Commander Sabarmati’s Scandal

Midnight's Children

This flow traces Saleem’s revenge note, the murders it precipitates, and the public debate over law and honor.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Note in the Uniform A Note in the Uniform from "Midnight's Children". A Child’s Intervention Discovery Saleem learns of Homi Catrack’s affair with Lila Sabarmati and constructs an anonymous message from newspaper fragments.

A Note in the Uniform from "Midnight's Children". A Child’s Intervention Discovery Saleem learns of Homi Catrack’s affair with Lila Sabarmati and constructs an anonymous message from newspaper fragments.

A Child’s Intervention Discovery Saleem learns of Homi Catrack’s affair with Lila Sabarmati and constructs an anonymous message from newspaper fragments. Intention He wants to expose an adult betrayal, not cause lethal violence.

The Double Murder The Double Murder from "Midnight's Children". A Commander Acts Confrontation Commander Sabarmati finds his wife and Homi together and shoots both.

The Double Murder from "Midnight's Children". A Commander Acts Confrontation Commander Sabarmati finds his wife and Homi together and shoots both.

A Commander Acts Confrontation Commander Sabarmati finds his wife and Homi together and shoots both. Public Scene He surrenders, then directs traffic with the smoking revolver as the city watches.

A Popular Defense A Popular Defense from "Midnight's Children". Honor versus Procedure Trial Ismail Ibrahim argues that the killings arose from attempted suicide and sudden passion.

A Popular Defense from "Midnight's Children". Honor versus Procedure Trial Ismail Ibrahim argues that the killings arose from attempted suicide and sudden passion.

Honor versus Procedure Trial Ismail Ibrahim argues that the killings arose from attempted suicide and sudden passion. Reversal A jury acquits the Commander, but the judge overturns the verdict and convicts him.

The State’s Exception The State’s Exception from "Midnight's Children". Legal and Naval Power Appeal Public figures seek to keep Sabarmati in naval custody and preserve his career.

The State’s Exception from "Midnight's Children". Legal and Naval Power Appeal Public figures seek to keep Sabarmati in naval custody and preserve his career.

Legal and Naval Power Appeal Public figures seek to keep Sabarmati in naval custody and preserve his career. Decision The Supreme Court confirms guilt, and the President refuses a pardon.

Consequences for Saleem Consequences for Saleem from "Midnight's Children". Revenge Turns to Guilt Aftermath Homi’s death contributes to Hanif’s despair and Saleem’s sense of responsibility.

Consequences for Saleem from "Midnight's Children". Revenge Turns to Guilt Aftermath Homi’s death contributes to Hanif’s despair and Saleem’s sense of responsibility.

Revenge Turns to Guilt Aftermath Homi’s death contributes to Hanif’s despair and Saleem’s sense of responsibility. Family Change The Estate empties as residents die or depart, ending Saleem’s childhood world.

1958

After the verdict