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Bhais of Bengaluru
For years, Bengaluru's underworld has been ruled by shrewd and notorious dons, who grew from small-time extortionists to dreaded names in real-estate circles. Kodigehalli Mune Gowda was crowned the city's first 'don' back in the 1960s, but it was in the '80s and the '90s that powerhouses like Muthappa Rai, Sreedhar, 'Boot House' Kumar aka Oil Kumar, Bekkina Kannu Rajendra and Srirampura Kitty emerged. In Bhais of Bengaluru, Jyoti Shelar, a print journalist with ten years of work experience as a field reporter, explores this mysterious and fascinating underbelly of India's Garden City.
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Jyoti Shelar
1 book14 followersJyoti Shelar is an award-winning journalist who has been covering crime,
healthcare and communities for more than a decade. Currently the assistant editor
with The Hindu, she has previously been associated with the Mumbai
Mirror, Hindustan Times and Daily News and Analysis (DNA).
Her first book, The Bhais Of Bengaluru narrates the history of lesser known Bengaluru mafia. The book explores how the kushti culture, Kannada language movement and the massive fandom of actor Rajkumar played some role in giving rise to rowdyism in the city in the 60’s and 70’s. It goes on to narrate stories of dons who rose, committed heinous crimes and have now turned white-collar.
Three notorious criminals ruled Bengaluru in 1970’s and 1980’s. MP Jayaraj, a pehelwan turned goon gained immense power with support from the Congress party. His rival, Kotwal Ramachandra emerged as a powerhouse when Jayaraj landed in jail for attempting a murder. On the sidelines was the scheming Oil Kumar who sought help from both the dons to run his multi crore oil business. This was a time when Bengaluru underworld used machetes and swords.
In the Muslim underworld, poultry businessman Koli Faiyaz ruled like a king. His punter Tanveer rose to power after Faiyaz’s brutal murder. The late 80’s and 90’s saw the rise of a bank clerk turned criminal Muthappa Rai and law student turned goon Sreedhar Murthy. Both these dons now live reformed lives.
From the first brutal underworld murder to Bengaluru police’s first encounter, the narrative encompasses the fight for supremacy and survival in the underworld. There is also a close link of the mafia to Dawood Ibrahim, dubbed a global terrorist and India’s most wanted man.
The Bengaluru mafia is probably the only Indian mafia to have recanted from their criminal past and decided to turn over a new leaf- literally becoming real estate tycoons and media barons. The book takes you close to the lives they live now.
healthcare and communities for more than a decade. Currently the assistant editor
with The Hindu, she has previously been associated with the Mumbai
Mirror, Hindustan Times and Daily News and Analysis (DNA).
Her first book, The Bhais Of Bengaluru narrates the history of lesser known Bengaluru mafia. The book explores how the kushti culture, Kannada language movement and the massive fandom of actor Rajkumar played some role in giving rise to rowdyism in the city in the 60’s and 70’s. It goes on to narrate stories of dons who rose, committed heinous crimes and have now turned white-collar.
Three notorious criminals ruled Bengaluru in 1970’s and 1980’s. MP Jayaraj, a pehelwan turned goon gained immense power with support from the Congress party. His rival, Kotwal Ramachandra emerged as a powerhouse when Jayaraj landed in jail for attempting a murder. On the sidelines was the scheming Oil Kumar who sought help from both the dons to run his multi crore oil business. This was a time when Bengaluru underworld used machetes and swords.
In the Muslim underworld, poultry businessman Koli Faiyaz ruled like a king. His punter Tanveer rose to power after Faiyaz’s brutal murder. The late 80’s and 90’s saw the rise of a bank clerk turned criminal Muthappa Rai and law student turned goon Sreedhar Murthy. Both these dons now live reformed lives.
From the first brutal underworld murder to Bengaluru police’s first encounter, the narrative encompasses the fight for supremacy and survival in the underworld. There is also a close link of the mafia to Dawood Ibrahim, dubbed a global terrorist and India’s most wanted man.
The Bengaluru mafia is probably the only Indian mafia to have recanted from their criminal past and decided to turn over a new leaf- literally becoming real estate tycoons and media barons. The book takes you close to the lives they live now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 13, 2018
A Real World Account of Human Fallacy, Imperfection and Ambition
First things first! If you want to experience a fast paced, real world, good vs evil, awe-inspiring thriller, pick this book up. There are criminal masterminds, super cops, exciting plots, sub-plots, counter-plots and everything that you want to find in a crime thriller, albeit in a real setting. You will have to constantly remind yourself that you are reading a non-fiction work. And if you are a citizen of Bengaluru for anytime, this is a must read for you. I warn you, once you pick it up, you cannot put it down.
I read The Sicilian by Mario Puzo in 1999 and by that time I had seen Marlon Brando as The Godfather and thought that such sfuff, heroic, dangerous and adventurous can exist only in books and all those accounts of the criminal world that I had seen in movies like "Company", "Rakta Charitra", "Satya", "Sarkar", "Om", "Jogi", etc., were glorified, highly fictionalized accounts of actually pithy and simple events. I am also a great fan of Kota Neelima and her works were quite inspirational and contemporary. But they were fictionalized accounts. They were the author's version of how things "ought to be" even though they are based on how things "are". In my world, criminals are bad men. They are greedy, insensitive, alcohol/drug addicts who abuse society for no valid reason.
With this context and background, I picked up this book. Usually, I read the text in the paraphernalia before I delve into the subject. I take in the comments and feel their texture and take in the aroma of the words written by others and tasting the book before tasting it. But Jhumpa Lahiri changed all that when I had earlier read her book The Clothing of Books. I skipped the foreword and directly went into the prologue, and there started a nerve wracking thriller and I had to constantly remind myself that this is real and not fiction.
I have a colleague Mr. Bharatadri, who had an illustrious career as a media person and through him I have met several journalists low-key and high profile people as well. What I have observed is that they have an uncanny ability to present facts as facts and somehow glean their narrative from all judgement. But, when I started reading this book, I immediately noticed that the narrative, though rich in vocabulary and content, was shorn of all judgement. A murder was a murder. Neither good nor bad. A cop caught criminals with uncanny planning and foresight, he did just that caught a criminal. The super cops were just that super cops. The criminals are just that, criminals. And all were human beings, imperfect, ambitious, intelligent and larger than life. They were neither good nor bad. And this is the most important aspect of the book.
In my view, the protagonist of the book is Jayaraj. It is his career the book traces. As you read about him and wonder how he really looked, you can refer to the photographs in the middle of the book. You will be awed at the towering personality of the Don. And then he will stick in your imagination. Two more characters that I would like to mention are super cop Ashok Kumar and Agni Shreedhar. The way Ashok Kumar chased the son of an IAS officer and later on the chain snatchers caught my imagination and I enjoyed the way he solved the crimes and inadvertantly got involved in the first encounter of Bengaluru. Shreedhar was an intellectual but he was drawn towards power and crime. He strikes me as a strange and highly complex personality. His involvement in the Kotwal murder, his friendship with Bachchan, his allegiance to Jairaj, fall out with Rai and his image make over were interesting to see.
Rai takes the underworld of Bangalore to the next level, but in the end, like Jairaj and Shreedhar seeks to set right his black image as a criminal. And in the end, you see two shades of the criminals in Bengaluru. Those who are behind money and power and those who are simply attracted to power. The super cops are as intelligent and as ambitious as the dons. We see two sides. Ambition that is unacceptable to society and Ambition that is acceptable. We understand the good and the bad and their changing definitions across class, across time and across countries.
When you put down the book, you are exhausted. The depth of research, the power of the narrative, the simplicity of presentation, the larger than life and awe inspiring lives of people in the book and Jyoti Shelar as the woman behind the whole thing leave a bitter sweet taste in your mouth.
Go on! Pick up the book. Read it. Savor it. And write a review that pours your heart out.
First things first! If you want to experience a fast paced, real world, good vs evil, awe-inspiring thriller, pick this book up. There are criminal masterminds, super cops, exciting plots, sub-plots, counter-plots and everything that you want to find in a crime thriller, albeit in a real setting. You will have to constantly remind yourself that you are reading a non-fiction work. And if you are a citizen of Bengaluru for anytime, this is a must read for you. I warn you, once you pick it up, you cannot put it down.
I read The Sicilian by Mario Puzo in 1999 and by that time I had seen Marlon Brando as The Godfather and thought that such sfuff, heroic, dangerous and adventurous can exist only in books and all those accounts of the criminal world that I had seen in movies like "Company", "Rakta Charitra", "Satya", "Sarkar", "Om", "Jogi", etc., were glorified, highly fictionalized accounts of actually pithy and simple events. I am also a great fan of Kota Neelima and her works were quite inspirational and contemporary. But they were fictionalized accounts. They were the author's version of how things "ought to be" even though they are based on how things "are". In my world, criminals are bad men. They are greedy, insensitive, alcohol/drug addicts who abuse society for no valid reason.
With this context and background, I picked up this book. Usually, I read the text in the paraphernalia before I delve into the subject. I take in the comments and feel their texture and take in the aroma of the words written by others and tasting the book before tasting it. But Jhumpa Lahiri changed all that when I had earlier read her book The Clothing of Books. I skipped the foreword and directly went into the prologue, and there started a nerve wracking thriller and I had to constantly remind myself that this is real and not fiction.
I have a colleague Mr. Bharatadri, who had an illustrious career as a media person and through him I have met several journalists low-key and high profile people as well. What I have observed is that they have an uncanny ability to present facts as facts and somehow glean their narrative from all judgement. But, when I started reading this book, I immediately noticed that the narrative, though rich in vocabulary and content, was shorn of all judgement. A murder was a murder. Neither good nor bad. A cop caught criminals with uncanny planning and foresight, he did just that caught a criminal. The super cops were just that super cops. The criminals are just that, criminals. And all were human beings, imperfect, ambitious, intelligent and larger than life. They were neither good nor bad. And this is the most important aspect of the book.
This book simply presents facts as facts. It neither glorifies the dons or the super-cops nor misses the significance of the events in the criminal history of Bengaluru. In this Jyoti Shelar has done an excellent work.
In my view, the protagonist of the book is Jayaraj. It is his career the book traces. As you read about him and wonder how he really looked, you can refer to the photographs in the middle of the book. You will be awed at the towering personality of the Don. And then he will stick in your imagination. Two more characters that I would like to mention are super cop Ashok Kumar and Agni Shreedhar. The way Ashok Kumar chased the son of an IAS officer and later on the chain snatchers caught my imagination and I enjoyed the way he solved the crimes and inadvertantly got involved in the first encounter of Bengaluru. Shreedhar was an intellectual but he was drawn towards power and crime. He strikes me as a strange and highly complex personality. His involvement in the Kotwal murder, his friendship with Bachchan, his allegiance to Jairaj, fall out with Rai and his image make over were interesting to see.
Rai takes the underworld of Bangalore to the next level, but in the end, like Jairaj and Shreedhar seeks to set right his black image as a criminal. And in the end, you see two shades of the criminals in Bengaluru. Those who are behind money and power and those who are simply attracted to power. The super cops are as intelligent and as ambitious as the dons. We see two sides. Ambition that is unacceptable to society and Ambition that is acceptable. We understand the good and the bad and their changing definitions across class, across time and across countries.
When you put down the book, you are exhausted. The depth of research, the power of the narrative, the simplicity of presentation, the larger than life and awe inspiring lives of people in the book and Jyoti Shelar as the woman behind the whole thing leave a bitter sweet taste in your mouth.
Go on! Pick up the book. Read it. Savor it. And write a review that pours your heart out.
April 12, 2018
A book about the rise of the underworld in the underbelly of Bangalore/Bengaluru city – the IT hub of India, also known as the silicon valley of India.
The story starts with a handful of characters. As it moves forward, it brings more people in the forefront and thereby giving a narrative of how the underworld got a hold over the city. Some people die, others become big names. It gradually goes to show how the master players of criminal world have either died, or gone all legit.
I never was aware of the underbelly of the organised crime world of Bengaluru city. Also, I’ve just visited the city once. So, I came in completely blind to the topic of the book. What I got was how the IT-city hides a different world, where mostly a handful of people at the top are in control of the whole city.
The writing was mostly pretty fine. In simple terms it described quite a lot of the situation in the city. It could have been much improved if there was some form of a chart or a tree that shows the who’s who. Also, the flow of the book could have been better with some clear demarcations in terms of decades or something. Nevertheless, it’s a pretty informative and engrossing read.
This was a book I got as part of Goodreads giveaway. Lately, I’ve been apprehensive at reading giveaway books as they are – for the most part – subpar, and not worth reading. Also, the topic was something I had no idea about, let alone familiarity. But this book has a staying power. On a side, Ram Gopal Verma is making a biopic on one of the main characters of this book.
I’d definitely recommend it to people interested in real life organised crime in India.
The story starts with a handful of characters. As it moves forward, it brings more people in the forefront and thereby giving a narrative of how the underworld got a hold over the city. Some people die, others become big names. It gradually goes to show how the master players of criminal world have either died, or gone all legit.
I never was aware of the underbelly of the organised crime world of Bengaluru city. Also, I’ve just visited the city once. So, I came in completely blind to the topic of the book. What I got was how the IT-city hides a different world, where mostly a handful of people at the top are in control of the whole city.
The writing was mostly pretty fine. In simple terms it described quite a lot of the situation in the city. It could have been much improved if there was some form of a chart or a tree that shows the who’s who. Also, the flow of the book could have been better with some clear demarcations in terms of decades or something. Nevertheless, it’s a pretty informative and engrossing read.
This was a book I got as part of Goodreads giveaway. Lately, I’ve been apprehensive at reading giveaway books as they are – for the most part – subpar, and not worth reading. Also, the topic was something I had no idea about, let alone familiarity. But this book has a staying power. On a side, Ram Gopal Verma is making a biopic on one of the main characters of this book.
I’d definitely recommend it to people interested in real life organised crime in India.
March 15, 2020
A fast paced book on the Bengaluru gangsters. Many plot twists similar to a movie screenplay keeps you on edge of the seat and also makes you wonder if this is non- fiction or fiction. Bold, courageous and commendable effort by the author to come up with a such high quality cover of the Bengaluru bhais.
June 19, 2018
Hello All …. Before going deep into the review of The Bhais of Bengaluru by Jyoti Shelar, I would like to congratulate the Author for her efforts. Every Literary work is unique in itself and the review given below is an honest result of my understanding/expectations on the subject and must not be taken otherwise.
Let’s quickly go through the ratings
Title : 4.5/5
Cover : 4.5/5
Blurb : 4.5/5
Plot : 4/5
Language Used : 4/5
Presentation : 4.5/5
Overall : 4.3/5
About the Book : The book truly gives a sneak peek into the lives of popular Bengaluru underworld figures. Taking it right from the birth of Bengaluru and various small or big time rowdies Bengaluru has ever witnessed, the book takes you to a journey full of thrill & adventure. The book discusses the thirst for power and popularity that gave rise to rowdies and gangs who flourished under their umbrella. As evident from various incidents mentioned in the book, rowdies have been a supporting pillar to many political bodies and even been on front face at many occasions. While on one hand the book quotes about bravery of many people who were part of police system, on the other hand it raises serious questions on the effectiveness of the same system quoting various incidents where the dons lived a luxurious lives inside jails and used to be masterminds of organized crimes while being in police custody.The book also discusses the battle for supremacy and power that existed between various gangs of the underworld while pointing out their allegiance with one another. Portraying the personal lives of underworld rowdies gives a true reflection of their thought process and emotional aspect of their personality. This book is not just a story of Bengaluru underworld but also a timeline of Bengaluru's culture and society. Overall it is a great read for crime and mystery readers.
About Writing : Jyoti Shelar has not only summarized the underworld of Bengaluru in this book but has also showcased immense courage and commitment to her writing and research. Writing a book on such sensitive subject requires extensive research and analysis, putting various facts, figures and incidents in front of readers in form of a story is a tough task to achieve.
The author has kept the word usage as standard and easily understandable despite of usage of few kannada words here and there in the text. Readers may find it difficult to remember each and every name and alias but the important ones could easily be remembered. The plots and stories are well crafted and leaves an indelible imprint on the minds of readers. Being real life stories, one can easily relate to the plots and socio-political scenario at that time which adds to the reading experience of the reader. Full of thrill and adventure the way author manages to keep the reader glued to the chapters is remarkably commendable. Her writing induces a spark on the minds of the readers and encourages their conscience to think on the subject.
Through her writing Jyoti Shelar has tried to put every aspect of lives of underworld dons before readers; for them to assess and try to make society a better place to live. As evident from the story, no one is a born Criminal or Rowdy, sometimes life makes them so and sometimes they choose to be the one. In any case there is always a right path to choose though less traveled and there exists a path nurtured by rage, revenge and thirst for power which leads to "The Underworld".
The words and story seem to come out from depth of Author’s heart and her effort is appreciable. I once again congratulate her and wish her luck for future endeavors.
Let’s quickly go through the ratings
Title : 4.5/5
Cover : 4.5/5
Blurb : 4.5/5
Plot : 4/5
Language Used : 4/5
Presentation : 4.5/5
Overall : 4.3/5
About the Book : The book truly gives a sneak peek into the lives of popular Bengaluru underworld figures. Taking it right from the birth of Bengaluru and various small or big time rowdies Bengaluru has ever witnessed, the book takes you to a journey full of thrill & adventure. The book discusses the thirst for power and popularity that gave rise to rowdies and gangs who flourished under their umbrella. As evident from various incidents mentioned in the book, rowdies have been a supporting pillar to many political bodies and even been on front face at many occasions. While on one hand the book quotes about bravery of many people who were part of police system, on the other hand it raises serious questions on the effectiveness of the same system quoting various incidents where the dons lived a luxurious lives inside jails and used to be masterminds of organized crimes while being in police custody.The book also discusses the battle for supremacy and power that existed between various gangs of the underworld while pointing out their allegiance with one another. Portraying the personal lives of underworld rowdies gives a true reflection of their thought process and emotional aspect of their personality. This book is not just a story of Bengaluru underworld but also a timeline of Bengaluru's culture and society. Overall it is a great read for crime and mystery readers.
About Writing : Jyoti Shelar has not only summarized the underworld of Bengaluru in this book but has also showcased immense courage and commitment to her writing and research. Writing a book on such sensitive subject requires extensive research and analysis, putting various facts, figures and incidents in front of readers in form of a story is a tough task to achieve.
The author has kept the word usage as standard and easily understandable despite of usage of few kannada words here and there in the text. Readers may find it difficult to remember each and every name and alias but the important ones could easily be remembered. The plots and stories are well crafted and leaves an indelible imprint on the minds of readers. Being real life stories, one can easily relate to the plots and socio-political scenario at that time which adds to the reading experience of the reader. Full of thrill and adventure the way author manages to keep the reader glued to the chapters is remarkably commendable. Her writing induces a spark on the minds of the readers and encourages their conscience to think on the subject.
Through her writing Jyoti Shelar has tried to put every aspect of lives of underworld dons before readers; for them to assess and try to make society a better place to live. As evident from the story, no one is a born Criminal or Rowdy, sometimes life makes them so and sometimes they choose to be the one. In any case there is always a right path to choose though less traveled and there exists a path nurtured by rage, revenge and thirst for power which leads to "The Underworld".
The words and story seem to come out from depth of Author’s heart and her effort is appreciable. I once again congratulate her and wish her luck for future endeavors.
July 11, 2023
A book i picked up from an old book shelf while staying at an airbnb :)!! Was intrigued by the title wondering what kind of 'Bhais' we see in a city like Bangalore!!!
All credit to the journalist/author who throws light on to the dark underbelly of a city which few identified as anything other than India's silicon valley.The narration and story telling is good right from introducing characters to where it all begins for the underworld, the readers is never lost. The books shows that not just in Mumbai but elsewhere too the rising crime graph has the same pattern - politicians giving early cover, police being in cahoots and film fraternity being in the scene later.
A good read for sure.
All credit to the journalist/author who throws light on to the dark underbelly of a city which few identified as anything other than India's silicon valley.The narration and story telling is good right from introducing characters to where it all begins for the underworld, the readers is never lost. The books shows that not just in Mumbai but elsewhere too the rising crime graph has the same pattern - politicians giving early cover, police being in cahoots and film fraternity being in the scene later.
A good read for sure.
July 21, 2020
Outstanding!!!
March 25, 2024
Finally, a book I could relate to! (Only in terms of the setting aka my hometown, not with the criminally insane).
February 5, 2018
For anyone who’s drawn to the literature genre of crime, this book is an absolute delight! Although she has just forayed into writing books, Jyoti Shelar has already mastered the art of storytelling!
From divulging the deep dark secrets of Bangalore’s past, to show its reflection on the this city’s present, her research is truly commendable!
And for anybody who needs another reason to grab this book, she’s Hussain Zaidi’s protégé! I think that speaks enough for itself.
From divulging the deep dark secrets of Bangalore’s past, to show its reflection on the this city’s present, her research is truly commendable!
And for anybody who needs another reason to grab this book, she’s Hussain Zaidi’s protégé! I think that speaks enough for itself.
March 10, 2018
This book is excellent,
Thanks to Mrs. Jyoti Shellar for writing such a wonderful book. The book show what dons in bangalore were when we were a child. Very beautiful. It was like watching a nice action movie reading this book.
Thanks to Mrs. Jyoti Shellar for writing such a wonderful book. The book show what dons in bangalore were when we were a child. Very beautiful. It was like watching a nice action movie reading this book.
May 24, 2019
A Fascinating read, taking the reader through the history of rowdy culture in Bangalore, tracing its origins in the gymnasiums and linguistic activism, among other precipitating factors like immigration and politics.
The book is filled with names which hold a passing familiarity for most native Bangaloreans, because of sensationalized news stories or mainstream Kannada movies, which unironically and gleefully romanticized (and continues to do so unapologetically) rowdyism, organized crime and the underworld in general.
But ultimately, the book ends up being a tours-and-travels experience in storytelling. It's a superficial retelling of tales, without a lot of substance. Often, it reads like a police report, paraphrased by a storyteller - which, while not a bad thing, leaves much to be desired.
I personally was left feeling unsatisfied, wanting more than a Page 3 article on rowdyism.
That said, I quite enjoyed the book - it's a light breezy read, and quite entertaining.
I'd rate this a 3.5, but have generously rounded it up to a 4 because, dammit, Goodreads, we need half star ratings too!
The book is filled with names which hold a passing familiarity for most native Bangaloreans, because of sensationalized news stories or mainstream Kannada movies, which unironically and gleefully romanticized (and continues to do so unapologetically) rowdyism, organized crime and the underworld in general.
But ultimately, the book ends up being a tours-and-travels experience in storytelling. It's a superficial retelling of tales, without a lot of substance. Often, it reads like a police report, paraphrased by a storyteller - which, while not a bad thing, leaves much to be desired.
I personally was left feeling unsatisfied, wanting more than a Page 3 article on rowdyism.
That said, I quite enjoyed the book - it's a light breezy read, and quite entertaining.
I'd rate this a 3.5, but have generously rounded it up to a 4 because, dammit, Goodreads, we need half star ratings too!
May 31, 2022
"Don’t fear anyone. If you fear, they will keep intimidating you"
In India, we only tend to know about the Mumbai mafia. Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, Haji Mastaan are the names that we know because of their prevalence in the Mumbai Mafia. Often the crime syndicates from other states and cities get ignored because of how big and notorious the mafia in Mumbai used to be.
This book is about organised crime in Bengaluru's history. The book talks about how this mafia started from wrestling akhadas and how some Indian bodybuilders in search of fame and power started walking on the wrong path leading to the deaths and suffering of many people.
It is a gripping read, I recommend it to anyone who has already read "Dongri to Dubai" by S. Hussain Zaidi since this book covers some things that were overlooked in "Dongri to Dubai" like Mumbai's connection with the Bengaluru mafia.
In India, we only tend to know about the Mumbai mafia. Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, Haji Mastaan are the names that we know because of their prevalence in the Mumbai Mafia. Often the crime syndicates from other states and cities get ignored because of how big and notorious the mafia in Mumbai used to be.
This book is about organised crime in Bengaluru's history. The book talks about how this mafia started from wrestling akhadas and how some Indian bodybuilders in search of fame and power started walking on the wrong path leading to the deaths and suffering of many people.
It is a gripping read, I recommend it to anyone who has already read "Dongri to Dubai" by S. Hussain Zaidi since this book covers some things that were overlooked in "Dongri to Dubai" like Mumbai's connection with the Bengaluru mafia.
May 9, 2019
A well researched book about the underworld of Bengaluru from it's inception to the current times. Simultaneously one learns bits about the history of the city, now a major IT hub and modern metro.
The dons of the city pale in comparison to the dons of Mumbai but the author cannot be faulted for that. After having read about the great escapades of the Mumbai underworld, the underworld of Bengaluru, thankfully, is much much minor. Most of the erstwhile bhais were into petty crimes like extortion and lording over small projects.
Even the current bossed are mostly into real estate. The one common threads is the massive corruption in the police which allows them to live comfortably in jails, escape at their whims and extort.
Interesting read.
The dons of the city pale in comparison to the dons of Mumbai but the author cannot be faulted for that. After having read about the great escapades of the Mumbai underworld, the underworld of Bengaluru, thankfully, is much much minor. Most of the erstwhile bhais were into petty crimes like extortion and lording over small projects.
Even the current bossed are mostly into real estate. The one common threads is the massive corruption in the police which allows them to live comfortably in jails, escape at their whims and extort.
Interesting read.
December 21, 2022
A short yet gripping book about the Bengaluru Underworld. The organization of the book is a bit fragmented because I think the timeline itself is such a complex maze. Apart from that, every chapter is more or less self-contained with lots of nostalgic nuggets in the form of familiar street names, old restaurants, glimpses of how nightlife used to be in Bengaluru back in the 60-80s, etc. The most interesting aspect of this piece of work is the character portrayal, their backstory, their rise to (in)fame, and their eventual demise. There's also one small detail I came across in the book--the provenance of Kannada(language) activism and how it arose, it put things into perspective a little. A good read if you're into crime.
April 3, 2019
A chronicle of the Bangalore underworld written well but it's not much different from the books of Hussain Zaidi. It still follows the similar pattern of tracking multiple gangsters across chapters. Could have been more informative with pictures and more old news articles directly included into the subject.
March 20, 2020
As a Bangalorean, some of the names that pop up in the book has graced my mind while turning the daily newspapers. From the stories I heard, the 70s and 80s was an action-packed era for Bangaloreans who ventured out of the normal lives most of us led. The book is racy and is about my city which most people aren't privy to. Thanks, Jyoti, for bringing out this facet about Bangalore.
June 1, 2021
This books covers how underworld started and who are different dons during different periods.
It is well written that you will sometimes forget that it is really happened during time. I was shocked with the things and ideas gangster got, how they planned killings.
Some situations explained in the book looked like movie but then I understood movies took inspiration from the real life events.
It is well written that you will sometimes forget that it is really happened during time. I was shocked with the things and ideas gangster got, how they planned killings.
Some situations explained in the book looked like movie but then I understood movies took inspiration from the real life events.
January 21, 2022
An impressive narration of 'Aadinagalu' (Those days) of Namma Bengaluru.
I occasionally heard the names of Jayaraj Kotwal, Agni Sreedhar, Muttappa Rai, Dawood, Chhota Rajan, etc. In the late 90s and the early 2000s, but I don't know how they were related, who's who, etc. This book not any clarified it but also got me hooked on to it.
Accounts of the police nabbing criminals gave me goosebumps.
I occasionally heard the names of Jayaraj Kotwal, Agni Sreedhar, Muttappa Rai, Dawood, Chhota Rajan, etc. In the late 90s and the early 2000s, but I don't know how they were related, who's who, etc. This book not any clarified it but also got me hooked on to it.
Accounts of the police nabbing criminals gave me goosebumps.
July 10, 2018
Fast paced book with intriguing and unknown details of Bangalore's underworld
Fast paced book with intriguing and unknown details of Bangalore's underworld. Written in the lines of Hussain Zaidi's style makes it more compellent to read.
Fast paced book with intriguing and unknown details of Bangalore's underworld. Written in the lines of Hussain Zaidi's style makes it more compellent to read.
March 10, 2020
It's s tightly woven story about the bangalore underworld. A good read, but the writers lack of native lingo and her unfamiliarity with kannada seeps through her narrative, it screams "Kannad gottilla", though it's no fault of hers, a good read nevertheless.
July 18, 2021
A very interesting account of the Bangalore underworld scene. Reminded me a lot of Gangs of Wasseypur, but as a book.
Two stars for writing style, and the third star for the sheer novelty of the content.
Two stars for writing style, and the third star for the sheer novelty of the content.
July 5, 2019
Quick read. Very well narrated. You can almost visualise everything translating into a grilling web series.
March 25, 2020
Very good.
May 19, 2020
Superb
August 28, 2021
Read more like a collection of news articles, but gives a good peak into the often overlapping mafias of Bangalore & Mumbai.
Read
February 3, 2022Interesting Narration
July 5, 2023
I love reading about crime. Being from Bangalore, was looking for a book like this. I have heard the names of these gangsters only through the rumour mill. Nice to finally get the actual stories.
May 17, 2024
This is quick book to read. The narration quite well. We will have what all major things happened in Banglore Underworld.
April 7, 2024
"The Bhais of Bengaluru" by Jyoti Shelar is an exciting look into the crime world of Bengaluru. Shelar's careful research helps us understand how crime used to work in the city. The book tells gripping stories about powerful gangsters and their plans, keeping readers on the edge with suspense and police chases. What makes this book special is that it shows us the personal side of these criminals. Shelar doesn't just focus on their crimes but also shows us who they are as people. Overall, "The Bhais of Bengaluru" is an interesting read that shows us both the thrilling and human sides of the city's underworld.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Jyoti Shelar's "Bhais of Bengaluru" offers a fascinating and often gritty deep dive into the shadowy world of Bengaluru's underworld. Far from being just a collection of sensational tales, this book is a well-researched journalistic endeavor that traces the evolution of the city's criminal landscape through the lives and legends of its most notorious figures, or 'bhais'.
Shelar meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of these powerful individuals, revealing how they shaped, and were shaped by, Bengaluru's rapid urbanization and political currents. The narrative is engaging, painting vivid portraits of these 'bhais' – from their humble beginnings to their reigns of terror and eventual downfalls. What truly stands out is the author's ability to contextualize their stories, connecting the underworld's operations to real estate booms, political patronage, and the changing social fabric of the city.
The book is an eye-opening exploration of a less-talked-about side of Bengaluru, moving beyond its 'Silicon Valley' image to expose the raw power dynamics that once held sway. It's clear that extensive research went into piecing together these complex lives and their impact. While the subject matter is dark, Shelar handles it with a journalistic detachment that allows the facts to speak for themselves.
"Bhais of Bengaluru" is a compelling read for anyone interested in urban history, true crime, or understanding the unseen forces that have influenced India's fast-growing cities. It's a testament to the fact that every gleaming metropolis has its hidden histories and the intriguing characters who forged them.
Shelar meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of these powerful individuals, revealing how they shaped, and were shaped by, Bengaluru's rapid urbanization and political currents. The narrative is engaging, painting vivid portraits of these 'bhais' – from their humble beginnings to their reigns of terror and eventual downfalls. What truly stands out is the author's ability to contextualize their stories, connecting the underworld's operations to real estate booms, political patronage, and the changing social fabric of the city.
The book is an eye-opening exploration of a less-talked-about side of Bengaluru, moving beyond its 'Silicon Valley' image to expose the raw power dynamics that once held sway. It's clear that extensive research went into piecing together these complex lives and their impact. While the subject matter is dark, Shelar handles it with a journalistic detachment that allows the facts to speak for themselves.
"Bhais of Bengaluru" is a compelling read for anyone interested in urban history, true crime, or understanding the unseen forces that have influenced India's fast-growing cities. It's a testament to the fact that every gleaming metropolis has its hidden histories and the intriguing characters who forged them.
May 4, 2020
Although there is only one seminal work about the Bangalore criminal world so far (My Days with the Underworld),this one is also a decent read. Not as detailed as the previous one,but a more polished and refined work
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