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Gangs of Punjab: Guns, Greed, and Girlfriends
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 14, 2026
While some books recount crime stories, Gangs of Punjab recounts a downfall.
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Unlike many writers who focus on gangsters as larger-than-life characters who walk around Punjab with Hollywood charisma, Jupinderjit Singh focuses on the children. Children from villages where migrating was a dream, unemployment was common, and notoriety moved faster than honor. At some point, between Punjabi music videos, political influence, Instagram fame, and gun availability, the children confused intimidation with admiration.
This is why the book is disconcerting.
Although the pages read fast, murders, feuds, retaliation, extortion threats, shooters escaping across borders, there is more underneath the speed. Organized crime in Punjab was not a sudden phenomenon. It was nurtured. Deliberately sustained through drugs, finances, local politics, and a community becoming increasingly preoccupied with being visible at all costs.
But what struck me the most is how the celebrity culture merges with criminal activities. Gangsters want to be perceived as popular artists; singers become vulnerable political targets. After the chapter revolving around Sidhu Moosewala, the demarcation line between artist and target seems terrifyingly fine.
Then there is the element that stayed with me unexpectedly - Calcutta. The fact that a network extended quietly to my city gave the story a very troubling proximity. Crime in this book has ceased being regional. It moves via telephones, money, docks, loyalty, and unseen links between cities seemingly unconnected at first glance.
It would be hard to pinpoint one particular quality that stands out in Singh's writing style. But he certainly does not "shock" his readers with sensationalist language. Indeed, it seems to be quite the opposite sometimes, and the more horrific scenes tend to be rather understated. And there is absolutely nothing glamorous about these pages despite the abundance of weapons and luxury and machismo. Just paranoia, betrayal, and mothers waiting for sons that never come back, and young men confusing their own destruction with might.
.
Unlike many writers who focus on gangsters as larger-than-life characters who walk around Punjab with Hollywood charisma, Jupinderjit Singh focuses on the children. Children from villages where migrating was a dream, unemployment was common, and notoriety moved faster than honor. At some point, between Punjabi music videos, political influence, Instagram fame, and gun availability, the children confused intimidation with admiration.
This is why the book is disconcerting.
Although the pages read fast, murders, feuds, retaliation, extortion threats, shooters escaping across borders, there is more underneath the speed. Organized crime in Punjab was not a sudden phenomenon. It was nurtured. Deliberately sustained through drugs, finances, local politics, and a community becoming increasingly preoccupied with being visible at all costs.
But what struck me the most is how the celebrity culture merges with criminal activities. Gangsters want to be perceived as popular artists; singers become vulnerable political targets. After the chapter revolving around Sidhu Moosewala, the demarcation line between artist and target seems terrifyingly fine.
Then there is the element that stayed with me unexpectedly - Calcutta. The fact that a network extended quietly to my city gave the story a very troubling proximity. Crime in this book has ceased being regional. It moves via telephones, money, docks, loyalty, and unseen links between cities seemingly unconnected at first glance.
It would be hard to pinpoint one particular quality that stands out in Singh's writing style. But he certainly does not "shock" his readers with sensationalist language. Indeed, it seems to be quite the opposite sometimes, and the more horrific scenes tend to be rather understated. And there is absolutely nothing glamorous about these pages despite the abundance of weapons and luxury and machismo. Just paranoia, betrayal, and mothers waiting for sons that never come back, and young men confusing their own destruction with might.
April 17, 2026
Gangs of Punjab is a gripping portrayal of Punjab’s criminal underworld and the rise of gang culture among youth.
The book highlights how factors like unemployment, peer pressure, and the lure of quick money push individuals into crime. Its fast-paced narrative, filled with rivalry and betrayal, keeps readers engaged while also reflecting deeper social issues.
Though sometimes intense and graphic, it effectively presents the harsh realities of society. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that goes beyond crime and questions the system shaping such outcomes.
The book highlights how factors like unemployment, peer pressure, and the lure of quick money push individuals into crime. Its fast-paced narrative, filled with rivalry and betrayal, keeps readers engaged while also reflecting deeper social issues.
Though sometimes intense and graphic, it effectively presents the harsh realities of society. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that goes beyond crime and questions the system shaping such outcomes.
June 1, 2026
True crime readers, come hither! Omg this book has everything happening in the underbelly of Indian gangs and underworld and how deep their connections go - from bollywood to politicians. Read it to feel the reality of how crooked people can be.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews