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Behind Bars: Prison Tales of India's Most Famous
‘If you steal 1,000 rupees, the hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in a dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55,000 crores then you get to stay in a 40-foot cell which has four split units, internet, fax, mobile phones and a staff of 10 to clean your shoes and cook your food (in case it is not being delivered from Hyatt that particular day).’
They say that prison can be a great leveler – but does this apply if you are a VIP inmate in an Indian prison? Maybe not.
Based on extensive first-hand interviews with some of India’s most well-known inmates, award-winning journalist Sunetra Choudhury gives you a peek into the VIP prison life. It includes some interesting anecdotes about the lives of the rich and powerful prisoners: What does Peter Mukherjea do all day in his 4 x 4 cell in Arthur Road Jail? How does a 70-year-old Doon school alumnus who has spent more than 7 years in jail find a will to continue petitioning the state and fight his cases? Who came to visit Amar Singh during those 4 fateful days and why this scarred him and his wife for life, determining his future friends and allies?
Apart from certain depictions in popular culture or the occasional news reports, there is little information about how rules are bent and law takes a backseat when it comes to people like Sanjeev Nanda, Vikas and Vishal Yadav, Anca Varma and Manu Sharma, who were given special benefits and often sent out on parole and furlough for their good behaviour.
For the first time, India’s most famous prisoners share their own stories – from terror tales of ‘bladebaaz’ to torture chambers, from air conditioners in cells to food from five-star hotels, from cushy beds to private parties – and how they negotiate life in prison or the so-called ‘jail-ashram’.
With unbelievable details of the life inside prison and the sorry state of hundreds of undertrials languishing in jails, this book questions the primary purpose of imprisonment – is it actually reform, punishment or just misusing the system we are a part of?
They say that prison can be a great leveler – but does this apply if you are a VIP inmate in an Indian prison? Maybe not.
Based on extensive first-hand interviews with some of India’s most well-known inmates, award-winning journalist Sunetra Choudhury gives you a peek into the VIP prison life. It includes some interesting anecdotes about the lives of the rich and powerful prisoners: What does Peter Mukherjea do all day in his 4 x 4 cell in Arthur Road Jail? How does a 70-year-old Doon school alumnus who has spent more than 7 years in jail find a will to continue petitioning the state and fight his cases? Who came to visit Amar Singh during those 4 fateful days and why this scarred him and his wife for life, determining his future friends and allies?
Apart from certain depictions in popular culture or the occasional news reports, there is little information about how rules are bent and law takes a backseat when it comes to people like Sanjeev Nanda, Vikas and Vishal Yadav, Anca Varma and Manu Sharma, who were given special benefits and often sent out on parole and furlough for their good behaviour.
For the first time, India’s most famous prisoners share their own stories – from terror tales of ‘bladebaaz’ to torture chambers, from air conditioners in cells to food from five-star hotels, from cushy beds to private parties – and how they negotiate life in prison or the so-called ‘jail-ashram’.
With unbelievable details of the life inside prison and the sorry state of hundreds of undertrials languishing in jails, this book questions the primary purpose of imprisonment – is it actually reform, punishment or just misusing the system we are a part of?
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 21, 2017
I have never been comfortable with the concept of criminal justice. While I feel in my heart of hearts that a wrongdoer should be "punished", isn't that just my tribal instincts coming to the fore? What good does incarceration do, other than satisfying the lust for vengeance, the medieval need to do unto others as they do unto us?
Jails are known as "correctional" facilities: after reading this book, I would rename them "corruptional" facilities (at least in India). Sunetra Choudhury, through her interactions with various convicts, undertrials, and those unfortunate souls who spend a few days under police lockup, has exposed the dark underbelly of the Indian justice system. Here in these jails, the moneyed and the influential stay in relative comfort (some even enjoying 5-star facilities) while the common man has to endure filth, malnutrition and the rapacity of the jail officials. And God help you if you are accused of a terrorist act - your jail stay becomes one long round of unspeakable torture.
A valuable book which every Indian should read. My only gripe was that it is very journalistic, and there is no in-depth analysis. But then, the author being a journalist, that was the way it was meant to be.
Jails are known as "correctional" facilities: after reading this book, I would rename them "corruptional" facilities (at least in India). Sunetra Choudhury, through her interactions with various convicts, undertrials, and those unfortunate souls who spend a few days under police lockup, has exposed the dark underbelly of the Indian justice system. Here in these jails, the moneyed and the influential stay in relative comfort (some even enjoying 5-star facilities) while the common man has to endure filth, malnutrition and the rapacity of the jail officials. And God help you if you are accused of a terrorist act - your jail stay becomes one long round of unspeakable torture.
A valuable book which every Indian should read. My only gripe was that it is very journalistic, and there is no in-depth analysis. But then, the author being a journalist, that was the way it was meant to be.
August 28, 2020
Bad bad book.
February 19, 2024
After having read Choudhary’s Black Warrant, I wanted to get my hands on her first book, and I wasn’t wrong in my estimation of how engaging it would be.
Choudhury dives into the lives of very famous (some infamous and some who represent many) prisoners who have had a taste of Tihar Jail, be it four days or a decade. From Amar Singh to Kobad Ghandy, she’s brought to the fore interesting stories which reveal the cruelty of incarceration - the corruption, the violence and the sheer inhumanity of it all.
I wouldn’t say that it’s a marvellously written book, but it is written in a way to keep the reader engaged. Choudhuri has done her homework on the prisoners she has interviewed and, I truly commend her for this, she has refrained from inserting her own insights or opinions into the stories, and has just let the subject be - a mark of a true journalist.
While I was aware of some things - like how jail life isn’t bad if you’re rich and powerful, and that thousands are languishing as under trials for years on end for crimes they have not committed, reading it all over again did jolt me a bit. Our criminal justice system, specifically for marginalised communities, is so terrifyingly broken and beyond repair. You just cannot fight against it anymore.
I also ended up learning so much about criminal cases revolving around A. Raja, Peter Mukherjea, Amar Singh, Sushil Sharma, and others. It’s not just their experiences in the prison that have been delved into, but also the background leading up to the crimes of which they are accused.
100% recommend if you’re looking for a quick and engaging read. But do be warned that it might leave you sad and without hope.
Choudhury dives into the lives of very famous (some infamous and some who represent many) prisoners who have had a taste of Tihar Jail, be it four days or a decade. From Amar Singh to Kobad Ghandy, she’s brought to the fore interesting stories which reveal the cruelty of incarceration - the corruption, the violence and the sheer inhumanity of it all.
I wouldn’t say that it’s a marvellously written book, but it is written in a way to keep the reader engaged. Choudhuri has done her homework on the prisoners she has interviewed and, I truly commend her for this, she has refrained from inserting her own insights or opinions into the stories, and has just let the subject be - a mark of a true journalist.
While I was aware of some things - like how jail life isn’t bad if you’re rich and powerful, and that thousands are languishing as under trials for years on end for crimes they have not committed, reading it all over again did jolt me a bit. Our criminal justice system, specifically for marginalised communities, is so terrifyingly broken and beyond repair. You just cannot fight against it anymore.
I also ended up learning so much about criminal cases revolving around A. Raja, Peter Mukherjea, Amar Singh, Sushil Sharma, and others. It’s not just their experiences in the prison that have been delved into, but also the background leading up to the crimes of which they are accused.
100% recommend if you’re looking for a quick and engaging read. But do be warned that it might leave you sad and without hope.
Read
April 23, 2017The book lives up to the blurb that is put as an excerpt here - ‘If you steal 1,000 rupees, the hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in a dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55,000 crores then you get to stay in a 40-foot cell which has four split units, internet, fax, mobile phones and a staff of 10 to clean your shoes and cook your food (in case it is not being delivered from Hyatt that particular day).’ It is a great first read; a set of conversations with individuals who have no qualms about sharing detail and often very specific detail about their time behind bars. Also goes a long way in demonstrating that in addition to "connections"; a certain kind of personality based on survival is necessary.
November 24, 2017
The book began with Amar Singh’s experience at Tihar Jail. It had a racy feel and I assumed that would be the tone of the book. But when it came to the 2006 Mumbai blast-accused under-trials’ harrowing decade in prison (they were acquitted eventually), I realized that this was an important book to be read. As written by the other reviewers here, the thought of ending up in an Indian prison, specially Tihar, is a scary one. The book was also a timely reminder of the brutality of our police force and the inhumanity that pervades our police and judiciary.
April 6, 2025
Behind bars prison tales of India's most famous - sunetra choudhury
ನೆಟ್ಫ್ಲಿಕ್ಸ್ನ black warrant ಸರಣಿ ,ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಆಧರಿತ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದಾಗ ಅದನ್ನು ಓದುವ ಆಸೆ ಗರಿಗೆದರಿತ್ತು. ಅದರ ಲೇಖಕಿಯ ಇತರ ಕೃತಿಗಳನ್ನೂ ಹುಡುಕಿದ್ದೆ. ತಿಹಾರ್ ಜೈಲಿನ ಖೈದಿಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಬರೆದ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಕಂಡಿತ್ತು.
ನಾವು ಬಹಳ ಸಲ ಅನೇಕ ಖ್ಯಾತನಾಮರು ಜೈಲಿಗೆ ಹೋದರು ಎಂದು ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಪೇಪರ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಓದುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಅವರ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಜೀವನದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅಷ್ಟಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಕುಖ್ಯಾತರಾದರೆ ಅವರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ,ಸರಣಿ ಇತ್ಯಾದಿ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿಯಾದರೆ ಒಳಗೆ ಏನಾಯಿತು ಎಂಬ ವಿಷಯ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಮುಚ್ಚಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಅಂತಹ ಹಲವು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಗಳ ಅನುಭವದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿದೆ.
ನೋಟಿಗಾಗಿ ಓಟು ಹಗರಣದ ನಂತರ ಮಾಯವಾದ ಅಮರ್ ಸಿಂಗ್ ಕತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಮಿತಾಭ್ ಬಚ್ಚನ್ರ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಕರಾಳ ಮುಖ ಕಾಣುತ್ತದೆ. ಅವರದೇ ಪಾರ್ಟಿ ಯವರ ಮುಖವೂ ,ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯಪ್ರದಾರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.
ಎ ರಾಜಾ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಓದುವಾಗ ದಾಳವಾದ ಕಾಲಾಳುವೊಬ್ಬನ ನೆನಪಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಅಧಿನಾಯಕನ ನಿಷ್ಟನ ದರ್ಶನವೂ.
ಇದೇ ರೀತಿ ಶೀನಾ ಬೋರಾ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೇಸ್ ಒಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿ ಬಿದ್ದು ವರ್ಷಗಟ್ಟಲೆ ಜೈಲಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಎನ್ಆರ್ಐ ಒಬ್ಬನ ಕತೆಯೂ ಆಸಕ್ತಿದಾಯಕವಾಗಿದೆ.
ಒಳಗಡೆ ಯಾವ ಆಫೀಸಿಗೂ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಕಾರೋಬಾರ್ ನಡೆಸಿದ ಸುಬ್ರತೋ ರಾಯ್ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕೂಡ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತದೆ.
ಜೈಲಿನ ಲೋಕವೇ ಬೇರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ,ಕೊಡು ಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪದ್ಧತಿ ಬೇರೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ. ಅದನ್ನು ಸರಿ ತಪ್ಪು ಲೆಕ್ಕಾಚಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಬಾರದು. ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಎಂಬುದು ಇದನ್ನು ಓದುವಾಗ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಒಳಗಿದ್ದು ಬಂದವ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಬೇರೆ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಆಗುವುದನ್ನು ಇದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತದೆ.
ಹಾಗಂತ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಸತ್ಯದ ಒಂದು ಮುಖವಷ್ಟೇ. ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಇದು ಜೈಲಲ್ಲಿದವರ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಕೋನದ ಕತೆ. ಅವರವರ ಸತ್ಯ.
ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಕನಿಮೋಳಿ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಒಪ್ಪಲಿಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಇಂತಹ ಒಂದು ಸತ್ಯದ ಭಾಗ.
ನೀವು ನಾವು ಕಾಣದ ಒಂದು ಲೋಕವನ್ನು ಕಿಂಚಿತ್ ಪರಿಚಯ ಮಾಡಿಸುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಇದನ್ನು ಓದಬೇಕು. ರೋಚಕ ವಾಗಿದೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಬೋನಸ್ ಅಂಶ.
ನೆಟ್ಫ್ಲಿಕ್ಸ್ನ black warrant ಸರಣಿ ,ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಆಧರಿತ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದಾಗ ಅದನ್ನು ಓದುವ ಆಸೆ ಗರಿಗೆದರಿತ್ತು. ಅದರ ಲೇಖಕಿಯ ಇತರ ಕೃತಿಗಳನ್ನೂ ಹುಡುಕಿದ್ದೆ. ತಿಹಾರ್ ಜೈಲಿನ ಖೈದಿಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಬರೆದ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಕಂಡಿತ್ತು.
ನಾವು ಬಹಳ ಸಲ ಅನೇಕ ಖ್ಯಾತನಾಮರು ಜೈಲಿಗೆ ಹೋದರು ಎಂದು ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಪೇಪರ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಓದುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಅವರ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಜೀವನದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅಷ್ಟಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಕುಖ್ಯಾತರಾದರೆ ಅವರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ,ಸರಣಿ ಇತ್ಯಾದಿ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿಯಾದರೆ ಒಳಗೆ ಏನಾಯಿತು ಎಂಬ ವಿಷಯ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಮುಚ್ಚಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಅಂತಹ ಹಲವು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಗಳ ಅನುಭವದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿದೆ.
ನೋಟಿಗಾಗಿ ಓಟು ಹಗರಣದ ನಂತರ ಮಾಯವಾದ ಅಮರ್ ಸಿಂಗ್ ಕತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಮಿತಾಭ್ ಬಚ್ಚನ್ರ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಕರಾಳ ಮುಖ ಕಾಣುತ್ತದೆ. ಅವರದೇ ಪಾರ್ಟಿ ಯವರ ಮುಖವೂ ,ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯಪ್ರದಾರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.
ಎ ರಾಜಾ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಓದುವಾಗ ದಾಳವಾದ ಕಾಲಾಳುವೊಬ್ಬನ ನೆನಪಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಅಧಿನಾಯಕನ ನಿಷ್ಟನ ದರ್ಶನವೂ.
ಇದೇ ರೀತಿ ಶೀನಾ ಬೋರಾ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೇಸ್ ಒಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿ ಬಿದ್ದು ವರ್ಷಗಟ್ಟಲೆ ಜೈಲಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಎನ್ಆರ್ಐ ಒಬ್ಬನ ಕತೆಯೂ ಆಸಕ್ತಿದಾಯಕವಾಗಿದೆ.
ಒಳಗಡೆ ಯಾವ ಆಫೀಸಿಗೂ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಕಾರೋಬಾರ್ ನಡೆಸಿದ ಸುಬ್ರತೋ ರಾಯ್ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕೂಡ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತದೆ.
ಜೈಲಿನ ಲೋಕವೇ ಬೇರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ,ಕೊಡು ಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪದ್ಧತಿ ಬೇರೆ ಹಾಗಾಗಿ. ಅದನ್ನು ಸರಿ ತಪ್ಪು ಲೆಕ್ಕಾಚಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಬಾರದು. ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಎಂಬುದು ಇದನ್ನು ಓದುವಾಗ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಒಳಗಿದ್ದು ಬಂದವ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಬೇರೆ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಆಗುವುದನ್ನು ಇದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತದೆ.
ಹಾಗಂತ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಸತ್ಯದ ಒಂದು ಮುಖವಷ್ಟೇ. ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಇದು ಜೈಲಲ್ಲಿದವರ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಕೋನದ ಕತೆ. ಅವರವರ ಸತ್ಯ.
ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಕನಿಮೋಳಿ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಒಪ್ಪಲಿಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಇಂತಹ ಒಂದು ಸತ್ಯದ ಭಾಗ.
ನೀವು ನಾವು ಕಾಣದ ಒಂದು ಲೋಕವನ್ನು ಕಿಂಚಿತ್ ಪರಿಚಯ ಮಾಡಿಸುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಇದನ್ನು ಓದಬೇಕು. ರೋಚಕ ವಾಗಿದೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಬೋನಸ್ ಅಂಶ.
May 2, 2020
This book is written by a journalist who has been writing a lot on such kind of topics and this has been one such work which could not have been done by someone who is not from this field. This is a collection of stories of a few of those people who have held the power and faced the wrath of the system. This is a kind prison diaries of those people where they have shared the situations which they have faced while living in jail.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know the other side of prison from the people who have lived over there for a considerable period of time.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know the other side of prison from the people who have lived over there for a considerable period of time.
August 16, 2017
Well-written and engaging book. Some of the incidents are so hard hitting, I got the shivers imagining what it would be like to be in prison or to have those things happen to you. What I especially liked and appreciate is the non-judgmental tone of the author when writing about the crimes and the criminal. Memorable ones were those of Peter Mukherjea (actually Indrani - it left me feeling cold and scared to picture what she allegedly did to her daughter) and Kobad Ghandy. Good picks and good writing!
March 19, 2018
This book was on my TBR from the day it was available in the market but I was only able to get my hand on it now. I was always curious about people who live in Jails and their life within those 4 walls. This book gives us an insight into the lives of many prisoners coming from different backgrounds, charged for different crimes and living their jail terms differently.
The book consists of short stories based on the lives of the prisoners during their jail term and defining the crime they actually committed. Some stories will make you cry, some will make you angry and maybe you'll feel wretched. This book gives us an understanding of the loopholes in the government judicial system, policies, police stations etc. I was shocked to read about life behind the Indian prisons. For moneyed and influential politicians , prisons are like resorts. You can buy any favour by bribing the authorities.
With a compelling narrative and engaging stories. this book is a must read. I enjoyed how the stories were progressing and the language was easy to understand too. I was hooked to the book till the end. I'm eagerly waiting for its sequel now.
The book consists of short stories based on the lives of the prisoners during their jail term and defining the crime they actually committed. Some stories will make you cry, some will make you angry and maybe you'll feel wretched. This book gives us an understanding of the loopholes in the government judicial system, policies, police stations etc. I was shocked to read about life behind the Indian prisons. For moneyed and influential politicians , prisons are like resorts. You can buy any favour by bribing the authorities.
With a compelling narrative and engaging stories. this book is a must read. I enjoyed how the stories were progressing and the language was easy to understand too. I was hooked to the book till the end. I'm eagerly waiting for its sequel now.
December 8, 2017
Nothing less then a compelling narrative. The book which is a medley of custodial stories of the powerful, of the poor, of the marginalised and of the marginalising, presents each story in a very crisp and dramatic manner. It makes sure that the reader is introduced to the backstory of how the accused/under-trial/prisoner ended up there, going into the lives inside the prison and then the present life. It gives out all the gory details of the torture and illegality going on inside our country's houses of reformation. The book is an inspiring one forcing the reader to contemplate on why is this happening, even though no individual, police-person, politician or the society at large wants this to continue. We must question and find out as to where are the incentives which keeps torture inside our justice system alive being generated. Furthermore, one cannot but wonder at the power the media is wielding on our justice system. But the media itself has rotten to the core and needs a big shakeup to channel its power into meaningful issues. All in all the book is a fast and worthy reading.
April 11, 2018
One of the best book which give you a solid idea on the jail, police and judicial system of india. The flaws, the bias, the good / bad - every thing about it is explained well through the experience of different peoples who are different based on class/caste/power / region etc.
Some of the stories make you wonder, some make you cry, some make you angry and a whole it will make you think what kind of shit country we are living in. One of the point which highlighted on the preview/article about this book is absolutely true: " If you steal 1000 rs the police beat the shit of you, but if you steal 1000cr police will serve you like a king and you will live kinglife in jail".
Regarding the narration, its really a page turner. Simple language and engaging. As most of the stories are regarding Tihar, I will say i felt the suffocation of jail when I was reading it. That much touching. I really recommend this book.
Some of the stories make you wonder, some make you cry, some make you angry and a whole it will make you think what kind of shit country we are living in. One of the point which highlighted on the preview/article about this book is absolutely true: " If you steal 1000 rs the police beat the shit of you, but if you steal 1000cr police will serve you like a king and you will live kinglife in jail".
Regarding the narration, its really a page turner. Simple language and engaging. As most of the stories are regarding Tihar, I will say i felt the suffocation of jail when I was reading it. That much touching. I really recommend this book.
June 27, 2018
An Eye-opener
Are prisons really the great leveler that we expect them to be?
According to the Indian Constitution says that all Indian citizens are equal and punishment should be given equally.
This book will show a glimpse of a world most of us are unfamiliar with or are not interested in.
Our journey with the criminal ends with them either going into the jail doors or with them coming out of the jail doors.
This book will give you a very good account of what happens behind the closed doors. It covers a differentiated sample of criminals as well ranging from politicians to media barons to so called terrorists and maoist sympathisers.
A definite recommendation for those who seek to expand their own horizons.
Are prisons really the great leveler that we expect them to be?
According to the Indian Constitution says that all Indian citizens are equal and punishment should be given equally.
This book will show a glimpse of a world most of us are unfamiliar with or are not interested in.
Our journey with the criminal ends with them either going into the jail doors or with them coming out of the jail doors.
This book will give you a very good account of what happens behind the closed doors. It covers a differentiated sample of criminals as well ranging from politicians to media barons to so called terrorists and maoist sympathisers.
A definite recommendation for those who seek to expand their own horizons.
October 20, 2019
Most of us believe Indian Prisons are everything wicked holding everyone evil, yet once in a while we get to hear about the incarceration of the innocent for years without proper representation in the court and at times we get to see justice catching up with the rich and famous (or so we are made to believe). In all this, we should ask out loud what is the functioning of a Prison and Sentencing in a democratic arrangement, is it to simply put out the darker side for temporary relief or should it be a kind of rehabilitation for the characters of the dark? How do the Rich compare to the Poor in such a twisted environment?
Behind Bars shares 13 stories of the experiences of people in the Indian Prisons, especially of the Rich VIPs who feel it as a mild stutter barring few humiliations while the poor suffer in obscurity for years. From Anca's request for Mochi Wedges Sandal to Kobad Ghandy's description of Afzal Guru, Amar Singh's displeasure towards his once friends to the Rape of a Trans Gender in a Police Station and torture of the weak by a team once led by a martyred National Hero, we see a complex world inside the gallows.
As a journalist on NDTV(now Hindustan Times), Sunetra Choudhury remains a no-nonsense, on to the point reporter, a trait which I look for when watching or reading News and since this book of hers was about Prisoners in India (I have been reading a lot on this topic this year) this was on my must-read list for few months. At last this weekend I started and ended it one go, all thanks to the author’s riveting one-on-one with the prisoners, the story behind the crimes they are accused of, their arrest and eventual incarceration.
It’s a must-read for all who are not uncomfortable with the uncomfortable truth about the systems governing us.
Behind Bars shares 13 stories of the experiences of people in the Indian Prisons, especially of the Rich VIPs who feel it as a mild stutter barring few humiliations while the poor suffer in obscurity for years. From Anca's request for Mochi Wedges Sandal to Kobad Ghandy's description of Afzal Guru, Amar Singh's displeasure towards his once friends to the Rape of a Trans Gender in a Police Station and torture of the weak by a team once led by a martyred National Hero, we see a complex world inside the gallows.
As a journalist on NDTV(now Hindustan Times), Sunetra Choudhury remains a no-nonsense, on to the point reporter, a trait which I look for when watching or reading News and since this book of hers was about Prisoners in India (I have been reading a lot on this topic this year) this was on my must-read list for few months. At last this weekend I started and ended it one go, all thanks to the author’s riveting one-on-one with the prisoners, the story behind the crimes they are accused of, their arrest and eventual incarceration.
It’s a must-read for all who are not uncomfortable with the uncomfortable truth about the systems governing us.
July 13, 2021
Behind Bars: Prison Tales of India's Most Famous. Suneeta Choudhury
The more I read about prison life in India, the more I'm convinced that "the prison system in India is like death, only designed to subject pain and not to reform inmates.”
And yet crime continues to rise and incarceration is 'death in life' for most. "If you steal 1,000 rupees, the hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in a dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55,000 crore then you get to stay in a 40-foot cell which has four split units, internet, fax, mobile phones and a staff of ten to clean your shoes and cook your food (in case it is not being delivered from Hyatt that particular day) – Incredible India!” This is the other face of prisons, where social status holds sway, no matter what the crime.
Yet jailbirds form special bonds, and some live to tell the tale after being released. For most, the institutionalised torture sounds the death knell of life. The book succeeds in bringing out the pathos and irony of Jail life.
The more I read about prison life in India, the more I'm convinced that "the prison system in India is like death, only designed to subject pain and not to reform inmates.”
And yet crime continues to rise and incarceration is 'death in life' for most. "If you steal 1,000 rupees, the hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in a dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55,000 crore then you get to stay in a 40-foot cell which has four split units, internet, fax, mobile phones and a staff of ten to clean your shoes and cook your food (in case it is not being delivered from Hyatt that particular day) – Incredible India!” This is the other face of prisons, where social status holds sway, no matter what the crime.
Yet jailbirds form special bonds, and some live to tell the tale after being released. For most, the institutionalised torture sounds the death knell of life. The book succeeds in bringing out the pathos and irony of Jail life.
August 13, 2023
Oh my god!
I would give you 5 stars for the story, your journalism, your persistence in getting facts. But only 4 stars for the occasional graphic content. It's too personal. I agree it's a true account but still I'm not sure if you also were in a conundrum to print it or not. This book is a must read for any youngster who wants to beat the system. Must read for every human rights activist, I mean what have you guys been wasting your time on in human rights? Nothing seems to have changed in 40 years inside a prison. What about undertrials? No one is guilty unless the court says guilty. Even then every one is a human being. That is brought out exemplarily by this book and you deserve 7 stars for making every one of us think twice. I wish every judge reads this book and every advocate. I wish you speed up the trial process reading this and I wish and pray and hope the world is a better place in years to come.
I would give you 5 stars for the story, your journalism, your persistence in getting facts. But only 4 stars for the occasional graphic content. It's too personal. I agree it's a true account but still I'm not sure if you also were in a conundrum to print it or not. This book is a must read for any youngster who wants to beat the system. Must read for every human rights activist, I mean what have you guys been wasting your time on in human rights? Nothing seems to have changed in 40 years inside a prison. What about undertrials? No one is guilty unless the court says guilty. Even then every one is a human being. That is brought out exemplarily by this book and you deserve 7 stars for making every one of us think twice. I wish every judge reads this book and every advocate. I wish you speed up the trial process reading this and I wish and pray and hope the world is a better place in years to come.
April 12, 2021
It offers a glimpse into some of the people involved in the most famous cases of the country. It does a great job in bringing such an obscure world of prisons closer to the common man.
However, I think it does too much in some cases to make the crimes seem so humane and 'normal' that we lose sight of them having done something wrong in the first place.
Some of these stories read like advertisements and make me wonder if anything of what they've said is the truth really. (referring here to some of the politicians/ other powerful people involved.....makes me remember the movie 'Sanju' which was pretty much an advertisement of his 'innocence')
That said, Sunetra Choudhary has done a wonderful job in bringing out the voices of the people interviewed, her writing flows brilliantly while the soul of the people involved shines through too.
However, I think it does too much in some cases to make the crimes seem so humane and 'normal' that we lose sight of them having done something wrong in the first place.
Some of these stories read like advertisements and make me wonder if anything of what they've said is the truth really. (referring here to some of the politicians/ other powerful people involved.....makes me remember the movie 'Sanju' which was pretty much an advertisement of his 'innocence')
That said, Sunetra Choudhary has done a wonderful job in bringing out the voices of the people interviewed, her writing flows brilliantly while the soul of the people involved shines through too.
September 26, 2021
‘Behind Bars Prison tales India’s most famous’
By Suneeta Chaudhhury
Publisher Roli book
This is one more class work by Sunetra. I don’t know how she managed to meet all those prisoners who’s story impending in this book. Behind Bars is all about the famous prisoner tales through them reader can peek into their life. Somewhere it realises system’s vindictive demeanor destroying societies calm without scruples i can say it.
“If you steal 1000 rupees, the Hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55000 crore rupees then you get to stay in 40 foot cell which which has four split unit,internet,fax,mobile phones and staff of ten to clean your shoes and cook your food.” This is blemished descirminiation of our Judiciary system,police, politician and society.
Poignant tales…
By Suneeta Chaudhhury
Publisher Roli book
This is one more class work by Sunetra. I don’t know how she managed to meet all those prisoners who’s story impending in this book. Behind Bars is all about the famous prisoner tales through them reader can peek into their life. Somewhere it realises system’s vindictive demeanor destroying societies calm without scruples i can say it.
“If you steal 1000 rupees, the Hawaldar will beat the shit out of you and lock you up in dungeon with no bulb or ventilation. If you steal 55000 crore rupees then you get to stay in 40 foot cell which which has four split unit,internet,fax,mobile phones and staff of ten to clean your shoes and cook your food.” This is blemished descirminiation of our Judiciary system,police, politician and society.
Poignant tales…
May 6, 2017
Some stories will move you. Some will make you angry.
A disturbing account of how rotten India's prison, police and judiciary is for the people who do not have the money and muscle power. Instead correction, it turns people into hardened criminals, specially those who are falsely implicated and awaiting justice. The rich and mighty get all the comforts and privileges while the poor languish due to lack of representation in inhumane conditions. Many are totally forgotten by the legal system and abandoned by family/society. Cleaning up Indian society should start from the prisons, police and judiciary. And also the politicians who exploit this rot.
Well written and well researched.
A disturbing account of how rotten India's prison, police and judiciary is for the people who do not have the money and muscle power. Instead correction, it turns people into hardened criminals, specially those who are falsely implicated and awaiting justice. The rich and mighty get all the comforts and privileges while the poor languish due to lack of representation in inhumane conditions. Many are totally forgotten by the legal system and abandoned by family/society. Cleaning up Indian society should start from the prisons, police and judiciary. And also the politicians who exploit this rot.
Well written and well researched.
August 27, 2021
Would have loved to give it a 4 star rating kyunki yeh kitaab zarori hai. But as the book moves on it starts to become more of a profile and the reason behind why the person concerned is in jail.
As a result the world of Tihar ends up being an ambience rather than the main topic.
Khushi,
Mumbai Blast accused
Kobad's chapter specially his talk on Afzal and how Media made a caricature villain out of him to satisfy the collective consciousness (whatever that means)
the woman fighting for years for a husband with whom she never even consummated her marriage
All the aforementioned chapters have been written poignantly and will stay with me
As a result the world of Tihar ends up being an ambience rather than the main topic.
Khushi,
Mumbai Blast accused
Kobad's chapter specially his talk on Afzal and how Media made a caricature villain out of him to satisfy the collective consciousness (whatever that means)
the woman fighting for years for a husband with whom she never even consummated her marriage
All the aforementioned chapters have been written poignantly and will stay with me
December 13, 2024
Author: Sunetra Chaudhary
Genre: Non-Fiction
This is the second book I have read by the author after The Black Warrant. The book is all about the lives and times of the high and mighty from the likes of Pappu Yadav, Somnath Bharti etc to the lowly known Rehana and a juvenile, languishing in the various jails of the country.
The narration by various inmates not only exposed the jail conditions and lack of basic amenities but also the privileges which can be bought if you throw in the money. Also interesting part is when a celebrity prisoner tells the life of a celebrity prisoner in the same jail.
The book is a page-turner
Rating:4.5/5*
Genre: Non-Fiction
This is the second book I have read by the author after The Black Warrant. The book is all about the lives and times of the high and mighty from the likes of Pappu Yadav, Somnath Bharti etc to the lowly known Rehana and a juvenile, languishing in the various jails of the country.
The narration by various inmates not only exposed the jail conditions and lack of basic amenities but also the privileges which can be bought if you throw in the money. Also interesting part is when a celebrity prisoner tells the life of a celebrity prisoner in the same jail.
The book is a page-turner
Rating:4.5/5*
June 13, 2017
I was shocked to read about life behind the Indian prisons. For moneyed and influential politicians , prisons are like resorts. You can buy any favour by bribing the authorities. I am surprised that despite this being a well known fact, nothing is done about it. No wonder for the privileged few, jails are actually a refreshing break from busy schedules. No wonder that for such people going to jail is no deterrent. They can continue to cheat and loot with impunity. Will some one in authority get to the bottom of this and bring some necessary changes?
Read
March 22, 2021This book brings to us experiences of criminals big and small. It mostly talks about the life of an inmate at Tihar Prison, while mentioning some other prisons at times. It gives a clear picture of the well-privileged versus the not-so-privileged. The author begins with Amar Singh, moves on to Peter Mukerjea, and concludes with Kobad Ghandy while including others accused of murder, rape, and even people who got trapped behind bars for years at a stretch for no crime whatsoever while some others who went scot-free even after committing one or lived comfortably behind bars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
My head spun reading the book. While VIPs get the better deal in their jail time with luxuries that come with tons of money, the others can just forget about it. Nothing just nothing seems ethical about the prison system. Even if the Indian Criminal law is considered archaic, the guys running the show inside the jail - the police are nothing but villains unleashing terror.
The story of JP and Kobad Ghandy was the most painful to read for me, personally. I am glad journo Sunetra Choudhury wrote this book and provided us with insights about what goes on the other side of the prison wall.
The story of JP and Kobad Ghandy was the most painful to read for me, personally. I am glad journo Sunetra Choudhury wrote this book and provided us with insights about what goes on the other side of the prison wall.
Want to Read
January 17, 2020This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
ভারতের জেলখানায় বিভিন্ন সময়ে বন্দী থাকা মানুষদের মুখে তাদের কারাবাসের বর্ণনা। কিছু কিছু ঘটনা একদম গা শিউরে ওঠার মতো, কিছু পড়লে আবার রাগে গা কাঁপে।
তবে মূলভাব সবার ব্যাপারেই একই, অর্থ আর ক্ষমতা থাকলে কারাবাস ব্যাপারটাকেও সহনীয়(কারও কারও জন্য একেবারে আরামপ্রদ) করে তোলা যায়।
"Jail is hell for those who are poor."
তবে মূলভাব সবার ব্যাপারেই একই, অর্থ আর ক্ষমতা থাকলে কারাবাস ব্যাপারটাকেও সহনীয়(কারও কারও জন্য একেবারে আরামপ্রদ) করে তোলা যায়।
"Jail is hell for those who are poor."
October 5, 2017
I love reading such books , which give a real picture of how things actually work/dont work inside Indias system . Looking forward to the sequel !
March 18, 2018
hard hitting narration,
February 29, 2020
Hard hitting , objective but at times the fear of undergoing it ourselves causes nausea. But a compelling and a must read to understand the conditions of jails in our country.
April 1, 2020
The book started on a really exciting tone with Amar Singh’s jail experience. However, the narration became somehow disinteresting towards the end.
October 23, 2020
So this book is basically about how India is such a messed up country.
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