Three Days Later – Salem District Court
The courtroom was packed.
Advocates stood shoulder to shoulder, journalists whispered furiously, and common citizens peeked in through the doorway. For the first time in years, a case against a sitting MLA was being officially filed—by none other than a man who had once been declared dead.
Mano Kanagaraj adjusted his advocate's bands and walked toward the bench with calm focus. In his hand was the complaint file containing verified copies of land forgery, tampered registry entries, and fraudulent land mutations tied to MLA Arumugam's company.
The presiding magistrate, Judge Vijayalakshmi, glanced over her glasses at Mano.
"Advocate Mano Kanagaraj… is it correct that you're seeking to file criminal proceedings under IPC Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120B against a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly?"
"Yes, Your Honour," Mano replied. "And I seek that the Hon'ble Court take cognizance under Section 200 of the CrPC. This is not just a case of fraud—it's an organised criminal conspiracy to defraud both the state and its citizens."
A soft murmur rippled through the courtroom.
Judge Vijayalakshmi nodded. "Proceed."
---
Flashback – Previous Night at Mano's Office
Jothi paced nervously. "You seriously want to go ahead with a private complaint? You know the police won't back you. The MLA has them under his thumb."
"I don't need the police," Mano said, organizing evidence. "Section 190 and 200 of CrPC allow the Magistrate to take direct cognizance of an offence. I'm not asking permission—I'm demanding justice."
He placed the documents in sequence:
Copy of original land records (pre-forgery)
RTI responses with discrepancies
Extracts from the NIC log showing digital tampering
Missing person complaint for VAO Ramasamy
Screenshots of public threats and attack footage
> [Lex System Status: Evidence 2/3 Verified]
Skill Bonus Activated: Complaint Drafting +10
Next Step: Present arguments for prima facie evidence
---
Back to the Courtroom
"Your Honour," Mano continued, placing exhibits one by one on the evidence desk, "this land was never sold, transferred, or acquired legally. The digital registry entries are false. The VAO who handled the original file has gone missing. And after I obtained these documents, I was attacked inside a public hearing session."
He looked straight at Dhasarathan, seated in the gallery, sweat beading on his forehead.
"This is not an allegation. It's a legal certainty."
Judge Vijayalakshmi examined the documents. Her brows furrowed.
"The material presented is sufficient to establish a prima facie case," she said. "Issue of summons to the Respondents."
Gavel slammed.
And just like that—
> [Lex System Update: Case LEX-001 – Court Proceedings Initiated]
Case Title: State v. Arumugam & Ors.
Court: Salem Judicial Magistrate-I
First Hearing: Scheduled
Bonus Skill Unlocked: Summons Strategy – Level 1
You may now influence sequence of witness appearance
---
Later that Day – Outside Court
Reporters swarmed Mano as he stepped out of the gate.
"Sir! Is it true the Tehsildar may also be arrested?"
"Do you expect police retaliation?"
"Can the system really bring down someone like Arumugam?"
Mano raised his hand.
"This isn't about one politician," he said firmly. "It's about reminding everyone that the law is not for sale. Whether you're an MLA or a mason—if you forge land, threaten witnesses, or manipulate the system, you will be prosecuted. By the book."
---
Elsewhere – Private Villa near Yercaud
Thennavan burst into the room, fuming.
"The court accepted the case. Your name's on it. FIR might come next."
Arumugam crushed a glass in his bare hand.
"He's forcing my hand. Good. Let's see if he survives the next phase."
---
Later – Mano's Office
The Lex System pulsed softly in the corner of his vision.
> Evidence Collected: 2/3
Pending: Locate Missing Witness – Ramasamy
Recommended Route: File Habeas Corpus in High Court or Track Physical Location
Mano sat back in his chair.
"Time to find my witness," he whispered.
Because without Ramasamy… the truth was still incomplete.
---