chapter 14
780 Words
Preliminary investigation into the death
of Ms Prerna Malhotra
Transcribed testimonies of residents of
Malhotra House, A-956, New Friends
Colony
Testimony l:Maid Gopika (Translatedfrom Hindi) Interview by
Constable Shyam Gehlot
What's your full name, age and where areyoufrom?
I am Gopika Paswan. I am twenty-two years old and I am from Gaya in
Bihar.
Your relationship with the deceased?
I have worked in Prerna didi's house for the past three years as house
help.
How did you get this job? And what are your duties?
I was hired from a domestic servant agency in New Friends Colony. I
live in the Malhotras' home. I clean the house, wash clothes and help
Neelam madam and Bindu madam in the kitchen. I also do the shopping
from the nearby grocery stores.
What is your relationship like with the family, in particular the
deceased? Were there any disputes or conflicts?
I always do a good job. People in the family are nice and they like me.
They buy me gifts. They gave me a saree each for the roka and engagement
ceremony of Prerna didi. Prerna didi never spoke to me much. She used to
be very busy. Sometimes she would come back from work at midnight and I
would give her dinner. At other times she would leave for work at seven in
the morning and I made breakfast for her. She was very particular about her
food and always wanted it to be tasty. She loved my gobi paran-thas.
The only time she scolded me was when she found Anwar in my room.
Anwar is like my brother. Sometimes I make tea for him after he brings
back Ramesh sir in the evening.
She told me it is not good for drivers to come upstairs to my room. I
said sorry to her. Matter was finished.
Where were you on the night of 17 October?In the house itself. I finished making evening tea for everyone, cleared
and washed the plates. Neelam madam came to the kitchen to prepare
dinner. She has diabetes so she can't fast for Karva Chauth. I offered to help
her with the cooking. She told me to go rest in my room as I had also
prepared lunch, served tea and set the table for dinner. I went to my room
and lay down for a while. Later I heard a lot of noise. Everyone in the house
ran outside. I saw that a crowd had gathered on the road, where Prerna didi
had died.
Was there anyone else withyou inyour room?
I have told you everything already.
Answer the question—was there anyone else withyou in your room?
Anwar was there. I had kept some tea and snacks for him. Please don't
do anything to him. He may be Muslim, but he is a very nice man.
How long was Anwar there inyour room?
Ten minutes. Maybe a little more... (after a pause) maybe half an hour.
He left before all the noise downstairs. I swear (after a long pause) . . .
Please don't tell anyone, Havaldarji.
Does anyone in the house know about your relationship with Anwar?
No, Havaldar ji. Please don't tell them. They will fire Anwar from his
job. Even that last time, Prerna didi scolded him a lot.
What did Prerna tell Anwar?
Anwar is forty-five years old and married with children. Prerna didi was
right. She asked him why he came to my room. We said it is only to have
tea. We swore that we are like brother and sister to each other ... (pauses)
Okay, I know what we are doing is wrong, but his wife is very far away in
Aligarh. And he told me if I become a Muslim, I can also be his wife. It is
allowed in their religion, Havaldar ji. Please don't give any trouble to
Anwar. He is a very nice man.
Did Anwar get upset with Prerna?
He is human only, Havaldar ji. Of course, at that moment he did, but he
did not say anything to Prerna didi ever.
What did he say to you?
(stays quiet)
We are the police. You better tell the truth. What exactly did Anwar say
about Prerna after she scolded him?
He said, ‘Who does this woman think she is? She was a child when I
first came to work in this house. And now she is yelling at me even thoughRamesh sir has never shouted at me. I'd like to slap her/
Did he talk about hurting her?
No, Havaldar ji. Nothing after that. I told you, Anwar is a very nice
man. Nothing will happen to him, right, Havaldar ji?
- Writer
