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loss of life for us three. It was planned that the dacoits could not escape to Madhya Pradesh.
The Thakur and other 3 youths hid themselves in the precipice of the Chambal valley.
News of failure was pouring in. Our main worry was for Rajendra.
One dacoit arrived with the news of the arrest of the entire family of Gopi Thakur- his wife, mother, sons and brother-in-law were under police custody. He had invited trouble on his entire family for the sake of us, the 3 youths. He remembered the tortures of Sildarsingh and Lokaman. He was afraid that these sins would bring punishment on him.
The brother-in-law was in police custody. He promised the police : "Free me today; if I fail to bring the kidnapped youths back, kill me and fight the dacoits!".
The brother-in-law of the Thakur came in the evening. He ordered him straight away. "Gopi! either free these youths, or kill me! Here's the gun!” He narrated the whole incident, the Thakur had no alternative.
But quick decision was not easy. He said again : "Gopi! why these thoughts! If arrested, you lose your life-time earning. No dacoit will escape; the police is firm and strong. I value my promise high. Take a quick decision or take your gun and kill me !".
He fired two rounds in the air. Then he pointed the gun on his own chest. Gopi got up at once and said : “I free the youths!"
We were awakened and told : "You are freed, escape at once!" We wondered. What had happened?
