Taking A Stand: Dr. Kumar the hot topic of the day
There’s very little that’s brewed up more interest than recent events concerning the disappearance of Dr. Kumar and a hushed-up episode that reportedly took place recently at Union Planters Bank.
No matter where I go, somebody will inevitably ask me what I’ve heard concerning these two cases. For some reason, there’s a higher-than-normal interest in these cases since both appear to present intrigue and mystery, and no one is without an opinion, especially in the Kumar case.
Let’s face it, nine out of 10 Warren countians believe the Kumar disappearance is a hoax, with most believing he’s fled the country and is back in India. Almost everyone I’ve talked to questions why a doctor, who has at his disposal numerous options for a painless and sure suicide, opts to announce his intentions and go jump in a cold river from a dock when a perfectly tall bridge is a five-minute walk away. They also question why his body hasn’t been found in a river which is about as deep as a backyard pool.
Like most people, I have an opinion on it, but that’s all it is seeing I have no inside information as to the location of the missing doctor. For all I know, he could be in the river, which frankly, I hope he isn’t. I guess my biggest question in the whole thing is why he would either take his own life or fake his death. Sure, there are rumors out there as to his motivations, but I’ve seen no firm proof to support a motive. And, we must remember, this guy was a real community activist, doing more for Warren County after moving here from India than 99 percent of native Warren countians do in a lifetime. I’ve met him on numerous occasions, and he seemed like a happy person who legitimately liked helping less fortunate people. So, either a suicide or faked death just seems out of character.
This is a case, unless his body is found, that could swirl around here indefinitely. If it is a hoax, I doubt he’ll turn up working at a gas station in Sparta.
While the Kumar issue is the first thing people ask about, the Union Planters question is usually the second on their lips. It’s no secret something happened at the local bank two weeks ago. I’ve heard numerous reports about what went down and, like many of you I’ve talked to, I’ve heard the identity of the person allegedly involved.
It’s sparked many questions about why it has not been reported in the paper, with many folks making the comment, “If that was me, I’d have been on the front page of the paper and under the jail.”
My response is we can’t publish information which is purely common knowledge. Instead, we have to rely on official sources, of which there are none at this point. Once I get something concrete, it will be printed.
For those who say it will be settled without outside involvement and never come to light, I’d say that’s highly unlikely because if this does involve an alleged embezzlement, I doubt the federal government is simply going to put the suspect on a re-payment plan and tell the person to go and sin no more. If they do, then I think there’s a couple of former City Bank employees, who spent time in a federal prison for mishandling money, who may be crying foul.
I don’t foresee the fascination with either of these cases going away any time soon since they appeal to the inquiring minds of the public. The only way they go away is a public resolution where there’s no wiggle room, thereby answering the questions in the minds of the public.
(Duane Sherrill is a reporter for the Standard. He can be reached by calling 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].)