Page 57 - English Reader - 8

“Pay at the cash counter,” Prem Chopra spoke into the commander.

Ram Singh—070 paused, turned around, glided through the busy aisle, and stopped at the end of
the queue waiting for his turn like a civilised citizen, while Prem Chopra enjoyed the glamour and fun
of the busy shopping area. He was delighted with the robot’s agility and deftness.

Ram Singh—070 followed Prem Chopra like
a faithful dog when he stopped at Gopal
Jewellers. Through the glass window he saw a

generous display of gold ornaments. Quickly
Prem Chopra disappeared around the corner
and spoke into the remote control— softly
and clearly. “Pick up a necklace and hide. No
noise; information not to be revealed. Top
secret. Otherwise I will defuse your system,”
he threatened.

Ram Singh—070 moved inside the shop, close
to the counter. His metallic palm extended
forward and a necklace went into the storage
unit without a clink or a jingle. Nobody took
notice. The jeweller was busy conversing with a

customer. Prem Chopra had seen the operation through
his binoculars. He drew a long puff at his cigarette to celebrate. Ram Singh—070 moved out.
From expensive antiques to ornaments and precious stones, the shoplifting went on without any
trace of anxiety and recognition in the beginning. But the confused reactions of shop-owners
gradually became louder. Unaware Prem Chopra went on with his shoplifting spree until a young

fruit vendor noticed an expensive bunch of Afghani grapes disappearing inside the metallic Blue
Robot. The incident was relayed all over, and no sooner had they heard than some shopkeepers
recalled the presence of a metallic Blue Robot in their shops as they found their valuables missing.
This information reached the police headquarters in no time.

One day Prem Chopra guided Ram Singh—070 to Jhaveli Brothers for lifting precious gems. The police
remained in readiness and the computerised cameras, capable of split second recording, clicked him
in the act. Ram Singh—070 robot was caught, but Prem Chopra fled as soon as he saw, through the
binoculars, two persons noting down Ram Singh’s licence number, printed on his metallic neck.

Prem Chopra was arrested from his home, as owner of Ram Singh—070—the thief.

Soon after his arrest, Prem Chopra was released on bail until the court hearing. None of the stolen
articles was recovered.
He had cleverly disposed them of through his gang. In the court, he denied all allegations.

“Someone else seems to have tampered with Ram Singh—070’s programs. The police found me at
home,” he argued.

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