The Trial Show

Babar, with 10 wives and 6 children, was the first Muslim emperor from Central Asia – One who founded the Mughal Dynasty in India and ruled in the early 16^th Century. According to some texts, he was a great tormentor and a merciless killer – “Maut ka Maseeha - A messenger of Death”. Babar’s atrocities on Hindu women were to find special mention – He would order his soldiers to shave their braided hair with blades and choke their throats with dust.

Over 400 years later, on December 6, 1992, thousands of hardline Hindu activists had gone on rampage in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh to demolish one of the largest and oldest mosques in India built by and named after Babar – The Babri Masjid. The alleged reason was a Hindu belief that the mosque had been built by Babar after demolishing a temple existing in the same place to commemorate the birthplace of Rama.

The Muslim backlash in Uttar Pradesh post the demolition of Babri Masjid was instant. They came out with swords in their hands and slaughtered several Hindus in the streets of Ayodhya and numerous other villages all across the state and the nation. Military was deployed in several places. It took over one week and several lives to restore some kind of normalcy. Nearly a month later, a Hindu family of mill workers was sleeping peacefully in Radhabai Chawl of Jogeshwari, a Muslim dominated suburb of North Bombay. Someone locked the door from outside and threw a petrol bomb from outside. The family of 6 was roasted alive trying to crawl their way out from the door but to no avail. The flames were destined to set the whole city of Bombay on fire. The Hindus pledged to fight back and found able support from the police.

Mobs of Hindus gathered throughout the city – Both men and women – They were informed about the Radhabai Chawl massacre. They picked up any weapon they could and marched towards the Muslim areas of the city. A rioter later gives a first person account of one incident. He met a pav (Bread from the famous Bombay Pav Bhaji) walla on the highway riding his bicycle – The Muslim pav walla was well known to him since he had been supplying bread to his family since several years every morning. They poured petrol on him and burnt him alive while he kept crying “I have children! Have Mercy!”

A day later, Saamna, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, a daily newspaper primarily popular amongst the lower middle class Maharashtrian Hindu population, carried a column by its editor Balasaheb Thackeray that read: “Pakistan need not cross the border and attack India. The two hundred and fifty Muslims in India loyal to Pakistan will stage an armed uprising – They form one of Pakistan’s seven atomic bombs. A Muslim, whichever country he belongs to, is a Muslim first – Nation is given secondary importance.”

Sheikh Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar was born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra in 1955. He was one of ten children to police constable Ibrahim Kaskar, who, apparently, was a very honest man and continued to serve the police even after his son had become wealthy. He refused to receive any money from his son till he died. Dawood was in Dubai when the Muslims in Bombay were being targeted by the Hindus. He, along with several aides decided to reciprocate by an act of terror. They hatched a plan to rip the metropolis apart by planting powerful RDX bombs across key locations in the city. The bombs would detonate in a span of a couple of hours. The Intelligence had no inkling of such a plan since the infamous Bombay underworld had never been involved in terrorist activities. Before the bomb blasts, the city of Bombay was untouched by terror. Terror to Bombayites was a banal news item in daily papers restricted to Punjab and Kashmir.

15 Bombs exploded on Friday, March 12, 1993 between 1:30 pm and 3:40 pm in locations that represented Bombay to the world – Bombay Stock Exchange, The Air India Building in Nariman Point, Zaveri Bazaar, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotels near Santacruz Airport and Juhu Beach, Hotel Sea Rock at Bandstand, Bandra and several others. The attacks were the most destructive and coordinated in the history of the country. Grenades were thrown at Sahar International Airport. Majority of these blasts caused damage to life and property of Hindus but Muslims were not untouched by the misery.

There was uproar in the Indian parliament in New Delhi. The convicts had to be identified and put behind bars. The police was given a green signal to go on a man hunt and to discover the hand behind these blasts. What followed was unscrupulous high handedness on the part of Bombay Police, which, at the time was regarded as second best in the world to the Scotland Yard. Maharashtra, during that period, had the highest number of custodial deaths in the whole country – 200! This record outstrips many military dictatorships throughout the world.

“VOICES – From the Draconian Dungeons” was a document written by the suspects who were arrested under the TADA law and was sent to the UN and the press to draw attention to the sad state of human rights in Bombay. While most of the details presented in that document cannot be posted as part of this column (Self Enforced Censorship!), some *MILD* portions of the same are presented here. The document claims systematic torture by Bombay Police, not just of the suspects, but also of their wives, mothers, and infant children. There is a particular focus, with wounded relish, on the sexual torture of women. “A beautiful newly married convent-educated girl was stripped and her body was placed on an ice slab while drunk policemen violated her several times and inflicted cigarette burns. Najama was forced to eat up his father’s shit. Sons-in-law were undressed in front of mothers-in-law. Urine and feces were part of food. Spitting into mouth by specially bought leppers was normal”. This is just a very brief excerpt from a prosaic portion of this document. Ajay Lal, the then ACP of Bombay Police, candidly admits that parts of “Voices” are true; difficulty is in knowing which parts.

The saga of Religion versus Religion – Crime versus Punishment – Enforcement versus Encroachment is a never ending one. One that is omnipresent. The Government, Judiciary, Police, Press, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Human Right Organizations are all cogs of a wheel that drives the world. And then there is also the farcical United Nations Organization, a world body aimed to facilitate cooperation in international law and security. On assessing the roles of each of the above, we see a big void – Perhaps a purposefully created ‘Bermuda Triangle’.

A majority of the Governments, the world over, in this day and age, are popular regimes, likely elected by the people of the country. These people’s representatives then become messiahs – With the power to rely on the consultancy services provided by bureaucrats and/or constitutional experts over law enhancement. The final decision to accede to their recommendations rests in the hands of these messiahs. It does not take rocket science then to understand that laws, many a time, are made keeping in mind their own vested interests. The Indian Penal Code, for instance, dates from 1861, over 150 years ago. But, that should not be of prime concern because we are still living in the Ba(r)barian era. Just like when Farhan Akhtar decides to remake the cult classic Don, the Don remains Don but the style becomes more today – more James Bondish. Likewise, while the world may have moved on from the era of Babar, we only want to think that the Barbarianism is over. But, it has only been converted to a stylized version of the same.

Judiciary is a system of courts that administer justice in the name of the sovereign or the state, and provide a so-called mechanism for the resolution of disputes. The judge/population ratio in the US is 107 judge/million people; India is at 13 judges/million. Disposal of suits proceeds at less than half of fresh filings – Filing lawsuits have no cost associated and an overwhelming majority are frivolous. In the world of manufacturing industry, judiciary, as an analogy, is the organization responsible for fixing up a batch of products that does not meet the QA standards set by the customer. It will not indulge to address the root cause of the problem that lead to the production of the faulty batch.

Definitely one of the most interesting characters in this grand conundrum is the Police. They are the Law Enforcers. As the name suggests, their job is to compel or force the people to abide by the laws. One wouldn’t need the help of a psychiatrist or a psychologist to lend proof to the theory that humans, by nature, like to tread the path they are not supposed to – A mother, a teacher or a preacher would always coax a child, a student or a disciple into believing a principle rather than enforcing it because it’s common knowledge that enforcement doesn’t always work on the long run.

Plus, as a separate issue, policing the police has, at best, become difficult to tackle. The Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case judgment by a trial court in Delhi (That blamed deliberate inaction by Delhi Police to protect the prime accused - son of the Inspector-General i.e. Second in Command of Delhi Police) acts as a testimony to the dismal ethics of our police force and IPS officers.

The Press, The NGOs, The Human Right Organizations, might all be critical pieces in the puzzle. But, the critical piece that is perhaps missing from this puzzle is an organization – an agency – a will – a commitment to continuously educate the people about the values of peace and non-violence – Very essential to bridge the theological differences. While the need for all the organizations, agencies and systems discussed here can certainly not be disregarded or dismissed, this single strong mission (Governmental on Non-Governmental) should take up this cause of sending across a fresh message. Agreed that an effort is made to preach these principles to the people fortunate enough to attend schools and universities – But, for the less privileged, this is left to …..?? (Left perhaps to the clerics and the netas – many of whom have enough given ample proof of their characters?!?!?)

Going back to the manufacturing industry analogy, this newly proposed organization would strive to ensure that faulty batch of products is never produced – The root cause of the issue will be addressed here. Like anything else, Certitude is not guaranteed – But, at least there is hope.

The Bombay Blasts case presented above is just a classical example of what we are and have been facing over the last few centuries. It just epitomizes the ever deteriorating ethics of the ruler, the ruled and the rule enforcer.

While the trials for the accused in the Bombay Blasts case draws to an end, we know that the illness is far from cured – Such occurrences will keep recurring.

So, perhaps, what we need (in parallel) is a Trial Show of a different kind – One for the enlightenment of souls and the betterment of all – A strong-willed mission to imbibe within the people’s consciousness the principles and values of peace, love and non-violence. It might take long but it may usher in an era of harmony!

Terror and Terrorism – An Entirely Different Perspective

The fortnight leading up to 9/11 this year witnessed an announcement by two major terrorists – One gave up his arms in front of thousands of New Yorkers and other promised to follow suit later next month. The latter then confessed to have taken the decision during the July 4 weekend celebrations in the United States.

While both of these terrorists operate in different environments and follow completely different modus operandi, there definitely is a striking similarity between the two – “The German Connection” is just an example. Both men, currently in their late 30’s, dedicated themselves to the business of terror at a very early age. Their mentors – Their Fathers – Who provided them with the right weapons and an impetus at a very young age.

While the latter has had links with Middle East Asia (Also spotted in Istanbul, Turkey 2 weeks prior to 9/11) just over the last few years, the former’s ancestors are from Iran. In fact, his father has been on Iran’s Olympic boxing team. They neither have links with Osama Bin Laden nor with Al-Qaeda. Their non-association with the Osama, however, does not stop them from being super rich. Their riches are no guarded secret – On the contrary, they have no qualms about flaunting them in public.

Their terror net has surpassed all geographical boundaries and spread across continents. They’ve ruled the roost for a good couple of decades – Starting as “boys next door” to becoming the “badshah’s of terror”. Both at their dangerous best when the world didn’t see a serious threat in them. When written off, they would do something so spectacular that it would force the world to stand up and take notice. Never satisfied with their achievements, going that extra mile to hit an ace was what they were trained to do!

These terrorists are one with a difference – They have a heart of gold. It is widely believed that the latter’s charities surpass that of a number of head honchos, corporate houses and countries. He also has an association with UNESCO. The former has done his bit for the children and the youth.

Confused!!?!

The Lead-Up to 9/11/2006

The former, Iranian-American Andre Agassi (36), associated with ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and the latter, German Michael Schumacher (37) associated with FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) have decided to call it a day on 09/03 and 09/10 respectively. Both, Schumacher and Agassi have spread terror (amongst opponent circles) in the fields of tennis and motor racing over the last few years.

"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I've found" Agassi told the crowd, tears streaming down his cheeks, his voice cracking with emotion. This, after he lost a 3^rd Round match against a German qualifier in front of 20,000+ plus fans packed to capacity at the Arthur Ashe stadium in New York. The four minute uninterrupted standing ovation by one and all present left Agassi with two overwhelming and conflicting emotions. All this, in spite of the fact of being prepared – He announced a few months ago, that this US Open would be his last on the tour.

Schumacher’s announcement, though less dramatic, was very keenly awaited. It came in a different mood – After he won the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, home to his team Scuderia Ferrari. He closed the gap to his nearest rival Fernando Alonso to 2 points in his bid to become the Formula 1 World Champion for a record eighth time. The retirement statement was akin to the German’s driving – Crisp and Accurate – “To make it short in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race that I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I’ve decided, together with the team, that I’m going to retire from racing.” Schumacher also admitted to have taken this decision after winning the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis on 07/02.

Emannuel Agassi, Andre’s father, dreamt of having a child who would win all grand slam tennis tournaments. He would give Agassi paddles and balloons while he was on his high chair to hone his hand-eye coordination. Rolf Schumacher’s son Michael began kart racing at an age of four and a half. Rolf managed a local carting track in Kerpen, home to the Schumachers, and gifted Michael his first homemade kart.

Both have a strong German connection – While Agassi’s wife Steffi Graf is a German and a tennis legend in her own right, Schumacher has been born and raised in Germany.

The Image

Agassi, embraced a rebel image, sported rocker length hair with earrings and colorful t-shirts that breached tennis’ strict sartorial boundaries. He boasted of a cheeseburger diet and the punchline of Canon’s Rebel Camera “Image is Everything” became his. After publicly stating that he didn’t wish to play at Wimbledon because of the traditionalism and the all-white dress code, he eventually went on to win his first grand slam title at the same place. During the third set of the 1988 U.S. Open quarterfinals against Jimmy Connors, Agassi was famously made fun of on national television when a fan yelled to Connors, “He's a punk, you're a legend!" Andre went on to win the match.

Schumacher, on the other hand, has always been an epitome of controversial supremacy. His world championship in 1994 came after a controversial collision with British driver Damon Hill during the season’s final race in Australia. The pressure of a speeding Hill caused a driver error (Yes, he’s human!) from Schumi and he bumped into a wall to lose momentum. Skeptics allege that Schumi purposely rammed into the overtaking Hill to damage his car and take him out of the race and the championship. He attempted a similar move in 1997 over rival Jacques Villeneuve but with opposite results. He damaged his own car and lost the championship. FIA later considered this as a deliberate illegal move and stripped Schumi of his #2 position for the season.

With tags such as “Cheap Cheat”, “Most Unsporting Driver” etc. being accorded to him, what probably best describes his career is a quote by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone – “People have said to me that F1 is boring because he wins everything. So presumably when he's not here, people will be happy. But we'll miss him, because he is a superstar.”

The Statistics

Agassi is one of only 5 male players to have won all 4 grand slam events and the only one to have won every Grand Slam singles title, to have won the Tennis Masters Cup, to have been part of a Davis Cup winning team, and to have won an Olympic gold medal. He is the only male tennis player to have been ranked in the Top 10 in three different decades. A legend in his own right, Agassi's career was never characterized by sheer record-breaking. It was humorously observed that "Agassi doesn't even have the record for most Grand Slam wins in his house," a passing reference to Agassi's wife Steffi Graf (who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles).

Statistically, Schumacher is the most successful driver that Formula 1 has ever had. His records, so staggering, that even the staunchest critics agree that it would take long years of supreme driving by a legendary driver to even come close. They hold more value when compared with the nearest next.

Category	Schumacher, Michael	Nearest Next
Number of World Titles	7 (well on track for 8th)	Juan Manuel Fangio (5)
GP Victories	90	Alain Prost (51)
Career Points	1,354	Alain Prost (798)
Most victories in a season	13 (2004)	Michael Schumacher – 11 (2002)
Podiums	153	Alain Prost (106)
Fastest Laps	73	Alain Prost (41

Wealth and Charity

Both Agassi and Schumacher have amassed tons of money in way of prizes as well as endorsements. (According to Eurobusiness, Schumacher is the world’s first billionaire athlete). They haven’t forgotten to give back to the society in terms of charity tens of millions of dollars. Agassi was awarded the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award in 1995 for his efforts to help disadvantaged youth. He is regularly cited as the most charitable and socially involved player in professional tennis. Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation provided $720,000 to assist in the building of the Andre Agassi Cottage for Medically Fragile Children. In 2005, Schumacher donated US$10 million to charity for the tragic Tsunami in the Indian Ocean that ravaged huge parts of South-Southeast Asia. Schumacher has subsequently supported the “Make Roads Safe” campaign, led by the FIA Foundation, which is calling on G8 countries and the UN to recognize global road deaths as a major global health issue on the scale of Malaria and Tuberculosis. Schumacher is a special ambassador to UNESCO and has donated US$3 million to the organization. He has funded projects for the construction of a clinic in Sarajevo and has even taken the rare step of visiting Sarajevo to see how his funding has actually benefited child victims of war. For his contribution, he was named a UNESCO “Champion for Sport” in 2002

The retirement of these men will put a full stop to the golden era of dominance and create a void that will take while to fill.

Bow to You, our Titan Terrorists! Thanks for the Entertainment!!