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The Barabanki Narcos: Busting India’s Most Notorious Drug Cartel
In 1984 - a politically charged time in northern India - Aloke Lal, a young officer, is posted to Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, as the chief of police. In the small, backward district, known for little other than its opium production and smuggling rackets, Lal finds himself in the middle of a well-entrenched web of crime run by a dangerous drug mafia whose seemingly endless supply of black money appears to have bought out local politicians and district officials and influenced higher rungs of power.Determined to annihilate the opium chain, Lal sets out on a path that sees him make unlikely allies and deadly enemies as he is led from the red-light districts of Lucknow to midnight highway interceptions and perilous raids that shake up the Barabanki cartel. But do such actions against powerful criminal organizations ever come without consequences? And what political games are being played in the corridors of power even as this upright officer tries to ride the gathering storm of an enraged underworld? The Barabanki Narcos is the thrilling true story behind the largest-ever opium bust in history - the methodical build-up to the operation, the deadly aftermath and the ensuing events that would leave a lasting impact on north Indian politics - narrated by the man who led the action at the centre of it all.
- GenresNonfiction
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 8, 2020
Most non fiction writing by Indian authors, except historical narratives lack steam and tend to be dry but not this one. The sole complaint you will have of this book is that you want more anecdotes, more stories. At 190 pages, this is too short a read, more so since the build up is crisp and taut that leads to an electrifying account of the largest opium bust ever.
As the tittle itself gives it out, this is Aloke Lal’s account of the way he tackled the drug/opium menace in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh: starting from how he builds contacts with the local people, steering clear of political interference, corruption and intimidation by gangs. The humane look at how addiction ravages indviduals, families and society as a whole is captured poignantly. Apart from the events that lead to the drug busts, the author brings a vivid capture of the socio economic and political backdrop of Uttar Pradesh in the 80s and takes one to a time when the Indian Police fought its battles with the right adversary and came on top too.
As the tittle itself gives it out, this is Aloke Lal’s account of the way he tackled the drug/opium menace in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh: starting from how he builds contacts with the local people, steering clear of political interference, corruption and intimidation by gangs. The humane look at how addiction ravages indviduals, families and society as a whole is captured poignantly. Apart from the events that lead to the drug busts, the author brings a vivid capture of the socio economic and political backdrop of Uttar Pradesh in the 80s and takes one to a time when the Indian Police fought its battles with the right adversary and came on top too.
January 27, 2020
THE BARABANKI NARCOS is a racy, live-wire account of how IPS officer Aloke Lal busted a massive drug cartel operation in Barabanki, UP, that led to one of the largest-ever opium hauls in history. This is a true-crime book in the form of popular TV shows like Narcos, Mirzapur and Sacred Games.
Exposes political intrigue in UP; provides behind-the-scenes look into riots, local unrest, police complicity and politicians associated with the cartel . I loved how real this book felt . It was a thrill read my heart was beating for most of it. I loved the characters and plot both were fresh and original. The setting is of a BARABANKI district in 1984 riddled with drugs. Corruption and criminals are seeped deeper into the roots of the villages. It also talks about how addiction ravages individuals and destroys them
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Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
________
Thank you @hachette_india for the review copy. The review and the opinions are of my own
Exposes political intrigue in UP; provides behind-the-scenes look into riots, local unrest, police complicity and politicians associated with the cartel . I loved how real this book felt . It was a thrill read my heart was beating for most of it. I loved the characters and plot both were fresh and original. The setting is of a BARABANKI district in 1984 riddled with drugs. Corruption and criminals are seeped deeper into the roots of the villages. It also talks about how addiction ravages individuals and destroys them
______
Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
________
Thank you @hachette_india for the review copy. The review and the opinions are of my own
November 4, 2020
‘The Barabanki Narcos’📚🖋️ My Review📖🖋️
‘The Barabanki Narcos’ by Aloke Lal is a bona fide account of scintillating episodes, sliced out brilliantly from the close encounters of a young police officer, who successfully infiltrates the drug cartels. Hounding them relentlessly, officer Lal wages a mighty war against the drug lords and brings to the fore numerous thrilling tales as he advances in his crusade against the narcotics trade.
‘Barabanki’ takes the centre stage, as a town resplendent in opium supply that silently enfolds many dark secrets within. The narrative turns the spotlight on the victims zonked out on opium, providing a chilling insight into the ghastly world, dreadfully stocked up with prohibited contraband. Fighting the perpetrators tooth and nail, the young officer sets out on an adventurous expedition giving sleepless nights to the army of goons carrying out illegal trade in the district. Fear grips their minds like never before and agony casts a shadow over their soaring business, diminishing it considerably.
The episodes, crafted carefully, paint an exceptional portrait of an honest officer who stands by the oath of allegiance, always treading on the right path when fighting for the welfare of the people. Gallantly challenging the culprits, he stalls the smooth running of their illegitimate narcotics transactions, thus giving enough impetus to the monstrous forces to try and eliminate him.
Easy money attracts young minds and they fall prey to the wicked game plan of the fraudsters engaged in amassing wealth through unlawful means. Lured by the opulence and grandeur of quick buck, Suresh falls into the trap set up by the perpetrators. Unable to find his way through the complex maze jammed with fresh baits, he gets mercilessly slaughtered, meeting a tragic end in the bargain.
All set to throttle them, Officer Lal pounces on the atrocious gangsters who charge back with enough force but could not scare him for he was firm in his resolve. Undaunted in the face of perils, he eventually succeeds in uprooting the mammoth drug cartels but the price he had to pay for the job well done is immense. While on one side, he is felicitated for his bravery and strength, on the very other side vicious plans are executed to paralyze the action plan devised by the honest officer to combat illegal drug trafficking.
The narrative lets out the known fact that the actions of the police department are closely monitored by the political parties who are in direct control of them. Even after working their fingers to bone and going the extra miles to save the lives of the native people, the men in uniform are wrongfully made accountable for the lives lost during the riot. When the rioters opened fire at them, were they supposed to be sitting ducks? Why are the police trained to shoot the enemies? Why are they armed in the first place? Why doesn’t the system stand up for them when they need it the most? They praise the police only to pounce back on them when political pressure mounts! Fearing the decline of their political mileage, they reduce the police to mere scapegoats who are penalized for fighting the enemies of peace. Is this what they join the forces for? Nonetheless, honest officers like Lal persistently tread on the right path, notwithstanding the deceit and double-dealing by political sharks.
Lal wins over the masses by his allegiance to his countrymen and is applauded by the men from his department. The farewell that he received from his colleagues on being transferred is unique in its own way and clearly establishes the fact that he ruled over the hearts of the men in uniform if not the some cynical opportunists from political parties.
The narrative provides a valuable insight into the mysterious world of the drug traffickers, blatantly involved in the illegal trade. It sends a chill down your spine with its fact-based portrayal of the crime scenes and helps the readers understand the mindset of the young boys who fall prey to narcotics and indulge in addiction, annihilating the very essence of human existence. Bringing you face to face with the political system that keeps the virtuous men on tenterhooks, it sends across the powerful message that dutiful officers fear none.
Kudos to the author Aloke Lal for bringing out a brilliant piece of work that will encourage the youth to combat the menace of drug peddling and will always inspire them act responsibly in the wake of wrongdoing and crime!
Rakhi Anand📚🖋️
‘The Barabanki Narcos’ by Aloke Lal is a bona fide account of scintillating episodes, sliced out brilliantly from the close encounters of a young police officer, who successfully infiltrates the drug cartels. Hounding them relentlessly, officer Lal wages a mighty war against the drug lords and brings to the fore numerous thrilling tales as he advances in his crusade against the narcotics trade.
‘Barabanki’ takes the centre stage, as a town resplendent in opium supply that silently enfolds many dark secrets within. The narrative turns the spotlight on the victims zonked out on opium, providing a chilling insight into the ghastly world, dreadfully stocked up with prohibited contraband. Fighting the perpetrators tooth and nail, the young officer sets out on an adventurous expedition giving sleepless nights to the army of goons carrying out illegal trade in the district. Fear grips their minds like never before and agony casts a shadow over their soaring business, diminishing it considerably.
The episodes, crafted carefully, paint an exceptional portrait of an honest officer who stands by the oath of allegiance, always treading on the right path when fighting for the welfare of the people. Gallantly challenging the culprits, he stalls the smooth running of their illegitimate narcotics transactions, thus giving enough impetus to the monstrous forces to try and eliminate him.
Easy money attracts young minds and they fall prey to the wicked game plan of the fraudsters engaged in amassing wealth through unlawful means. Lured by the opulence and grandeur of quick buck, Suresh falls into the trap set up by the perpetrators. Unable to find his way through the complex maze jammed with fresh baits, he gets mercilessly slaughtered, meeting a tragic end in the bargain.
All set to throttle them, Officer Lal pounces on the atrocious gangsters who charge back with enough force but could not scare him for he was firm in his resolve. Undaunted in the face of perils, he eventually succeeds in uprooting the mammoth drug cartels but the price he had to pay for the job well done is immense. While on one side, he is felicitated for his bravery and strength, on the very other side vicious plans are executed to paralyze the action plan devised by the honest officer to combat illegal drug trafficking.
The narrative lets out the known fact that the actions of the police department are closely monitored by the political parties who are in direct control of them. Even after working their fingers to bone and going the extra miles to save the lives of the native people, the men in uniform are wrongfully made accountable for the lives lost during the riot. When the rioters opened fire at them, were they supposed to be sitting ducks? Why are the police trained to shoot the enemies? Why are they armed in the first place? Why doesn’t the system stand up for them when they need it the most? They praise the police only to pounce back on them when political pressure mounts! Fearing the decline of their political mileage, they reduce the police to mere scapegoats who are penalized for fighting the enemies of peace. Is this what they join the forces for? Nonetheless, honest officers like Lal persistently tread on the right path, notwithstanding the deceit and double-dealing by political sharks.
Lal wins over the masses by his allegiance to his countrymen and is applauded by the men from his department. The farewell that he received from his colleagues on being transferred is unique in its own way and clearly establishes the fact that he ruled over the hearts of the men in uniform if not the some cynical opportunists from political parties.
The narrative provides a valuable insight into the mysterious world of the drug traffickers, blatantly involved in the illegal trade. It sends a chill down your spine with its fact-based portrayal of the crime scenes and helps the readers understand the mindset of the young boys who fall prey to narcotics and indulge in addiction, annihilating the very essence of human existence. Bringing you face to face with the political system that keeps the virtuous men on tenterhooks, it sends across the powerful message that dutiful officers fear none.
Kudos to the author Aloke Lal for bringing out a brilliant piece of work that will encourage the youth to combat the menace of drug peddling and will always inspire them act responsibly in the wake of wrongdoing and crime!
Rakhi Anand📚🖋️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
I highly recommend The Barabanki Narcos by author Aloke Lal. In this book the author has recounted his days as the Chief of Police in the notorious Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh. The place ran a huge drug cartel and the drug mafia engaged in all sorts of criminal activities in the region and also the neighboring city of Lucknow. The book vividly narrates the story of how Lal used unconventional methods and some brilliant tactics to bust this enormous drug cartel and led the two biggest drug raids in the nation, in terms of quantity seized - 450 kg of opium to be precise in both the cases!
Aloke Lal was very different from other police chiefs. He used to follow his passion for painting and sports religiously. His affinity towards sports, like cricket and basketball made it easy for him to not only boost the moral of his own force, but also gave him an opportunity to come in close contact with the youth of the district. And it is from among these young men and women, that Lal created a highly efficient intelligence network, who spied for him and gave him many important breakthroughs. The backstories of this team, how they were recruited, how they contributed to the operations, and what happened to them in later life was very interesting to read. I could visualize Gurjeet, Gendalal, Hassan, Nikhil, and Suresh while reading, such is the clarity of narration. One interesting anecdote in the book was how Lal had to miss his anniversary party once and walk into the darkest lane of Lucknow in the same evening to grab a significant lead.
The two drug seize operations narrated in the book are really action-packed and will make your blood boil in excitement. The history behind opium cultivation and the technical details of manufacturing heroin and brown sugar from opium is also well explained in the book - I had no idea about these things earlier to be honest. Lal's scuffle with Puttu Awasthi was also an entertaining episode.
There are many a shockers in the book as well. Firstly, the threats to Lal's life in the form of hired assassins sent to his farm and how they were caught, was a really chilling episode. But perhaps the most grasping chapter of the book was one that narrated the aftermath of the mass shooting in Peer Batawan as a follow-up to the reopening of Ram Janmabhoomi. It was shocking to read about the power politics played behind the scenes in this chapter and one can fathom the element of wrongdoing that was engineered for the fringe benefits of certain sections. There is a shocking revelation in the end of the book, which reveals to the readers why the mishap actually happened and how the police force was not at fault on that fateful day of 1986.
All in all this is an important book which you will definitely enjoy!
Aloke Lal was very different from other police chiefs. He used to follow his passion for painting and sports religiously. His affinity towards sports, like cricket and basketball made it easy for him to not only boost the moral of his own force, but also gave him an opportunity to come in close contact with the youth of the district. And it is from among these young men and women, that Lal created a highly efficient intelligence network, who spied for him and gave him many important breakthroughs. The backstories of this team, how they were recruited, how they contributed to the operations, and what happened to them in later life was very interesting to read. I could visualize Gurjeet, Gendalal, Hassan, Nikhil, and Suresh while reading, such is the clarity of narration. One interesting anecdote in the book was how Lal had to miss his anniversary party once and walk into the darkest lane of Lucknow in the same evening to grab a significant lead.
The two drug seize operations narrated in the book are really action-packed and will make your blood boil in excitement. The history behind opium cultivation and the technical details of manufacturing heroin and brown sugar from opium is also well explained in the book - I had no idea about these things earlier to be honest. Lal's scuffle with Puttu Awasthi was also an entertaining episode.
There are many a shockers in the book as well. Firstly, the threats to Lal's life in the form of hired assassins sent to his farm and how they were caught, was a really chilling episode. But perhaps the most grasping chapter of the book was one that narrated the aftermath of the mass shooting in Peer Batawan as a follow-up to the reopening of Ram Janmabhoomi. It was shocking to read about the power politics played behind the scenes in this chapter and one can fathom the element of wrongdoing that was engineered for the fringe benefits of certain sections. There is a shocking revelation in the end of the book, which reveals to the readers why the mishap actually happened and how the police force was not at fault on that fateful day of 1986.
All in all this is an important book which you will definitely enjoy!
Read
January 7, 2020Oh god, I was just searching for something like this.
It is real and in India.
The Barabanki Narcos is all not just about real crime.
The story stretches to praise the honesty and dedication of an officer to eradicate crime and annihilate the web it has spread.
Money blind, it holds the power to suppress any powerful person even if there is a feeble feeling of greed.
Corruption is not new, this story is set in 1984 and this Barabanki. It is a small district popular for opium production and smugglers.
Criminals who talk about millions like biscuits and such is the power of their wealth.
You can imagine the challenges our protagonist had to face during the journey to his ultimate goal.
The story is brimming with cool stuff, intriguing plot and original characters.
I can in no way challenge how original the characters are because as the way sir Aloke narrated the story and the thing that no professional author composed it, It does justice to the narration.
There is truth in the story well reflected by honest narration.
If you are a crime story lover, do check this book out.
It is real and in India.
The Barabanki Narcos is all not just about real crime.
The story stretches to praise the honesty and dedication of an officer to eradicate crime and annihilate the web it has spread.
Money blind, it holds the power to suppress any powerful person even if there is a feeble feeling of greed.
Corruption is not new, this story is set in 1984 and this Barabanki. It is a small district popular for opium production and smugglers.
Criminals who talk about millions like biscuits and such is the power of their wealth.
You can imagine the challenges our protagonist had to face during the journey to his ultimate goal.
The story is brimming with cool stuff, intriguing plot and original characters.
I can in no way challenge how original the characters are because as the way sir Aloke narrated the story and the thing that no professional author composed it, It does justice to the narration.
There is truth in the story well reflected by honest narration.
If you are a crime story lover, do check this book out.
August 19, 2020
THE BARABANKI NARCOS is the true story of the biggest opium bust in Barabanki, a small place in UP, that took place in the 1980s. Narrated by the dynamic police officer (now retired), Aloke Lal, the story revolves around how Aloke Lal organized a syndicate of informers from amongst the common citizens, some of them who were addicts themselves, to track the movement of the shipments and risked his life on several occassions in the fight against the notorious cartels.
It tells about the sheer determination of a police officer to bring out the change in the system that had been corrupted from within.
Although it is non fiction, but while reading it I felt as if I was reading a thriller loaded on steroids.
The best part I liked about the story was the humane approach that he adpoted in convincing people to become informants and the credit that he gives to them who names have remain disclosed.
Overall, The Barabanki Narcos is a perfect treat read for the fans of the superhit Netflix series Narcos and it would be superb to see it on the visual media as well.
It tells about the sheer determination of a police officer to bring out the change in the system that had been corrupted from within.
Although it is non fiction, but while reading it I felt as if I was reading a thriller loaded on steroids.
The best part I liked about the story was the humane approach that he adpoted in convincing people to become informants and the credit that he gives to them who names have remain disclosed.
Overall, The Barabanki Narcos is a perfect treat read for the fans of the superhit Netflix series Narcos and it would be superb to see it on the visual media as well.
July 22, 2020
From the SP of a rather unknown district of UP to a DGP and a painter, Aloke lal has donned many hats. The newest one being that of an author. And just like all the previous roles, he has done it in an impressive manner.
'The Barabanki Narcos' is a like that short flight in which the 'fasten seat belt' sign never turns off. It's very interesting to see just how cut throat politics can be in the state which has the most say in a country as populous as india and how it affects all facets of administration. Opium as a drug has always fascinated me. It has always been the secret that everybody knows exists, but nobody talks about. This shines some light over how it's made, siphoned off and distributed illegally.
Overall, 4/5 stars for the book which contains many a topics I find interesting. I'm looking forward to any other books Mr. lal may write in the future
'The Barabanki Narcos' is a like that short flight in which the 'fasten seat belt' sign never turns off. It's very interesting to see just how cut throat politics can be in the state which has the most say in a country as populous as india and how it affects all facets of administration. Opium as a drug has always fascinated me. It has always been the secret that everybody knows exists, but nobody talks about. This shines some light over how it's made, siphoned off and distributed illegally.
Overall, 4/5 stars for the book which contains many a topics I find interesting. I'm looking forward to any other books Mr. lal may write in the future
November 6, 2020
Loved it! b u t . . .
It wasn't a thriller but that adds to the notion of realism.
Comprising of a comprehensive account of drug cartels' misdeeds & functioning. The impeccable eloquence of Mr. Ashoke is engrossing & compelling enough to go through the book in one sitting!
Giving brief account of an individual quintessential in integrity, morals, benevolence. Mr. Aloke Lal's personality and demeanor should serve as a benchmark for high values, & conviction in one's mission & more importantly- vision.
It wasn't a thriller but that adds to the notion of realism.
Comprising of a comprehensive account of drug cartels' misdeeds & functioning. The impeccable eloquence of Mr. Ashoke is engrossing & compelling enough to go through the book in one sitting!
Giving brief account of an individual quintessential in integrity, morals, benevolence. Mr. Aloke Lal's personality and demeanor should serve as a benchmark for high values, & conviction in one's mission & more importantly- vision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
‘Do we have it in us’ is a question most Indians seem to ask themselves.
At last it was a joy to read, a dedicated officer’s first hand account of operations against drug cartels from an Indian perspective and that too as a thriller.
Even short details, from the untold stories; makes one sit up and notice how our police force gears up to tackle the menace.
Look forward to similar books from Indian authors!
At last it was a joy to read, a dedicated officer’s first hand account of operations against drug cartels from an Indian perspective and that too as a thriller.
Even short details, from the untold stories; makes one sit up and notice how our police force gears up to tackle the menace.
Look forward to similar books from Indian authors!
March 1, 2020
A commendable attempt at highlighting the challenges in a police officer's life.
Life of an honest police officer is fraught with dangers and pitfalls. The writer brings this aspect very well. His ways of developing team spirit among his forces and building information network is inspiring.
His writing style can be improved upon.
Life of an honest police officer is fraught with dangers and pitfalls. The writer brings this aspect very well. His ways of developing team spirit among his forces and building information network is inspiring.
His writing style can be improved upon.
April 24, 2020
This book is a game changer in its genre. As suggested by some leading reviewers, it should be compulsory reading in all criminal intelligence related institutions. Aloke Lal’s unorthodox methods of gathering intelligence keep the reader hooked and the book delivers everything it promises. Looking forward to more from this author.
June 6, 2020
Thrillers are usually not my cup of tea. I am more into books about philosophy, medicine, religion etc. However, this book has been a revelation. Never had I imagined that I will finish a book of this genre in one sitting. It’s short, zingy and has a very authentic feel in terms of writing style. I hope this book is developed into a motion picture or web series.
January 21, 2025
gripping ...but a little short!
June 8, 2020
Fast paced book, can be read in a couple of hours. Would have been ideal if it had more details around the operation. Was quite superficial in terms of the information shared especially about the cartels which existed and their modus operandi
May 29, 2021
While I was finding it difficult to read a book after a few months of zero extra reading, someone suggested me a new entry into the market. The name - The Barabnki Narcos (It did publish in 2019 but still a lot haven't read it). I didn't even know about Barabanki before this book. And I am glad that I know about it now.
My first thought was to give it a pass mainly because hardly any Indian Author (that I know of) can sustain suspense and that grip on a crime story. But quite surprisingly, the book does not loosen up its grip.
A lot is written regarding the kind of work that police do, be it interrogation techniques, raiding, or forming information networks, which I found genuine. The story was fine, the characters did their job well and the end was well. There were minor disappointments though. Nothing was mentioned about the corrupt practices which I found difficult to believe especially in a state which is known for corruption and such intimidation tactics (especially back in the 1980s). The story revolved around how the police raided and caught opium contrabands which were fine but still, I mean, how can everything be so clean. There is only one instance in which Mr. Lal writes that till today he doesn't understand how did the truck evade their police officials. The story is all well in which everyone does their job perfectly. I found it a bit hard to believe. (Call me a skeptic)
Rest be assured for a good story which otherwise would not have been known to many outside Uttar Pradesh.
My first thought was to give it a pass mainly because hardly any Indian Author (that I know of) can sustain suspense and that grip on a crime story. But quite surprisingly, the book does not loosen up its grip.
A lot is written regarding the kind of work that police do, be it interrogation techniques, raiding, or forming information networks, which I found genuine. The story was fine, the characters did their job well and the end was well. There were minor disappointments though. Nothing was mentioned about the corrupt practices which I found difficult to believe especially in a state which is known for corruption and such intimidation tactics (especially back in the 1980s). The story revolved around how the police raided and caught opium contrabands which were fine but still, I mean, how can everything be so clean. There is only one instance in which Mr. Lal writes that till today he doesn't understand how did the truck evade their police officials. The story is all well in which everyone does their job perfectly. I found it a bit hard to believe. (Call me a skeptic)
Rest be assured for a good story which otherwise would not have been known to many outside Uttar Pradesh.
November 3, 2022
How many of you know DRUG TRAFFICKING produces more than half of the world's BLACK MONEY ?
More than anything else, this realization at the beginning of the story prodded me to read further. Aloke lal, an IPS officer, posted in BARABANKI, has penned a gripping novel about the flourishing OPIUM TRADE that was put to an end by the same people who suffered at the hands of this DRUG MAFIA: The drug addicts.
Aloke Lal, uses unconventional methods to recruit his network of informers to bust a big opium racket in barabanki. The story is gripping and begins like a good cop movie, where he is out chasing mafia criminal called Qasim, and his men.
Story has beautiful twists and turns, with great successes and addict stories that will keep your interest in the book. This book is also a reminder of the effort of good cops in delivering 👏 results that improve and save the society.
However unlike a movie, this book ends on a somber note for the protaganist, Aloke lal, who is transferred from Barabanki. Why? you have to read the book for that.
More than anything else, this realization at the beginning of the story prodded me to read further. Aloke lal, an IPS officer, posted in BARABANKI, has penned a gripping novel about the flourishing OPIUM TRADE that was put to an end by the same people who suffered at the hands of this DRUG MAFIA: The drug addicts.
Aloke Lal, uses unconventional methods to recruit his network of informers to bust a big opium racket in barabanki. The story is gripping and begins like a good cop movie, where he is out chasing mafia criminal called Qasim, and his men.
Story has beautiful twists and turns, with great successes and addict stories that will keep your interest in the book. This book is also a reminder of the effort of good cops in delivering 👏 results that improve and save the society.
However unlike a movie, this book ends on a somber note for the protaganist, Aloke lal, who is transferred from Barabanki. Why? you have to read the book for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
This book is a wonderful first-hand account about the notorious drug cartels of Barabanki. Right from the meticulous build-up to the thrilling operation to the ultimate outcome, the book will have you intrigued from start to finish. The writing style is so racy and compelling that you will find yourself effectively transported to every scene described in the book. Narrated by Mr. Alok Lal, the top cop who led all the action, “The Barabanki Narcos” is a very inspiring and exciting book. You will find yourself rooting for this brave and courageous police officer and his consistent dedication and commitment. I loved the book and totally recommend it. Pick up a copy today!!
August 15, 2021
Awesome read...
Book written by IPS officer about his adventure in trimming Drugs Cartel in Barabanki.
The book runs like a movie in your head.
Aloke Lal had fresh style of policing during that time which was a treat to read.
Sad that he was made political scapegoat
I wish more people like him joins police who can make a difference to the society.
An emphatic person with love for cricket and creative arts.
Loved the book Mr Lal.
Book written by IPS officer about his adventure in trimming Drugs Cartel in Barabanki.
The book runs like a movie in your head.
Aloke Lal had fresh style of policing during that time which was a treat to read.
Sad that he was made political scapegoat
I wish more people like him joins police who can make a difference to the society.
An emphatic person with love for cricket and creative arts.
Loved the book Mr Lal.
July 3, 2024
Based on Aloke Lal's posting in Barabanki, this seems to be hastily put down book.
It is not a page turner exactly, it seems Aloke has some sense of ego like most IAS/IPS people as they are some saviours.
The book works only when it focuses on victim and the opium menace. Rest of it falls flat.
P.S. It seems author for some reason hates Muslim community and try to paint a broad brush of most of them being criminals.
It is not a page turner exactly, it seems Aloke has some sense of ego like most IAS/IPS people as they are some saviours.
The book works only when it focuses on victim and the opium menace. Rest of it falls flat.
P.S. It seems author for some reason hates Muslim community and try to paint a broad brush of most of them being criminals.
January 4, 2021
This book didnt give me the complete picture of what really happened behind busting the cartel. It was moe like a summary of few high points. Having said that Aloke Lal deserves all the adulation he received by his fellow offices as mentioned in the book. An okayish read for me.
February 10, 2022
Experiences of a police officer while he busted a narcotics ring. It does show that if the police wants to stop the crime they can do. The book also shows the difficult circumstances Indian Police had to work.
July 5, 2022
A very interesting read, what makes it more alluring is that I was present in Barabanki during that time and had no inkling of the activities happening there.Salute to writer , how I hope we have many more officers like him
January 16, 2023
It’s not an “edge of your seat” kind of thriller but it’s endearing. The reader gets a Birds Eye View of Barabanki through the narration of the author. I am looking forward to the TV show, if one is being made.
May 20, 2022
A book in which the cop meets writer scenario truly works out. So glad that this important story was backed by a marquee publication house.
December 12, 2024
Interesting read from the real-life episodes of an honest police officer who busted the illicit drug trade.
December 18, 2024
Very simple narrative, almost naïve. But also realistic and honest. That makes it very sympathetic.
April 20, 2025
OK OK type. opium smuggling related. boring
July 27, 2024
Thriller of the year! A real life story, a mirror for young police officers and a must read for all lovers of non fiction.
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