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Codename Stallion | Based on First-Hand Encounters with Militancy | The True Story of the Hunt for a Dreaded Terrorist by one of India’s Top Super Cop
Terai, Uttar Pradesh, 1990: Militants have found refuge in the region in the wake of tightened security in Punjab. To force the local population into submission, militants have killed innocent civilians, policemen and suspected informers. Gunfights, bomb blasts and bank robberies are the order of the day.
It is against this backdrop that Aloke Lal is posted as the Superintendent of Police. He has to take the locals into confidence, flush out the hiding militants and maintain law and order in the area—amidst the government in denial, forthcoming elections, inadequate resources and dropping morale of men.
Lal faces the militants and their dreaded leader—codenamed Mark Stallion. As he closes in on him and his inner circle, the cloud of Lal’s transfer looms.
Will the victims of this reign of terror ever get justice?
Based on true events, Codename Stallion revolves around the hunt for a dreaded militant leader. From perilous raids to nail-biting interrogations and attempts on Lal’s life, the book is an account of one of India’s top super cop's personal experiences during militancy in UP in the nineties.
It is against this backdrop that Aloke Lal is posted as the Superintendent of Police. He has to take the locals into confidence, flush out the hiding militants and maintain law and order in the area—amidst the government in denial, forthcoming elections, inadequate resources and dropping morale of men.
Lal faces the militants and their dreaded leader—codenamed Mark Stallion. As he closes in on him and his inner circle, the cloud of Lal’s transfer looms.
Will the victims of this reign of terror ever get justice?
Based on true events, Codename Stallion revolves around the hunt for a dreaded militant leader. From perilous raids to nail-biting interrogations and attempts on Lal’s life, the book is an account of one of India’s top super cop's personal experiences during militancy in UP in the nineties.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 1, 2025
Set in Terai, Uttar Pradesh, in 1990, Codename Stallion unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of militancy that emerged following heightened security measures in Punjab. The region, gripped by fear, witnesses a wave of violence—innocent civilians, law enforcement officers, and suspected informers fall victim to the militants’ ruthless tactics. Gunfights, bombings, and bank heists have become disturbingly commonplace. Amidst this turmoil, Aloke Lal is appointed Superintendent of Police, tasked with restoring order, earning the trust of the locals, and dismantling the militant network. However, his mission is fraught with challenges—a government reluctant to acknowledge the crisis, impending elections, scarce resources, and the dwindling morale of his force.
Aloke comes face-to-face with the elusive and formidable leader of the militants, codenamed Mark Stallion. With his transfer looming and the stakes higher than ever, the question remains: Will justice prevail for those caught in this reign of terror?
Drawing from real-life events, Codename Stallion delivers a gripping account of the relentless pursuit of a feared militant leader. Through high-risk operations, tense interrogations, and threats to Lal’s own life, the book offers a riveting insight into the personal experiences of one of India’s top police officers during a defining chapter of militancy in Uttar Pradesh.
The book's lucid language and engaging narration make it fast-paced and effortlessly draw the reader into its gripping storyline. Based on true events, this concise yet impactful work—spanning approximately 160 pages—is packed with suspense, action, and intrigue. Beyond its thrilling narrative, the book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of timely justice and the challenges faced by the legal system. It sheds light on how those in power can sometimes influence judicial processes, prompting reflection on the delicate balance between law, authority, and justice.
I recommend this book to readers who appreciate narratives inspired by actual events and those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers filled with intrigue and suspense.
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Aloke comes face-to-face with the elusive and formidable leader of the militants, codenamed Mark Stallion. With his transfer looming and the stakes higher than ever, the question remains: Will justice prevail for those caught in this reign of terror?
Drawing from real-life events, Codename Stallion delivers a gripping account of the relentless pursuit of a feared militant leader. Through high-risk operations, tense interrogations, and threats to Lal’s own life, the book offers a riveting insight into the personal experiences of one of India’s top police officers during a defining chapter of militancy in Uttar Pradesh.
The book's lucid language and engaging narration make it fast-paced and effortlessly draw the reader into its gripping storyline. Based on true events, this concise yet impactful work—spanning approximately 160 pages—is packed with suspense, action, and intrigue. Beyond its thrilling narrative, the book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of timely justice and the challenges faced by the legal system. It sheds light on how those in power can sometimes influence judicial processes, prompting reflection on the delicate balance between law, authority, and justice.
I recommend this book to readers who appreciate narratives inspired by actual events and those who enjoy fast-paced thrillers filled with intrigue and suspense.
FOR BOOK REVIEWS:
www.bibliophiletalks.in
December 20, 2024
Author: Aloke Lal and Maanas Lal
Genre: True Crime
A lot of Sikh militants found a haven in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh after they flushed down in Operation Bluestar.
Codename Stallion is the thrilling and goose-bumping account of a chase of a Sikh militant Mark Stallion by top cop Aloke Lal, the then SP of Pilibhit.
The book is a page-turner with spine-chilling narration as at that time fewer resources were available to gather the information mostly by interrogation using every possible technique and method.
The life of a uniformed person is not easy, as they have to always think about the safety and security of the citizens even at the cost of their family and personal comfort. My chest filled up with pride on mentioning of a CRPF jawan who even being on leave ready to help the authorities in fighting the militants. Rightly said once a soldier is always a soldier.
Rating:5/5*
Genre: True Crime
A lot of Sikh militants found a haven in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh after they flushed down in Operation Bluestar.
Codename Stallion is the thrilling and goose-bumping account of a chase of a Sikh militant Mark Stallion by top cop Aloke Lal, the then SP of Pilibhit.
The book is a page-turner with spine-chilling narration as at that time fewer resources were available to gather the information mostly by interrogation using every possible technique and method.
The life of a uniformed person is not easy, as they have to always think about the safety and security of the citizens even at the cost of their family and personal comfort. My chest filled up with pride on mentioning of a CRPF jawan who even being on leave ready to help the authorities in fighting the militants. Rightly said once a soldier is always a soldier.
Rating:5/5*
December 26, 2024
Two sides of the same coin. One where the police work closely with locals to ferret out terrorists . This takes a long time to build trust, create a network of informants and strike at the right time to nab the culprits. The other side is the dark one where the sole motive is to please the politicians. If it means sacrificing innocents, destroying multiple lives so be it. This is what contributed to terrorism spreading in Punjab and as this book points out , in the Terai region of U.P.
The authors have not just tackled the subject of terrorism, how the network is developed with foreign funding but also how the innocent and hardworking families are forced to contribute to the cause. Not to mention how balancing work and family becomes impossible. A well written, detailed insight brought to life by the authors. This book is a must read for all of us to understand the work that goes behind the big headlines on terrorism in the papers.
The authors have not just tackled the subject of terrorism, how the network is developed with foreign funding but also how the innocent and hardworking families are forced to contribute to the cause. Not to mention how balancing work and family becomes impossible. A well written, detailed insight brought to life by the authors. This book is a must read for all of us to understand the work that goes behind the big headlines on terrorism in the papers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews