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Bihar Diaries: The True Story of How Bihar's Most Dangerous Criminal Was Caught
Bihar Diaries narrates the thrilling account of how Amit Lodha arrested Vijay Samrat, one of Bihar's most feared ganglords, notorious for extortion, kidnapping and the massacre of scores of people. The book follows the adrenaline-fuelled chase across three states during Amit's tenure as superintendent of police of Shekhpura, a sleepy mofussil town in Bihar.How does Amit navigate between his professional challenges and conquer his demons? What does he do when the ganglord comes after his family? Bihar Diaries captures vividly the battle of nerves between a dreaded outlaw and a young, urbane IPS officer.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 19, 2018
This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.
February 17, 2019
A few days after I finished reading this story, a YouTube channel that I follow uploaded a video essay titled “Do We Need Villains ? | Police Edition “. Taking two South Indian movies namely Action Hero Biju (a Malayalam movie) and Theeran : Adhigaram Ondru ( a Tamil movie), the essay explored the formulaic elements of a vast majority of Police movies in India (and specifically South India). Barring a few exceptions, most of the said movies will have a brave, muscular, upright and idealistic man as a cop who wreaks havoc on the evil elements of society. There will also be a big baddy in the offing who will ultimately meet his maker at the hands of the cop.
During the 2 or 3 hours of the movie, the cop will find time to romance, crack a joke or two, shake a leg to jazzy tunes, suffer some personal tragedies and also beat the living daylights out of truckloads of the baddy’s muscle men. The two movies that the essay picked up for review were ones where the big baddy was not too much in evidence. In Theeran, the story is about a team of cops who chase a gang of dacoits from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh trying to bring them to justice while Biju was about what is means to be a Sub Inspector in a Police station in any of the umpteen Police Stations in Kerala. There are enough melodramatic elements to make both these movies have that aura of unbelievability but broadly they ask the question as to do we really need a big baddy for a cop movie to work ? The answer is not always but you can be sure that the formula is a sure shot way to attract audiences to the theatre. This formula (clichéd as it is) is reused again by Amit Lodha who was an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer posted in Bihar while hunting a dreaded dacoit – Vijay Samrat. The cover of the book proudly proclaims this : ”Soon to be a motion picture directed by Neeraj Pandey” and the way the book is written made it easy to understand that it pretty much doubles up as a condensed movie script converted into a book.
There is a freshness to the character of Amit Lodha who tells the reader that he was an average student, not great with the fairer sex and also does not hesitate to laugh at himself. While being a morally upright officer, he also displays his human side of making mistakes, running into hilarious situations etc which makes his character more endearing than the countless other cyclostyled cops in movies. While this part of his character is amusing, the tale as such is one that has been oft repeated with the only exception that this was a true story. While at a single glance the story appears clichéd, one can only imagine the strain of having to nab such a dreaded criminal being placed on Lodha’s shoulders. After having succeeded in incarcerating Samrat, Lodha and his family still has to go through a harrowing period and a reader can only admire his stoic adoration to the uniform. There isn’t really much more to be said about the book other than the fact that it has enough material to make a summer blockbuster. The only area where the story did not sit well with me was that while the backstory was rather extensive for the antagonist, he was not really well fleshed out once the chase began in earnest. This could be because the focus was pulled more towards the Police than the criminals in the latter parts of the book.
A very breezy read akin to watching one of the dime-a-dozen cop movies from India !
During the 2 or 3 hours of the movie, the cop will find time to romance, crack a joke or two, shake a leg to jazzy tunes, suffer some personal tragedies and also beat the living daylights out of truckloads of the baddy’s muscle men. The two movies that the essay picked up for review were ones where the big baddy was not too much in evidence. In Theeran, the story is about a team of cops who chase a gang of dacoits from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh trying to bring them to justice while Biju was about what is means to be a Sub Inspector in a Police station in any of the umpteen Police Stations in Kerala. There are enough melodramatic elements to make both these movies have that aura of unbelievability but broadly they ask the question as to do we really need a big baddy for a cop movie to work ? The answer is not always but you can be sure that the formula is a sure shot way to attract audiences to the theatre. This formula (clichéd as it is) is reused again by Amit Lodha who was an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer posted in Bihar while hunting a dreaded dacoit – Vijay Samrat. The cover of the book proudly proclaims this : ”Soon to be a motion picture directed by Neeraj Pandey” and the way the book is written made it easy to understand that it pretty much doubles up as a condensed movie script converted into a book.
There is a freshness to the character of Amit Lodha who tells the reader that he was an average student, not great with the fairer sex and also does not hesitate to laugh at himself. While being a morally upright officer, he also displays his human side of making mistakes, running into hilarious situations etc which makes his character more endearing than the countless other cyclostyled cops in movies. While this part of his character is amusing, the tale as such is one that has been oft repeated with the only exception that this was a true story. While at a single glance the story appears clichéd, one can only imagine the strain of having to nab such a dreaded criminal being placed on Lodha’s shoulders. After having succeeded in incarcerating Samrat, Lodha and his family still has to go through a harrowing period and a reader can only admire his stoic adoration to the uniform. There isn’t really much more to be said about the book other than the fact that it has enough material to make a summer blockbuster. The only area where the story did not sit well with me was that while the backstory was rather extensive for the antagonist, he was not really well fleshed out once the chase began in earnest. This could be because the focus was pulled more towards the Police than the criminals in the latter parts of the book.
A very breezy read akin to watching one of the dime-a-dozen cop movies from India !
August 9, 2018
"Chacha vidhayak hai hamare Bh$€¥".This is the Bihar. Politics is in our blood, We are Power-hungry people.we never look inward, we always look outward. In spite of knowing who we are we always believe in whom we know.we idolise the criminals, ganglords, mafia like Gods and feel fine and blessed.
In Gangaajal, Ajay devgan nailed it in Reel life as Tejpur SP, Amit Lodha nailed it in Real life as Sheikhpura SP.in a matter of 2 night 15 people were killed. Although, the story revolves around Cat and mouse chase of an individual criminal who had killed the sitting Mp Rajo singh, a sitting MLA and a BDO among many others but Bihar has seen Many such cold hearted bastard criminals.
In Gangaajal, Ajay devgan nailed it in Reel life as Tejpur SP, Amit Lodha nailed it in Real life as Sheikhpura SP.in a matter of 2 night 15 people were killed. Although, the story revolves around Cat and mouse chase of an individual criminal who had killed the sitting Mp Rajo singh, a sitting MLA and a BDO among many others but Bihar has seen Many such cold hearted bastard criminals.
July 25, 2018
Vijay Samrat is a man whose notoriety increases with every heinous crime he commits. And with time his reach extends to the lowest and highest strata of Bihar society. Our author, Amit Lodha, at the peak of his career, gets transferred to an outback with the barest of amenities and the gruesomest crimes. The book details the rise of Vijay Samrat, his imprisonment and subsequent escape. The murder of sixteen people makes him the most wanted criminal by the law and the most feared man by the public. As the SP of Shekhpura, it was Amit Lodha's job to bring Vijay Samrat and his gang into custody. And he does it in style. There are glimpses of everyone's personal lives as well. Amit Lodha's reminiscences about his college and early married life, Vijay's background, Horlicks' background... it just brings to front the development of their characters, some for the better and some not so.
Bihar Diaries is a fast-paced, quick read which provides just the right amount of thrill and light-heartedness that makes it a good read. You can finish it off in one go, perfect for a weekend evening. Go for it.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
Bihar Diaries is a fast-paced, quick read which provides just the right amount of thrill and light-heartedness that makes it a good read. You can finish it off in one go, perfect for a weekend evening. Go for it.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
September 24, 2024
Being far from home can be tough for readers like me, especially when weight restrictions limit the number of books we can bring along. Fortunately, at my workplace, I discovered that my senior is a fellow bookworm. When I visited his home, I was thrilled to see shelves lined with books. I picked this up, intending to read it over the week, but it turned out to be such a page-turner that I ended up finishing it in one sitting.
This book is a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller featuring an IPS officer Amit Lodha, facing numerous ups and downs in his career, is tasked with capturing a deadly criminal gang led by Vijay Samrat. Amit, being an IIT graduate, relies on innovative technology in his investigations. The chase to apprehend Vijay and his partner, Horlicks Samrat, is heart-pounding, with many moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, heart racing.
While there are some downsides such as humor that falls flat and underdeveloped characters among senior officers, as well as emotional scenes that don’t resonate fully. This book is still worth the read if you’re feeling bogged down by the monotonous literary tropes. I truly enjoyed it and hope you will too. Give it a try!
This book is a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller featuring an IPS officer Amit Lodha, facing numerous ups and downs in his career, is tasked with capturing a deadly criminal gang led by Vijay Samrat. Amit, being an IIT graduate, relies on innovative technology in his investigations. The chase to apprehend Vijay and his partner, Horlicks Samrat, is heart-pounding, with many moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, heart racing.
While there are some downsides such as humor that falls flat and underdeveloped characters among senior officers, as well as emotional scenes that don’t resonate fully. This book is still worth the read if you’re feeling bogged down by the monotonous literary tropes. I truly enjoyed it and hope you will too. Give it a try!
June 20, 2020
3.5/5
October 26, 2019
I came across this book by chance when I saw Mr Lodha's Ted Talk on YouTube. I was really drawn in by the way he described the events in the book, and I wanted to read it to know more. Although I had heard the entire story in multiple interviews that Mr Lodha gave, it was still fun to read the finer details of the story.
It is a very simple Chor-Police story about how the then SP of Shekhpura - Mr Amit Lodha - caught the most notorious and feared gangster Vijay Samrat and his aide Horlicks Samrat through some very intelligent policing and Mobile Phone technology which was way ahead of its time then.
The book is written in a very conversational tone which makes it fun and easy to read. If you watch Mr Lodha's interviews before reading this book (and I recommend that you should), you will actually feel that he's narrating it to you in his own voice and unique style.
Even though it deals with a very serious subject about a horrific criminal, the book doesn't feel heavy at all as it contains some really funny moments and I loved Mr Lodha's lighter perspective about serious situations which only a police officer can see.
It was also interesting to see how policing actually works (or at least some parts of it) and what are the challenges that a cop faces in their everyday life. Also, Mr Lodha is very honest in admitting the fears that go through a policeman's mind and how risky things are for them and their families. It isn't just a tale of bravado or machismo. It humanises a cop and shows how they have fears, doubts and shortcomings but when the going gets tough how they put their duty first and overcome all of this.
The book might seem pompous, and a bit exaggerated in places, but Mr Lodha admits that in the foreword itself. After all, we all take certain creative liberties while narrating our personal stories and when you capture such a dangerous criminal then I guess you are bound to be a little extra proud of yourself.
I recommend this book if you enjoy reading a fast-paced, simple action-filled story with no deep layers.
I hope the upcoming movie does justice to Mr Lodha's story!
It is a very simple Chor-Police story about how the then SP of Shekhpura - Mr Amit Lodha - caught the most notorious and feared gangster Vijay Samrat and his aide Horlicks Samrat through some very intelligent policing and Mobile Phone technology which was way ahead of its time then.
The book is written in a very conversational tone which makes it fun and easy to read. If you watch Mr Lodha's interviews before reading this book (and I recommend that you should), you will actually feel that he's narrating it to you in his own voice and unique style.
Even though it deals with a very serious subject about a horrific criminal, the book doesn't feel heavy at all as it contains some really funny moments and I loved Mr Lodha's lighter perspective about serious situations which only a police officer can see.
It was also interesting to see how policing actually works (or at least some parts of it) and what are the challenges that a cop faces in their everyday life. Also, Mr Lodha is very honest in admitting the fears that go through a policeman's mind and how risky things are for them and their families. It isn't just a tale of bravado or machismo. It humanises a cop and shows how they have fears, doubts and shortcomings but when the going gets tough how they put their duty first and overcome all of this.
The book might seem pompous, and a bit exaggerated in places, but Mr Lodha admits that in the foreword itself. After all, we all take certain creative liberties while narrating our personal stories and when you capture such a dangerous criminal then I guess you are bound to be a little extra proud of yourself.
I recommend this book if you enjoy reading a fast-paced, simple action-filled story with no deep layers.
I hope the upcoming movie does justice to Mr Lodha's story!
April 23, 2021
যে কোনো থ্রিলার কাহিনিকে হার মানাবে আইপিএস অমিত লোধার বিহারের শেখপুরা জেলার ডন বিজয় সম্রাটকে ধরার 'চোর-পুলিশ' খেলা।
নালন্দার মতো বড়ো জেলার এসপি ছিলেন অমিত লোধা। বেশ সুনামের সাথে কাজ করছিলেন অমিত। পত্রিকায় প্রায়শই ছবি ছাপা হয়, লোকে সমীহের চোখে দেখে। এসব উপভোগ করেন অমিত লোধা। কিন্তু হঠাৎই বদলির আদেশ হলো। জেলার পুলিশপ্রধান থেকে আর্মড পুলিশ ব্যাটেলিয়নে পোস্টিং পেলেন! একেবারে জঘন্য পোস্টিং যাকে বলে। রাতারাতি সবকিছু বদলে গেল। মানুষ আর পাত্তা দেয় না। এমনকি দায়িত্��� নিতে গিয়ে দেখলেন যে ব্যাটেলিয়নে তার পোস্টিং সেই ব্যাটেলিয়নে তিনি ছাড়া আর কেউ নেই। অর্থাৎ সবেমাত্র ব্যাটেলিয়ন গড়ে উঠছে। বিহার পুলিশের বড়বাবুদের 'সুনজর' থেকে বঞ্চিত অমিত লোধার বেতনও আটকে গিয়েছিল। ভীষণ মানসিক যন্ত্রণার মধ্যে দিন কাটাচ্ছিলেন তিনি।
তখন সালটা ২০০৬। ভারতের সবচেয়ে গরিব জেলা বিহারের শেখপুরা। এই জেলার জেল থেকে জেলারসহ এক কারারক্ষীকে হত্যা করে সদলবলে পালায় ক��খ্যাত বিজয় সম্রাট। সে জেল থেকে পালিয়ে তার দলের বিরুদ্ধে পুলিশের তথ্যদাতার পরিবারের আটজনকে নৃশংসভাবে হত্যা করে। গাড়িতে ওঠার পর বিজয় সম্রাট ও তার ঘনিষ্ঠজন শুটার হরলিকস সম্রাট জানতে পারে তারা ভুল লোককে সপরিবারে হত্যা করেছে। আসল তথ্যদাতা সপরিবারে পাশের গাঁয়ে বিয়ের অনুষ্ঠানে গিয়েছে৷ বিজয় সম্রাট সেই বিয়ের অনুষ্ঠানে হাজির হয়। তথ্যদাতার পরিবারের সবাইকে হত্যা করে। আগে থেকেই বিজয় সম্রাটের বিরুদ্ধে কমপক্ষে ত্রিশটি হত্যাসহ বিভিন্ন মামলা ছিল৷ একই দিনে ১৬টি হত্যাকাণ্ড পুরো বিহারকে কাঁপিয়ে দিল। তৎক্ষণাৎ শেখপুরার এসপি ও ডিএমকে বদলি করে দেওয়া হয় এবং সদর থানার ওসিকে বরখাস্ত করা হয়। এমন একটি পরিস্থিতিকে বিজয় সম্রাটের গ্যাংকে নিকেশ করার দায়িত্ব দিয়ে ভারতের সবচেয়ে অনুন্নত জেলার দায়িত্ব নেন অমিত লোধা।
বিজয় সম্রাটের গ্যাংকে জব্দ করার চমকপ্রদ ঘটনায় এতটাই টুইস্ট ও রোমাঞ্চে ভরপুর যে মুহূর্তের জন্য বইটি হাত থেকে নামাতে পারিনি। এককথায়, আনপুটডাউনেবল।
অমিত লোধার গদ্য গতিময়। ইংরেজিতে দখল না থাকলেও পড়তে বিলকুল অসুবিধা হবে না।
নালন্দার মতো বড়ো জেলার এসপি ছিলেন অমিত লোধা। বেশ সুনামের সাথে কাজ করছিলেন অমিত। পত্রিকায় প্রায়শই ছবি ছাপা হয়, লোকে সমীহের চোখে দেখে। এসব উপভোগ করেন অমিত লোধা। কিন্তু হঠাৎই বদলির আদেশ হলো। জেলার পুলিশপ্রধান থেকে আর্মড পুলিশ ব্যাটেলিয়নে পোস্টিং পেলেন! একেবারে জঘন্য পোস্টিং যাকে বলে। রাতারাতি সবকিছু বদলে গেল। মানুষ আর পাত্তা দেয় না। এমনকি দায়িত্��� নিতে গিয়ে দেখলেন যে ব্যাটেলিয়নে তার পোস্টিং সেই ব্যাটেলিয়নে তিনি ছাড়া আর কেউ নেই। অর্থাৎ সবেমাত্র ব্যাটেলিয়ন গড়ে উঠছে। বিহার পুলিশের বড়বাবুদের 'সুনজর' থেকে বঞ্চিত অমিত লোধার বেতনও আটকে গিয়েছিল। ভীষণ মানসিক যন্ত্রণার মধ্যে দিন কাটাচ্ছিলেন তিনি।
তখন সালটা ২০০৬। ভারতের সবচেয়ে গরিব জেলা বিহারের শেখপুরা। এই জেলার জেল থেকে জেলারসহ এক কারারক্ষীকে হত্যা করে সদলবলে পালায় ক��খ্যাত বিজয় সম্রাট। সে জেল থেকে পালিয়ে তার দলের বিরুদ্ধে পুলিশের তথ্যদাতার পরিবারের আটজনকে নৃশংসভাবে হত্যা করে। গাড়িতে ওঠার পর বিজয় সম্রাট ও তার ঘনিষ্ঠজন শুটার হরলিকস সম্রাট জানতে পারে তারা ভুল লোককে সপরিবারে হত্যা করেছে। আসল তথ্যদাতা সপরিবারে পাশের গাঁয়ে বিয়ের অনুষ্ঠানে গিয়েছে৷ বিজয় সম্রাট সেই বিয়ের অনুষ্ঠানে হাজির হয়। তথ্যদাতার পরিবারের সবাইকে হত্যা করে। আগে থেকেই বিজয় সম্রাটের বিরুদ্ধে কমপক্ষে ত্রিশটি হত্যাসহ বিভিন্ন মামলা ছিল৷ একই দিনে ১৬টি হত্যাকাণ্ড পুরো বিহারকে কাঁপিয়ে দিল। তৎক্ষণাৎ শেখপুরার এসপি ও ডিএমকে বদলি করে দেওয়া হয় এবং সদর থানার ওসিকে বরখাস্ত করা হয়। এমন একটি পরিস্থিতিকে বিজয় সম্রাটের গ্যাংকে নিকেশ করার দায়িত্ব দিয়ে ভারতের সবচেয়ে অনুন্নত জেলার দায়িত্ব নেন অমিত লোধা।
বিজয় সম্রাটের গ্যাংকে জব্দ করার চমকপ্রদ ঘটনায় এতটাই টুইস্ট ও রোমাঞ্চে ভরপুর যে মুহূর্তের জন্য বইটি হাত থেকে নামাতে পারিনি। এককথায়, আনপুটডাউনেবল।
অমিত লোধার গদ্য গতিময়। ইংরেজিতে দখল না থাকলেও পড়তে বিলকুল অসুবিধা হবে না।
March 2, 2021
“What makes a tale truly gripping? It is a quandary that every storyteller has grappled with from time immemorial. Kurt Vonnegut, in fact, went on to graph the world’s most celebrated stories in order to understand this conundrum. One of the most popular themes, he stipulated, was ‘Man in Hole’, wherein the protagonist gets into trouble, then out of it and is thus better off for the experience. Bihar Diaries, Amit Lodha’s engrossing thriller, is an impeccable example of this particular genre with the graph zigzagging magnificently all over the paper.”
Crime and politics have had a very secure nexus the world over. But in India, this trend became overriding and struck deep roots in mid-Sixties when the Indian National Congress, the country’s oldest party, started losing its sway over the electorate. The missionary zeal of the freedom movement came to be replaced by unconcealed aspiration of power. Value-based approach to politics made way to stress-free, relaxed and practical path to power. All political parties without exception, indulged in power-game as more and more players entered the electoral arena.
Money, muscle and media became the tools of individual political leaders initially. With the passage of time, the political system was gradually overtaken by these three elements. In the naked pursuit of power, political parties and leader readily accepted these elements as crime and criminals ensured electoral victory for them and their candidates.
A real life potboiler this book!
The narrative deals with one particular mission, an enormously determined chase of one of the most dreaded dons of Bihar––Vijay Samrat.
During 2006, Bihar was on the cusp of revival. The establishment believed in sushaasan, or good governance, and the results are for everyone to see. The urbane IIT alumnus and flamboyant Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was transferred to Shekhpura, a sleepy mofussil town, as its superintendent of police.
It was a posting he was not looking forward to, Lodha said, as he was used to serving in comparatively better and more urban areas like Muzaffarpur, Nalanda and Patna. "Like every human being, I also wanted good posting," he said.
Over the course of his career, Lodha has been a part of a number of successful operations, including the arrest of gangsters and rescue of kidnap victims. He has been awarded the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the Police Medal for Gallantry and the Internal Security Medal for his work notwithstanding this initial disappointment, things changed for Lodha after he visited the village where the brutal massacre had taken place. "There was a considerable change in my attitude immediately," he said.
The villain in this case is referred to as Vijay Samrat in the book. Vijay Samrat, competently supported by Horlicks, ruled Shekhpura and the adjoining areas with an iron fist! His writ ran large; he was the ‘Gabbar Singh’ of Shekhpura. For him, a murder was just an addition to his resume, which included killing a former MP, a block development officer (BDO) and a few policemen.
After experiencing the pain that Vijay had brought upon so many innocent people, Lodha got over his trivial issues and became a man possessed with a sole aim––to bring Vijay and his gang to justice. He was lucky to have colleagues who supported him in this dangerous, high-stakes case and helped pursue these brigands relentlessly.
What followed was an adrenaline-fuelled cat-and-mouse chase that took place across three states during Lodha's tenure in Shekhpura, culminating, of course, in the feared criminal's arrest.
The author states: ‘I would like to remind readers that this book is a work of non-fiction. The views and opinions expressed in the book are only mine and do not reflect or represent the views and opinions held by the Government of India. It is based on actual events that took place in my life and drawn from a variety of sources, including published material. It reflects my present recollection of experiences over time as truthfully as memory permits and can be verified by research. All persons within the book are actual individuals, and the names and characteristics of some individuals have been changed to respect their privacy. The objective of this book is not to hurt any sentiments or be biased in favour of or against any particular person, society, gender, creed, nation or religion.’
Through this book, Lodha aims to show readers how much hard work, patience and strength of character is required to pursue a criminal like Vijay Samrat, who not only had a large posse of men to do his bidding but also well-wishers in high places.
The book has been written almost like a blockbuster script – twists and turns, adrenaline filled rush and daring jump-cuts before every chapter closes.
The only saddening part is to come to terms with the fact as to how political parties and leaders use crime and criminals to come to power slowly, but quickly the equation starts changing as criminals do not remain content playing second fiddle. Relationship between crime and politics thus comes into the open and criminals demand their share in power.
The sad veracity of Indian representative democracy!
Crime and politics have had a very secure nexus the world over. But in India, this trend became overriding and struck deep roots in mid-Sixties when the Indian National Congress, the country’s oldest party, started losing its sway over the electorate. The missionary zeal of the freedom movement came to be replaced by unconcealed aspiration of power. Value-based approach to politics made way to stress-free, relaxed and practical path to power. All political parties without exception, indulged in power-game as more and more players entered the electoral arena.
Money, muscle and media became the tools of individual political leaders initially. With the passage of time, the political system was gradually overtaken by these three elements. In the naked pursuit of power, political parties and leader readily accepted these elements as crime and criminals ensured electoral victory for them and their candidates.
A real life potboiler this book!
The narrative deals with one particular mission, an enormously determined chase of one of the most dreaded dons of Bihar––Vijay Samrat.
During 2006, Bihar was on the cusp of revival. The establishment believed in sushaasan, or good governance, and the results are for everyone to see. The urbane IIT alumnus and flamboyant Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was transferred to Shekhpura, a sleepy mofussil town, as its superintendent of police.
It was a posting he was not looking forward to, Lodha said, as he was used to serving in comparatively better and more urban areas like Muzaffarpur, Nalanda and Patna. "Like every human being, I also wanted good posting," he said.
Over the course of his career, Lodha has been a part of a number of successful operations, including the arrest of gangsters and rescue of kidnap victims. He has been awarded the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the Police Medal for Gallantry and the Internal Security Medal for his work notwithstanding this initial disappointment, things changed for Lodha after he visited the village where the brutal massacre had taken place. "There was a considerable change in my attitude immediately," he said.
The villain in this case is referred to as Vijay Samrat in the book. Vijay Samrat, competently supported by Horlicks, ruled Shekhpura and the adjoining areas with an iron fist! His writ ran large; he was the ‘Gabbar Singh’ of Shekhpura. For him, a murder was just an addition to his resume, which included killing a former MP, a block development officer (BDO) and a few policemen.
After experiencing the pain that Vijay had brought upon so many innocent people, Lodha got over his trivial issues and became a man possessed with a sole aim––to bring Vijay and his gang to justice. He was lucky to have colleagues who supported him in this dangerous, high-stakes case and helped pursue these brigands relentlessly.
What followed was an adrenaline-fuelled cat-and-mouse chase that took place across three states during Lodha's tenure in Shekhpura, culminating, of course, in the feared criminal's arrest.
The author states: ‘I would like to remind readers that this book is a work of non-fiction. The views and opinions expressed in the book are only mine and do not reflect or represent the views and opinions held by the Government of India. It is based on actual events that took place in my life and drawn from a variety of sources, including published material. It reflects my present recollection of experiences over time as truthfully as memory permits and can be verified by research. All persons within the book are actual individuals, and the names and characteristics of some individuals have been changed to respect their privacy. The objective of this book is not to hurt any sentiments or be biased in favour of or against any particular person, society, gender, creed, nation or religion.’
Through this book, Lodha aims to show readers how much hard work, patience and strength of character is required to pursue a criminal like Vijay Samrat, who not only had a large posse of men to do his bidding but also well-wishers in high places.
The book has been written almost like a blockbuster script – twists and turns, adrenaline filled rush and daring jump-cuts before every chapter closes.
The only saddening part is to come to terms with the fact as to how political parties and leaders use crime and criminals to come to power slowly, but quickly the equation starts changing as criminals do not remain content playing second fiddle. Relationship between crime and politics thus comes into the open and criminals demand their share in power.
The sad veracity of Indian representative democracy!
July 18, 2018
Bihar Diaries – What A Script I mean what a book ..
Bihar Diaries is a fast-paced, quick read which provides just the right amount of thrill and light-heartedness that makes it a good read. The book is about an IITian who has joined IPS, at the peak of his career, gets transferred to an outback with the barest of amenities and the gruesomest crimes.
In a story the Hero is as good as bad is his villain. In Bihar Diaries, the responsibility is taken by Vijay Samrat, a man whose notoriety increases with every heinous crime he commits. And with time his reach extends to the lowest and highest strata of Bihar society.
The story sounds real with all the political influence, Personal Struggle. The Author while writing the Script err …. story had tried to answer all the questions that arise in reader’s mind like Amit Lodha's reminiscences about his early married life and college days, Vijay's background, Horlicks' background
Since the story is written by Amit Lodha himself, I feel it some how shows Police in much better way than what the things actually are and the same time making Criminal a bit sluggish. But the context and setting done in story is quite brilliant. The reader is transported into rural, power hungry Bihar and can feel all this is happening in front of him.
The author IITian IPS Amit Lodha has written down a memoir that reads no less than fiction, It was really a wonderful wonderful read. 3.5 Stars
Rating 3.5/5
Book provided by Vivek Tejuja
Bihar Diaries is a fast-paced, quick read which provides just the right amount of thrill and light-heartedness that makes it a good read. The book is about an IITian who has joined IPS, at the peak of his career, gets transferred to an outback with the barest of amenities and the gruesomest crimes.
In a story the Hero is as good as bad is his villain. In Bihar Diaries, the responsibility is taken by Vijay Samrat, a man whose notoriety increases with every heinous crime he commits. And with time his reach extends to the lowest and highest strata of Bihar society.
The story sounds real with all the political influence, Personal Struggle. The Author while writing the Script err …. story had tried to answer all the questions that arise in reader’s mind like Amit Lodha's reminiscences about his early married life and college days, Vijay's background, Horlicks' background
Since the story is written by Amit Lodha himself, I feel it some how shows Police in much better way than what the things actually are and the same time making Criminal a bit sluggish. But the context and setting done in story is quite brilliant. The reader is transported into rural, power hungry Bihar and can feel all this is happening in front of him.
The author IITian IPS Amit Lodha has written down a memoir that reads no less than fiction, It was really a wonderful wonderful read. 3.5 Stars
Rating 3.5/5
Book provided by Vivek Tejuja
April 5, 2020
5/5
Whoah! What a brilliant and gripping cat and mouse chase story! I just couldn’t put it down when I picked it up this Sunday morning. The whole story of how this brave IPS officer overcame his challenges and nabbed the gangster in the notorious state of Bihar with its lawlessness, was very impressive. It was almost as good as any crime thrillers, probably even better. The way the story progressed was just the right pace, right detail, right emotion, right action. It made me also realise what difficult jobs our police force has and how easy it is for us laymen sitting in our cushiony jobs to criticise. Salute!
The author did a fab job in penning down his experiences and also sharing what kind of a person he is. It made the whole story very real. He definitely got a lot of support in writing the story down from some editors but I am sure he has a penchant for writing too. He should write more for sure. I really look forward to the movie now.
Highly highly recommended!!
Whoah! What a brilliant and gripping cat and mouse chase story! I just couldn’t put it down when I picked it up this Sunday morning. The whole story of how this brave IPS officer overcame his challenges and nabbed the gangster in the notorious state of Bihar with its lawlessness, was very impressive. It was almost as good as any crime thrillers, probably even better. The way the story progressed was just the right pace, right detail, right emotion, right action. It made me also realise what difficult jobs our police force has and how easy it is for us laymen sitting in our cushiony jobs to criticise. Salute!
The author did a fab job in penning down his experiences and also sharing what kind of a person he is. It made the whole story very real. He definitely got a lot of support in writing the story down from some editors but I am sure he has a penchant for writing too. He should write more for sure. I really look forward to the movie now.
Highly highly recommended!!
November 14, 2020
An exciting read! Must read for anyone who wants to be a civil service cadre, especially police. Apart from the story of catching the once most notorious criminal of Bihar, which was very thrilling actually, it depicts the life of a public servant in an engaging manner.
Although the events in the book are from the state of Bihar, a Bangladeshi would find the story relatable, since both countries have same kind of public service, adopted from the British.
The writer is from IIT, a very prestigious institution in India,. Not only this, he was Chetan Bhagat's batchmate in IIT Delhi. If you are a fan of Chetan Bhagat's writing style, easy-to-read and easy-to absorb sentence, you will definitely love this book.
Although the events in the book are from the state of Bihar, a Bangladeshi would find the story relatable, since both countries have same kind of public service, adopted from the British.
The writer is from IIT, a very prestigious institution in India,. Not only this, he was Chetan Bhagat's batchmate in IIT Delhi. If you are a fan of Chetan Bhagat's writing style, easy-to-read and easy-to absorb sentence, you will definitely love this book.
July 18, 2018
Full Review: https://antorjatikbangali.wordpress.c...
Not without reason is “Bihar Diaries” is soon going to be adapted into a motion picture by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Pandey. As the foreword by Twinkle Khanna says, Lodha’s story is no less than Rowdy Rathore or Dabangg. The story has all the ingredients of a steamy potboiler, with action, emotions and thrill added in dollops. The book makes for a breezy read, with the pacy narrative and lucid writing.
Not without reason is “Bihar Diaries” is soon going to be adapted into a motion picture by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Pandey. As the foreword by Twinkle Khanna says, Lodha’s story is no less than Rowdy Rathore or Dabangg. The story has all the ingredients of a steamy potboiler, with action, emotions and thrill added in dollops. The book makes for a breezy read, with the pacy narrative and lucid writing.
August 6, 2018
Bihar diaries ...Latest read ..What to write from where to start..I must say everybody should read this..As a proud bihari I can easily relate those days and also the terror tension and the social fabric.
Although this book is focusing on one criminal but bihar has seen many ..
Although places are real and character's name has been changed but as it is very near to my place I can easily recall all names..
Thanks Amit for wonderful crime fiction based on real life incidence.
In one line if I have to describe than I must say...Please read this book and feel the Bihari tashan ...
Friendship,Betrayal, Illicit relation,Power,Politics ,Cast ,Greed,Courage,every thing is in one story...This is Bihar diary!!!
It is 5 star book 😀
Although this book is focusing on one criminal but bihar has seen many ..
Although places are real and character's name has been changed but as it is very near to my place I can easily recall all names..
Thanks Amit for wonderful crime fiction based on real life incidence.
In one line if I have to describe than I must say...Please read this book and feel the Bihari tashan ...
Friendship,Betrayal, Illicit relation,Power,Politics ,Cast ,Greed,Courage,every thing is in one story...This is Bihar diary!!!
It is 5 star book 😀
August 18, 2018
This is a true tale narrated by Amit Lodha, who was the SP of Shekhpura. There was a dreaded crimelord called Vijay Samrat who was feared by public, other gangsters as also by the police. His reputation was challenged only by the tenacity and grit of the young SP, who arrested him by engaging in a battle of nerves, and of course,some lady luck.
Book is pacy, can be finished soon. Read it,it's as good as a fiction tale, and would make you appreciate the efforts of the police force.
Book is pacy, can be finished soon. Read it,it's as good as a fiction tale, and would make you appreciate the efforts of the police force.
November 22, 2020
These are pages from a policeman's diary in Bihar. Fast paced and riveting, it gives us a peek into the world of organised crime, the unholy Nexus between police, politician and criminals. The author writes with insider information where truly fact is more shocking than fiction. His style of writing gives life to the content and so I wish Amit Lodha would continue to write and enthral his readers.
February 19, 2022
I got to know about this book when I listened the Author's TedEx talk and decided to give it a shot. As described by other readers, this book is really a narration of the thrilling chase of the then gruesome Criminal in Bihar. A great insight to the police system, how does it work and what challenges do they face and many more. As told by the author in his one of the interviews, yes, this book is full of wit and humour also. Really, a very well articulated book.
July 17, 2018
A light read with intriguing writing style and funny random moments. The focus is on the police department with political influences and average characters carrying about the story!
As I began reading the book, it was more like a film script that brought about a deadly villain whose deadly horror had kept Bihar in its worst of conditions. Vijay Samrat – the criminal who had grown over the years into a crime hungry person pleased with the sight of blood. His heinous crime rate is in full swing when a the hero of the story, the IPS Office Amit Lodha is posted to Bihar.
The story although real, failed to bring about that impact of a tough fight for me. Where the role of the police inspector and the entire police department was glamourised at every instant, the criminal was shown getting weaker without having made enough attempts of counter attacks. It almost started feeling vague at a point! Or maybe the author tried to keep it more dramatic and happy read for the readers instead of making it a complete crime novel.
IPS officer Amit Lodha who was posted to Shekhpura district was seen going about the routine policing of his district until things started to disturb him and he found a target to chase. The growing terror of Vijay Samrat became nerve cracking for him and he became determined to catch the criminal with all his might.
The 280 pages of gripping tale is indeed a perfect script material and would definitely make for a good movie probably taking up stars that have done amazing portrayals of police inspector roles in the past.
Read complete review on MyPlateReview
As I began reading the book, it was more like a film script that brought about a deadly villain whose deadly horror had kept Bihar in its worst of conditions. Vijay Samrat – the criminal who had grown over the years into a crime hungry person pleased with the sight of blood. His heinous crime rate is in full swing when a the hero of the story, the IPS Office Amit Lodha is posted to Bihar.
The story although real, failed to bring about that impact of a tough fight for me. Where the role of the police inspector and the entire police department was glamourised at every instant, the criminal was shown getting weaker without having made enough attempts of counter attacks. It almost started feeling vague at a point! Or maybe the author tried to keep it more dramatic and happy read for the readers instead of making it a complete crime novel.
IPS officer Amit Lodha who was posted to Shekhpura district was seen going about the routine policing of his district until things started to disturb him and he found a target to chase. The growing terror of Vijay Samrat became nerve cracking for him and he became determined to catch the criminal with all his might.
The 280 pages of gripping tale is indeed a perfect script material and would definitely make for a good movie probably taking up stars that have done amazing portrayals of police inspector roles in the past.
Read complete review on MyPlateReview
August 9, 2019
3.5 stars
A quick pacy and thrilling read. It helps you really delve into the life of a police officer and how tough the system is often. Detailed review to follow soon.
A quick pacy and thrilling read. It helps you really delve into the life of a police officer and how tough the system is often. Detailed review to follow soon.
July 21, 2021
Enchanting story. But why would the author put spoilers in the chapter titles itself :|
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2022
An engineer, an IPS and a writer. Amit Lodha writes a gripping real-life tale of his experiences from Bihar.
Not a Bollywood masala, but the ground reality.
Not a Bollywood masala, but the ground reality.
October 19, 2019
This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks ab
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks about his motivations as a cop, investigation techniques, his punishment postings, and how even servicemen in the hallowed IPS wonder 'what if?' about the alternate (private-sector) trajectories their lives could take. As a thriller, while engaging and fast-paced, it does not give you a huge pay off, given that things in real life sometimes do tie up a little too simply in the end.
The blurb on the cover says this is soon to be made into a motion picture, which gave me the idea that this would be a book written almost as a screenplay, a tactic a certain IIT-Delhi batchmate of Amit Lodha's often uses in his own novels. But I was wrong, ever so often Lodha adds detail to his characters, his wife, a member of his team, a sidekick of Vijay Samrat's, that has no bearing on the cat-and-mouse story but layers the way we see those characters. He genuinely wants to tell a story of all the people who contributed to this exciting professional phase in his life, and he does it well. The officer Amit in the book is definitely a grey character - he, like a lot of agents of the state I suppose, thinks human rights are not meant for 'criminals' like Vijay and Horlicks Samrat, and this, coupled with the memoir qualities of the book, makes it great source of material for a movie. I'm already thinking of buying this for the sarkari uncles in my life, who will definitely relate to the life Lodha describes and enjoy the Vijay Samrat chase as well.This was a great quick vacation read for me, which is telling because I don't often flirt with cop chases as a genre. It was very interesting to read about Bihar in its 'jungle raj' days and its caste politics (Lodha calls it 'clan loyalty' in the book), a subject I don't think is written about enough and that still sounds unbelievable to me - truth is truly stranger than fiction. Reminiscent of Husain Zaidi's style, the book employs a flashback/present day narrative device (Sacred Games, anyone?), and I can see it translate very well onscreen.
As a memoir, 'Bihar Diaries' shines - Amit Lodha talks ab
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February 24, 2024It sheds light on the sad state of the Indian police and people's lives in Bihar. It's a good read. I feel that the writing could be improved, but overall, it's commendable.
August 7, 2018
Amazing story, thrilling narration!
A fast paced, unputdownable book!
Very well written, and the details with which Amit enriches the story makes the reader live and breathe the story for himself!
Five Stars all the way!
A fast paced, unputdownable book!
Very well written, and the details with which Amit enriches the story makes the reader live and breathe the story for himself!
Five Stars all the way!
August 5, 2020
The cat and mouse chase story is thrilling, fast and good enough to keep a person on the edge and invested in the book.
August 15, 2019
A real life cop drama -his struggles in personal life, professional hazards and the balance between two. Greater than that, it also shows the sahib culture in Bihar in which a young IPS officer with meagre resources takes on a dreaded criminal.
May 12, 2023
Fast paced and to the point, like always . Just like what you expect from a veteran Police officer. Great writing and the fluency of writing is almost as pacy as the run and catch going on this case.
Great understanding of how police departments of Bihar / North India works . Recommended for those interested in this genre!
Great understanding of how police departments of Bihar / North India works . Recommended for those interested in this genre!
June 26, 2022
Intriguing and Thrilling!
May 16, 2022
This was the book I read fastest until now as it was very resemble to my profession. Amit Lodha Sir has done tremendous job writing this and there is no question about how he has served the nation as an IPS officer. One would loved to be the person like him.
May 11, 2021
A brilliant real life story which can easily be passed off as a Bollywood crime thriller
A brilliant story with a brilliant climax. The best crime thriller I came across since I last read Hussain Zaidi. A must read for anyone who has spent time in the Indian state of Bihar in the early 2000s. The story is narrated straight from the heart and is not diplomatic to cover the shortcomings of the Indian Police force. Very well written.
A brilliant story with a brilliant climax. The best crime thriller I came across since I last read Hussain Zaidi. A must read for anyone who has spent time in the Indian state of Bihar in the early 2000s. The story is narrated straight from the heart and is not diplomatic to cover the shortcomings of the Indian Police force. Very well written.
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