre faces. Inspector Mukherjee addressed the media, "This is one of the most disturbing cases we have encountered. Using cryogenic preservation in such a manner is unprecedented in our jurisdiction. The accused Kanishk Parmar reportedly registered a company named 'Cryonics Research Institute Private Limited' just last month here in Kolkata ostensibly to facilitate this fraud." A reporter from the crowd raised her hand eager for answers. "Sir, what does this mean for the community? How did Kanishk justify such an act" Mukherjee let out a weary sigh. "We are still piecing together the motives but it appears to be a desperate attempt to secure financial stability through illicit means. The use of cryogenics to preserve a corpse for personal gain is not only unethical, but also illegal under several sections of the Indian Penal Code." Nearby clusters of residents whispered among themselves. "Why would Kanishk do this to his own mother?" an elderly woman asked vigorously shaking her head in disbelief. A young man shrugged trying to make sense of it all. "He was brilliant, a clinical research associate. Maybe the pressure got to him?" A middle-aged shopkeeper chimed in, "And what about his wife, Samaira? Why is she involved? They say both are now wanted criminals." The street buzzed with speculation the mystery deepening with every passing hour as the community grappled with the chilling revelations surrounding Kanishk and the grim fate of his mother.