For children: Why is a poor fisherman being framed for the disappearance of endangered turtles?

“Your father has been arrested for stealing sea turtles from the beach,” Meera gasped, finally catching up with Shimplya, who was marching off in a rage. Mirchi and Malhar got there behind her, huffing and puffing, Munna tailing along with them.

Shimplya turned around, his eyes blood red. Dismissing Meera with a flick of his hands, he walked away with big strides.

“Dekh...I know you are upset,” Mirchi took over, trotting along behind Shimplya, ‘But this time, we have pukka news.’

Shimplya stopped.

“I met my photography teacher outside the police station,” explained Meera. “His friend is a biologist working on turtle conservation. She mentioned that your father was arrested today for stealing turtles.”

“My father has nothing to do with stealing turtles!” yelled Shimplya, before turning around and stomping away to the other side of the road.

“Shimplya! Slow down!” Mirchi held up his hand to hold back traffic, following Shimplya towards the beach.

Shimplya walked on, past children building sandcastles and playing football, couples cuddling under trees, and families gathered on straw mats. In the distance, waves crashed onto the shore, beyond which, little lights shone upon ships harboured in the Maulsari Bay. Above, the sky was painted in deep hues of red and purple. It all...

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