A New India
Chapter 274 - 274: Operation Garbage - I

The air in Rohan's office one that made everyone tense.

The Riots have stopped but something far bigger has started.

The Prime Minister sat at his desk, his fingers drumming against the polished wood.

A file lay in front of him, marked with a red seal labeled "Confidential."

Across the room, Neeraj stood with his usual composed demeanor, though his eyes betrayed concern.

Rao, the head of R&AW, and Atma Jayaram, the IB Chief, entered the room, their expressions worried for what they believe was very risky.

The door closed behind them, muffling the sounds of the bustling corridors outside.

Rohan motioned for them to take their seats.

Without waiting for his order, Rao placed the file on the table, sliding it toward the Prime Minister.

"This," Rao began, his voice low but firm, "is the list of individuals we've identified as being directly involved in inciting the riots. Two hundred and fifty names, sir. Politicians, community leaders, businessmen, even a few journalists. It's not just misinformation they've actively worked to destabilize the government."

Rohan opened the file and scanned the pages.

His face remained passive with no emotion, but there was an unmistakable fire in his eyes.

"Names," he said curtly. "I want specifics."

Rao pointed to the first section. "From Punjab, Baldev Singh. He's been spreading rumors about the state division being an attack on Sikh identity. In Uttar Pradesh, Ram Charan Tiwari orchestrated violent mobs under the guise of protecting local culture. Bihar? Deepak Kumar. He's been inciting caste-based violence under the pretext of opposing the bill."

Atma interjected, "It's not just the big names, sir. We've traced funding for weapons and logistics to several smaller groups, all working under the radar. They've used local grievances to amplify unrest on a national scale."

Rohan leaned back, his fingers steepled as he stared at the list. "And your assessment of what needs to be done?"

Rao hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Sir, if we're to neutralize this threat, it will require a coordinated operation. Arrests, asset freezes, dismantling their networks. But there's a risk. Many of these individuals have deep political and social connections. Some are even within our own ranks. The backlash will be significant. Not to mention sir in the last five year the amount of purge that we have done will sooner or later catch up to us."

Jayaram nodded in agreement. "And it's not just domestic, sir. The international community will take notice. If we're seen as targeting political opponents, there will be accusations of authoritarianism. Sanctions, diplomatic fallout, it's all on the table."

Rohan's gaze hardened. "Let them comment. Let them impose sanctions if they dare. This isn't about politics or diplomacy it's about the survival of this nation. These people are traitors. They've exploited the trust of their communities and betrayed their country. If we don't act now, we're leaving the door open for them to strike again."

Neeraj, standing to the side, finally spoke. "Sir, the scale of this operation… Have we considered the collateral damage? What about those who are indirectly involved but can't be conclusively proven guilty?"

Rohan's voice cut through the room like steel. "Neeraj, collateral damage is a luxury we can't afford right now. Every day we delay action, more lives are at risk. This isn't a courtroom debate, it's a matter of national security."

Jayaram leaned forward, his expression grave. "Prime Minister, I understand your resolve, but this isn't a dictatorship. We have to consider legal procedures. If we bypass due process, we risk turning these people into martyrs. They'll use it to fuel more unrest, claiming the government is silencing dissent."

Rohan's fist slammed against the desk, startling everyone in the room. "And what about the people who died because of their lies, Jayaram? What about the police officers who were beaten, the shops that were burned, the children left orphaned? Are their lives less valuable because we want to appear 'fair' to the world?"

Rao exchanged a glance with Jayaram before speaking carefully. "Sir, no one is saying we don't act. But we need to act smartly. A targeted approach, with airtight evidence, to ensure there's no room for backlash."

Rohan's voice dropped, cold and deliberate. "I want them all gone. Every single one of them. We're not just dealing with rioters we're dealing with a cancer eating away at this nation. And when you're dealing with cancer, you don't ask permission to cut it out. You do it."

Neeraj interjected again, hesitating slightly before speaking. "Sir, while I agree with your approach, it's important to consider the ripple effects. What if these arrests ignite further unrest? There are already whispers of rebellion in some circles."

Rohan's gaze shifted to Neeraj, and his tone was sharper now. "Neeraj, the whispers will turn into shouts if we let these people continue unchecked. We're not just fighting a riot; we're fighting for the future of this nation."

There was a tense silence in the room as the weight of Rohan's words settled over them.

Finally, Rao cleared his throat. "If we proceed with this, sir, we'll need a name for the operation. Something that encapsulates its purpose."

Rohan's lips curled into a grim smile. "Operation Garbage."

Jayaram raised an eyebrow. "Garbage, sir?"

"Yes, Garbage," Rohan said firmly. "Because that's what these people are, trash polluting this country. And it's time we cleared them out."

Rao and Jayaram exchanged uneasy glances.

The Prime Minister's resolve was unshakeable, and they knew there was no point in arguing further.

Finally, Rao spoke, his voice resigned. "Very well, sir. But we'll need your approval to mobilize resources and personnel. This won't be an easy operation."

Rohan nodded. "You'll have it. But make no mistake, this isn't just another operation. This is about the soul of India. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect it."

As the discussion shifted to logistics, Rao laid out a preliminary framework. "Sir, we'll need coordination across multiple agencies intelligence, local police, and the judiciary. The arrests need to be simultaneous to prevent any of the targets from fleeing. We'll also need to monitor financial transactions closely to cut off their funding sources."

Jayaram added, "And we'll need a communications strategy to control the narrative. If word gets out that we're targeting political opponents, it could snowball into another crisis."

Rohan's voice was steady but firm. "Do what you need to do. But remember this isn't just about arrests. It's about sending a message. No one, no matter how powerful, is above the law."

As the meeting drew to a close, Rohan stood, signaling the end of the discussion. "You have your orders. Execute them with precision. This country has suffered enough at the hands of these so-called leaders. It's time to reclaim our nation."

Rao and Jayaram stood, saluting briefly before leaving the room.

Neeraj lingered for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Sir, this operation… it's risky."

Rohan met his gaze, his voice softer but no less resolute. "The biggest risk, Neeraj, is doing nothing. And that's not a risk I'm willing to take."

Maybe the world will judge, his own people will judge.

But he doesn't care long after he is dead either in glory or mud, History will judge his action.