Bofors: The story behind the news

by Chitra Subramaniam

267 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[V. Subhash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chitra Subramaniam is credited with breaking the Bofors story in the press. She was based in Stockholm when Swedish radio broadcast that large bribes were paid to get the Indian howitzer deal. Ms. Subramanian managed to get hold of some original documents that threw light on the scandal. Despite threats to her life, she continued to make more revelations in her articles in The Hindu. For her courage and determination, she won several awards, one of which she shared with her editor N. Ram. However, after some time, the editor stopped publishing her articles, claiming that her work was “too controversial.” Chitra may have been asked to rest and settle for a job with the WHO. She later came back to India and started 'The News Minute' news site. Sadly, she joined the Republic TV editorial board.

[Anand V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about the expose of India's dirtiest political scandal and cover-up from the viewpoint of the author, who broke the story in India. Along with her valuable sources, she brought out the story in great depth which led to the government's fall in next elections. The book entails her pains and stains as she covered the story through her pregnancy, then nurturing the child. She gives no holds barred views and thoughts about her colleagues and the characters in the story. The story shows the power of media and the need for the existence of a strong & independent media to keep the politicians & authorities under check. But, in the end even that is not good enough, as the strong political circles exert their might. The author is left with only hope...