What do you think?
Rate this book
Khaki Files: Inside Stories of Police Missions
December 13, 2001: Pak-based terrorists carry out an audacious attack on the Indian Parliament killing eight security personnel and a gardener; all five terrorists are killed in their gun-battle with policemen deployed at the citadel of Indian democracy; the case is solved and all accused arrested within 72 hours. December 16, 2012: a 23-year-old physiotherapist is brutally gang raped in a moving bus in Delhi; the case is cracked within five days despite the lack of initial leads; a head constable loses his life in the line of duty during riots that follow the dastardly crime. In Khaki Files , Neeraj Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner revisits many such high profile police cases of his career -from investigation of one of the biggest lottery frauds in the country to foiled ISI attempt to kill Tarun Tejpal and Anirudh Behal of Tehalka -bringing to light numerous achievements of the country's police force, otherwise largely reviled and ridiculed.
256 pages, paperback
Published October 24, 2019
39 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 22, 2020
Real life crime stories written by police officer, who caught criminals with his well planned trails and investigation. Must read for crime story readers.
May 3, 2020
Best of True Crimes.
Detailed accounts of investigation of most famous crimes.
Detailed accounts of investigation of most famous crimes.
May 23, 2024
I recently read "Khaki Files" by an IPS officer and found it incredibly fascinating.
My sister has recently cleared the UPSC exam, and I was curious about what happens after someone becomes an IAS, IPS, IRS officer, or joins other services.
I knew in general that IAS officers deal with administration, IPS officers deal with law and order, etc, but I wasn't sure about the specific cases they handle, how they interact with people, deal conflicts, or resist political pressure to stay honest.
And I picked up "Khaki Files" from my bookshelf. I started reading a chapter about Goa and was immediately captivated. This chapter discussed how the author resisted political pressure and made the right decisions, which I found very interesting.
As I continued reading, I came across another chapter about terrorism. It detailed how the officers tracked terrorist communications and emails to prevent a bomb blast. This chapter was particularly engaging as it showed the commendable tracking and research that went into preventing an attack.
Another chapter I enjoyed explained how officers handle criminals who disrupt law and order, detailing the methods used to catch and track them, even when there's little or no data available about them. This process of investigation and research truly fascinated me.
(This point consists of spoilers 👇)
One of the most impactful chapters was about the author's time as the head of Tihar Jail. He met a convict who had been in jail for years for killing the author's lawyer friend. Despite the convict’s crime, he had become a disciplined prisoner with no complaints against him. The convict's efforts to get his sentence reduced were always rejected, but the author, seeing the good in him, helped him get bail. This chapter beautifully illustrated how two very different people can change: the police officer who usually sends people to jail and the convict who had committed a crime. Both experienced significant personal growth and change.
Finally, this amazing book provides a deep insight into how police forces work in our country. It makes us understand the hard work, research, and sacrifices officers make to ensure our safety. And it also made me feel bad because most of us just ridicule them thinking they don't do much.
I am glad this book taught me so much and helped me appreciate their dedication, and the sacrifice they make. They're literally putting their life at stake.
This amazing book proved as a reminder to respect police officers in our country and acknowledge their efforts.
My sister has recently cleared the UPSC exam, and I was curious about what happens after someone becomes an IAS, IPS, IRS officer, or joins other services.
I knew in general that IAS officers deal with administration, IPS officers deal with law and order, etc, but I wasn't sure about the specific cases they handle, how they interact with people, deal conflicts, or resist political pressure to stay honest.
And I picked up "Khaki Files" from my bookshelf. I started reading a chapter about Goa and was immediately captivated. This chapter discussed how the author resisted political pressure and made the right decisions, which I found very interesting.
As I continued reading, I came across another chapter about terrorism. It detailed how the officers tracked terrorist communications and emails to prevent a bomb blast. This chapter was particularly engaging as it showed the commendable tracking and research that went into preventing an attack.
Another chapter I enjoyed explained how officers handle criminals who disrupt law and order, detailing the methods used to catch and track them, even when there's little or no data available about them. This process of investigation and research truly fascinated me.
(This point consists of spoilers 👇)
One of the most impactful chapters was about the author's time as the head of Tihar Jail. He met a convict who had been in jail for years for killing the author's lawyer friend. Despite the convict’s crime, he had become a disciplined prisoner with no complaints against him. The convict's efforts to get his sentence reduced were always rejected, but the author, seeing the good in him, helped him get bail. This chapter beautifully illustrated how two very different people can change: the police officer who usually sends people to jail and the convict who had committed a crime. Both experienced significant personal growth and change.
Finally, this amazing book provides a deep insight into how police forces work in our country. It makes us understand the hard work, research, and sacrifices officers make to ensure our safety. And it also made me feel bad because most of us just ridicule them thinking they don't do much.
I am glad this book taught me so much and helped me appreciate their dedication, and the sacrifice they make. They're literally putting their life at stake.
This amazing book proved as a reminder to respect police officers in our country and acknowledge their efforts.
December 4, 2020
3.5/5. A collection of 9 accounts of police investigations on cases/experiences related to financial crimes, terrorism, rehabilitation of convicts, organized crime, political interference, and the Nirbhaya case.
The subtitle of the book includes the phrase "inside stories". And while it's true to an extent, a lot, but not all, of the material isn't much different from what you might read in a newspaper, or see in a decent news report. And that also does have great value. However, it'd have been much better if the book covered more of the stuff the layman wonders about - motivation of the police along with the mechanisms for accountability and more focus on the 'low level' cases/experiences the average person is more likely to face. Is the public at the mercy of the officer's choice to be honest, or is there adequate accountability? I haven't seen much of Savdhaan India etc., but I think those also mostly cover crimes involving murders and such extreme acts. Then there are other useful topics which can't even be expected in such a book, like comparison with other countries' police organizations. In any case, this book does give some solid reasons to appreciate Indian police, especially for the more serious cases and the related impact towards a more peaceful and orderly society. Of course, for a lot of the cases, the author might not have been the lead figure, but that's ok.
A few unsavory experiences with significant people are actually mentioned. Although the names aren't stated, they can be inferred with some research e.g. Health Minister of Goa in 2006/late 2005.
It should be mentioned that Rajan Singh, another IPS officer, who happened to have left the force early after quite a few years in it, has provided a lot of practical insight about the Indian police in his videos with Study IQ etc. Also, the author was interviewed by Rajat Sharma, somewhat harshly, after the Nirbhaya case, and the interview was far from great. This book would have been a good place to address the thorny points raised in that interview and in related news reports, but that doesn't fully happen.
I checked some other videos and articles about the author, and I'm still not sure how great he actually is and what his political biases are. Though, I'd say he certainly deserves respect to a good extent.
The cover of the book is 'interesting'. After reading the book, I could identify Shahabuddin and SAR Geelani. Not sure about the other two.
Even though I am not able to locate it now, I'm pretty sure somewhere in this book the author plainly mentions O. J. Simpson being guilty of his wife's murder. It was quite refreshing to see that being mentioned with such directness, after mostly hearing about it in Norm MacDonald's comedy, and seeing how many people "believed" he was innocent. :P
P.S.: It seems I got it mixed up. Seems that is not from the book, but from Rajan Singh's video: https://youtu.be/b9HezISUaFc 5:08
Overview of the 9 sections of the book…
1. A Matter of Choice
Meticuolous investigation to uncover multiple lottery scams taking place throughout the nation, resulting in groundbreaking impact.
However, the first half of this section seems more like an extended news report than an 'inside story'. Thankfully, the it gets better in the other half. It is a weak start for the book. All other sections are somewhat better than this actually.
2. The Da Lakhvi Code
Prevention of a terorrist attack, involving the use of cyber investigation and cryptography.
It would have been good to have some more details about the guy who helped them out with the cryptography. Otherwise, it seems a bit 'filmy'.
3. What the Doctor Ordered
Catching terrorists responsible for 1993 train bombings.
Though, it was weird of the author for mentioning that evidence of Babri mosque being built on a temple is "scarce".
4. Devil's Advocate
Experience in jail administration and helping a convict get commutation.
5. Story of their Assassins
Solving an ISI conspiracy involving the piece of sh*t that is Md. Shahabuddin.
6. Goan Rhapsody
Even though this section doesn't involve any 'big' case as with the other sections, it is certainly among the more interesting ones. We get an idea of the political pressure the officers face and the politician-criminal nexus, and also of how wise officers try to mitigate it.
7. Moon-gazer
Solving serial killings connected to a community with a historical bent for crime - related to what are called 'denotified tribes'.
8. Night of Shame
The Nirbhaya case
9. Sovereignty under Siege
Catching the people responsible for the 2001 Parliament attack.
The subtitle of the book includes the phrase "inside stories". And while it's true to an extent, a lot, but not all, of the material isn't much different from what you might read in a newspaper, or see in a decent news report. And that also does have great value. However, it'd have been much better if the book covered more of the stuff the layman wonders about - motivation of the police along with the mechanisms for accountability and more focus on the 'low level' cases/experiences the average person is more likely to face. Is the public at the mercy of the officer's choice to be honest, or is there adequate accountability? I haven't seen much of Savdhaan India etc., but I think those also mostly cover crimes involving murders and such extreme acts. Then there are other useful topics which can't even be expected in such a book, like comparison with other countries' police organizations. In any case, this book does give some solid reasons to appreciate Indian police, especially for the more serious cases and the related impact towards a more peaceful and orderly society. Of course, for a lot of the cases, the author might not have been the lead figure, but that's ok.
A few unsavory experiences with significant people are actually mentioned. Although the names aren't stated, they can be inferred with some research e.g. Health Minister of Goa in 2006/late 2005.
It should be mentioned that Rajan Singh, another IPS officer, who happened to have left the force early after quite a few years in it, has provided a lot of practical insight about the Indian police in his videos with Study IQ etc. Also, the author was interviewed by Rajat Sharma, somewhat harshly, after the Nirbhaya case, and the interview was far from great. This book would have been a good place to address the thorny points raised in that interview and in related news reports, but that doesn't fully happen.
I checked some other videos and articles about the author, and I'm still not sure how great he actually is and what his political biases are. Though, I'd say he certainly deserves respect to a good extent.
The cover of the book is 'interesting'. After reading the book, I could identify Shahabuddin and SAR Geelani. Not sure about the other two.
Even though I am not able to locate it now, I'm pretty sure somewhere in this book the author plainly mentions O. J. Simpson being guilty of his wife's murder. It was quite refreshing to see that being mentioned with such directness, after mostly hearing about it in Norm MacDonald's comedy, and seeing how many people "believed" he was innocent. :P
P.S.: It seems I got it mixed up. Seems that is not from the book, but from Rajan Singh's video: https://youtu.be/b9HezISUaFc 5:08
Overview of the 9 sections of the book…
1. A Matter of Choice
Meticuolous investigation to uncover multiple lottery scams taking place throughout the nation, resulting in groundbreaking impact.
However, the first half of this section seems more like an extended news report than an 'inside story'. Thankfully, the it gets better in the other half. It is a weak start for the book. All other sections are somewhat better than this actually.
2. The Da Lakhvi Code
Prevention of a terorrist attack, involving the use of cyber investigation and cryptography.
It would have been good to have some more details about the guy who helped them out with the cryptography. Otherwise, it seems a bit 'filmy'.
3. What the Doctor Ordered
Catching terrorists responsible for 1993 train bombings.
Though, it was weird of the author for mentioning that evidence of Babri mosque being built on a temple is "scarce".
4. Devil's Advocate
Experience in jail administration and helping a convict get commutation.
5. Story of their Assassins
Solving an ISI conspiracy involving the piece of sh*t that is Md. Shahabuddin.
6. Goan Rhapsody
Even though this section doesn't involve any 'big' case as with the other sections, it is certainly among the more interesting ones. We get an idea of the political pressure the officers face and the politician-criminal nexus, and also of how wise officers try to mitigate it.
7. Moon-gazer
Solving serial killings connected to a community with a historical bent for crime - related to what are called 'denotified tribes'.
8. Night of Shame
The Nirbhaya case
9. Sovereignty under Siege
Catching the people responsible for the 2001 Parliament attack.
January 17, 2022
Gripping 9 Real Investigation Stories From Retired Police Officer Mr. Neeraj Kumar
Felt like a Thriller Action Packed Movie while reading couple of chapters.
Must Read
Moon Gazer - Remind me of movie Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru
Night of Shame - Will give in depth details of Nirbhaya Case
Goan Rhapsody - The another side of GOA
Felt like a Thriller Action Packed Movie while reading couple of chapters.
Must Read
Moon Gazer - Remind me of movie Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru
Night of Shame - Will give in depth details of Nirbhaya Case
Goan Rhapsody - The another side of GOA
November 14, 2021
Picking a crime book or thriller in between reading literary fiction is something I like to do and with Khaki Files by Neeraj Kumar, Former Commissioner of Police, Delhi, I ended sitting up the entire night binge reading. The 9 criminal cases in this collection have been picked across different time periods and do not concentrate only on Delhi and while keeping to the procedural process of investigating crimes, there are thoughtful reflections and sharp commentaries on the lack of inter departmental support even when pursuing an investigation.
The first chapter on the work that went to solving huge frauds through lottery sales throughout the country and a Manipur connect was interesting for me, triggering memories of the situation back home due to the very after effects of the police investigations in the chapter. The chapter on the author's experiences on Goa is the most entertaining even as it lays bare the machinations of political bosses and how it bears on the police morale but the one chapter that stood out for me? That has got to be Devil's Advocate where the author finds himself at conflict with various emotions when he faces a criminal and killer of the one man who had bailed him out from a difficult situation. It's the kind of story where life is stranger than fiction and I can see how it can be brought on screen.
My wrap up of this book will be amiss without a mention that the Emmy winning TV series Delhi Crime is based on one chapter from this book, Night of Shame (the Nirbhaya case). The perspective of the author as he tackles various aspects of the cases he is leading shines through in the writing. A bit of copy editing would have helped make this a more crisper read: I did find a few things repeated across chapters.
The first chapter on the work that went to solving huge frauds through lottery sales throughout the country and a Manipur connect was interesting for me, triggering memories of the situation back home due to the very after effects of the police investigations in the chapter. The chapter on the author's experiences on Goa is the most entertaining even as it lays bare the machinations of political bosses and how it bears on the police morale but the one chapter that stood out for me? That has got to be Devil's Advocate where the author finds himself at conflict with various emotions when he faces a criminal and killer of the one man who had bailed him out from a difficult situation. It's the kind of story where life is stranger than fiction and I can see how it can be brought on screen.
My wrap up of this book will be amiss without a mention that the Emmy winning TV series Delhi Crime is based on one chapter from this book, Night of Shame (the Nirbhaya case). The perspective of the author as he tackles various aspects of the cases he is leading shines through in the writing. A bit of copy editing would have helped make this a more crisper read: I did find a few things repeated across chapters.
November 22, 2020
Ever since I read Rakesh Maria's Let me say it now, it has piqued my interest to know more about the cases that have baffled, astounded and on most times solved by the Indian Police. In that quest, I have landed at this book written by the former Police Commissioner of Delhi.
In his first story of the group titled "A Matter of Chance" itself Neeraj Kumar made a shocking revelation about the Lottery System in India that the moment I finished, I went to my Mom asking how many tickets has she bought? I remember she used to buy them, at least one each time we visited Kerala (it's banned in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana too). How naive we are in India to think that people won't manipulate Luck for their gains. In "Moon-gazer" we get to know how a tribe used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to harass the Mughal centuries ago was the cause of sleepless nights for the Delhi Police and its citizens in '90s. In "The Da Lakhvi Code" a terror plot is averted at the India Gate, "Sovereign under Seige" tells us how some of our politicians hid under their desks whilst the confounded Police were battling the terrorists attacking the parliament. Khaki Files in a way has calmed my rage for their role in handling the Delhi's infamous Nirbhaya Case, all we got to read in News was their inaction, we never asked how they found those criminals despite all the backlash and protests.
We read to open our minds to diverse viewpoints, to see the world through them and learn-relearn what we know and thanks to that TV Interview of Rakesh Maria, I am on a journey to read these stories from the people who stood as they occurred in real life.
In his first story of the group titled "A Matter of Chance" itself Neeraj Kumar made a shocking revelation about the Lottery System in India that the moment I finished, I went to my Mom asking how many tickets has she bought? I remember she used to buy them, at least one each time we visited Kerala (it's banned in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana too). How naive we are in India to think that people won't manipulate Luck for their gains. In "Moon-gazer" we get to know how a tribe used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to harass the Mughal centuries ago was the cause of sleepless nights for the Delhi Police and its citizens in '90s. In "The Da Lakhvi Code" a terror plot is averted at the India Gate, "Sovereign under Seige" tells us how some of our politicians hid under their desks whilst the confounded Police were battling the terrorists attacking the parliament. Khaki Files in a way has calmed my rage for their role in handling the Delhi's infamous Nirbhaya Case, all we got to read in News was their inaction, we never asked how they found those criminals despite all the backlash and protests.
We read to open our minds to diverse viewpoints, to see the world through them and learn-relearn what we know and thanks to that TV Interview of Rakesh Maria, I am on a journey to read these stories from the people who stood as they occurred in real life.
July 12, 2021
Book: Khaki Files
Author: Neeraj Kumar
Neeraj Kumar sir is one of the most distinguished officers to have served in the Indian Police. He joined the IPS in 1976 and retired as the commissioner of police, Delhi, in 2013. While on deputation with CBI, first as deputy inspector general and then as joint director, he investigated several sensational cases and conducted a number of transnational operations
involving terrorism and corruption. He was later appointed as the joint
commissioner of police, Special Cell of the Delhi Police, and the director-general of prisons, Delhi. The Government of India recognized his good
work by awarding him the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1993 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 1999.
Khaki Files is a collection of nine stories based on the author's experiences in different assignments. The story ‘Sovereignty under Siege’ brings into the public domain an account of the investigation into the Parliament House terror attack case. Similarly, ‘Da Lakhvi Code’ is a hitherto unknown tale of a cyber investigation that prevented a terror attack at India Gate. Further, ‘Moon-gazer’ recounts how serial killings and robberies by members of an erstwhile criminal tribe were worked out in the early 1990s, and how the capital was saved from their depredations ever since. The story, "What the Doctor Ordered" discussed the terrorists responsible for the 1993 train bombings. The story "Night of Shame" highlights all details of the "Nirbhaya case".
Many of the stories in this book share the perspective which is hidden from public view. It is a must read for crime story readers.
#boookreviews #kitaabopedia
Author: Neeraj Kumar
Neeraj Kumar sir is one of the most distinguished officers to have served in the Indian Police. He joined the IPS in 1976 and retired as the commissioner of police, Delhi, in 2013. While on deputation with CBI, first as deputy inspector general and then as joint director, he investigated several sensational cases and conducted a number of transnational operations
involving terrorism and corruption. He was later appointed as the joint
commissioner of police, Special Cell of the Delhi Police, and the director-general of prisons, Delhi. The Government of India recognized his good
work by awarding him the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1993 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 1999.
Khaki Files is a collection of nine stories based on the author's experiences in different assignments. The story ‘Sovereignty under Siege’ brings into the public domain an account of the investigation into the Parliament House terror attack case. Similarly, ‘Da Lakhvi Code’ is a hitherto unknown tale of a cyber investigation that prevented a terror attack at India Gate. Further, ‘Moon-gazer’ recounts how serial killings and robberies by members of an erstwhile criminal tribe were worked out in the early 1990s, and how the capital was saved from their depredations ever since. The story, "What the Doctor Ordered" discussed the terrorists responsible for the 1993 train bombings. The story "Night of Shame" highlights all details of the "Nirbhaya case".
Many of the stories in this book share the perspective which is hidden from public view. It is a must read for crime story readers.
#boookreviews #kitaabopedia
September 26, 2020
Good book. The author has tried to capture the details of police investigations in a comprehensive yet interesting manner. He has provided a vivid elaboration of the cases he has solved and which has left a remarkable impression on him. The book starts with the chit fund lottery scam (chapter 1 - a matter of chance) and ends with 2002 parliament attacks police investigations (sovereignty under siege). I personally did not like the first lesson at all and totally skipped it but all the other 8 chapters were amazing especially Chapter 4 (Devils Advocate - the story regarding his tenure as warden of Tihar Jail) being my favorite and Chapter 7 (Moon gazer - the story regarding a criminal tribe from MP creating a ruckus in Delhi) being my second favorite. I will also like to point out the two best things about his writing style. He has constantly mentioned the political interventions he has faced and also the hardship and hard work police personnel go through while solving the cases.
And the best takeaway from the book for me will be that this is the first book where I skipped the first chapter. Generally, I tend to read everything even if I am not into it just to not regret that I have not completed it fully and eventually I tend to not read at all because I could not move after the 1st chapter only. In this book, I skipped the first part chapter and I am glad I did so.
Whoever is reading, this is my first book review/blog/just random words. Thanks a lot for giving your time.
And the best takeaway from the book for me will be that this is the first book where I skipped the first chapter. Generally, I tend to read everything even if I am not into it just to not regret that I have not completed it fully and eventually I tend to not read at all because I could not move after the 1st chapter only. In this book, I skipped the first part chapter and I am glad I did so.
Whoever is reading, this is my first book review/blog/just random words. Thanks a lot for giving your time.
September 27, 2020
Thrilling read. 4 stars.
Earlier to this one, all my non-fiction crime reads were by Hussain Zaidi. Reading Khaki Files, I can certainly say Neeraj Kumar is close to Zaidi's class. Many of the stories in this book share the perspective which is hidden from public view, in particular, the disclosure of attempted terror attack on India Gate, the emotions in the Devil's Advocate story, what Neeraj Kumar went through as Commissioner of Delhi Police during Nirbhaya's case and politicians' arm twisting tactics exposed in Goan Rhapsody story. Neeraj Kumar writing style is slower compared to Zaidi; he may do well to avoid few unnecessary details. Other than this, the book is an engrossing, thrilling read. 4 stars.
Earlier to this one, all my non-fiction crime reads were by Hussain Zaidi. Reading Khaki Files, I can certainly say Neeraj Kumar is close to Zaidi's class. Many of the stories in this book share the perspective which is hidden from public view, in particular, the disclosure of attempted terror attack on India Gate, the emotions in the Devil's Advocate story, what Neeraj Kumar went through as Commissioner of Delhi Police during Nirbhaya's case and politicians' arm twisting tactics exposed in Goan Rhapsody story. Neeraj Kumar writing style is slower compared to Zaidi; he may do well to avoid few unnecessary details. Other than this, the book is an engrossing, thrilling read. 4 stars.
December 3, 2021
Very interesting Stories by Neeraj Kumar , he is head of Delhi police and solved many Crimes , His book deals with many important events like Parliamentary attack , Nibhaya case , as well as Tarun tajpal failed assasination atttempts , He is good at writing books , You will be shocked by some facts and will deeply understand how Police works in Place like Delhi .
However , He is not as good as Rakesh maria on telling stories , The stories isn't give you too much details , but it is a good collection of crimes and how he chased them .
However , He is not as good as Rakesh maria on telling stories , The stories isn't give you too much details , but it is a good collection of crimes and how he chased them .
March 17, 2023
I think this is the first time I've ventured into true crime as a genre and I'd sure like to explore more of it, especially in the form of well written inside accounts of incidents we're only superficially aware about. Getting to know about the inner workings of Government and its mostly brave and dedicated (and some egotistical) officers only added to the experience and made it all the more interesting.
April 8, 2020
The book or rather the author keeps you on the edge throughout the time.
The author was the Commissioner of Delhi Police when the unfortunate Nirbhaya Incident happened and within five days all the accused were arrested and in a record time the chargesheet was filed.
A must read.
The author was the Commissioner of Delhi Police when the unfortunate Nirbhaya Incident happened and within five days all the accused were arrested and in a record time the chargesheet was filed.
A must read.
January 25, 2023
Amazing is what I think 😊
Not just loved but lived it with author! How does it all happen in real world is really different, there are hits but there are misses as well. Reality is way more interesting to know.
Not just loved but lived it with author! How does it all happen in real world is really different, there are hits but there are misses as well. Reality is way more interesting to know.
April 24, 2023
Some solid stories and consequential events of the last 3 decades, and what transpired behind the scenes. Some of those stories can be book in themselves and likely are, this book works as a prelude those stories, worth a read.
June 4, 2020
An exciting and impressive collection of real crime stories - give us insights into the unusual challenges that our police force faces.
May 11, 2021
Easy read, finished it in one sitting. Frankly, it's a novelty for an ex-cop to write with humility and as a matter of fact. Good job!
June 1, 2021
Unexpectedly poor.
If the cases mentioned were his career best,I wonder what would be worst. Written well but reflects poorly on the overall quality of this particular IPS officer.
If the cases mentioned were his career best,I wonder what would be worst. Written well but reflects poorly on the overall quality of this particular IPS officer.
October 20, 2021
Interesting stories and detailed inside accounts of some of the popular cases and attacks!
November 17, 2021
Nine events during his career beautifully narrated in a language everybody would understand yet without missing any detail.
August 31, 2022
Interesting cases but lacks details
December 9, 2023
Very well written. I loved the first chapter, not sure why a web series is not made on it so far. Overall , brilliant stuff in narration and story telling.
September 8, 2020
Superbly narrated experiences....a must read for anyone interested in non fiction crime stories!
March 25, 2020
Absolutely unputdownable! I have read so many books by bureaucrats; never have I read one with such a racy style, keeping the reader's attention on knife edge. He has a unique style where somewhere in the middle of a narrative he will pen down a few lines of some future happening and keep it at that. That increases the reader's attention to get to that future happening asap.
February 21, 2020
Neeraj Kumar's Khaki Files Sits On The Edge Of Believability and Impossibility
In Khaki Files, former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar revisits many high profile police cases of his career -from investigation of one of the biggest lottery frauds in the country to a failed ISI attempt to kill Tarun Tejpal and Anirudh Behal of Tehalka- the book brings to light numerous achievements of the country's police force which is otherwise largely reviled and ridiculed.
The narrative sits on the edge, making one believe in what is rather thought to be impossibe. It not only shows the humane aspect of police personnel but also changes your outlook towards criminals.
The first chapter 'Matter of Chance' makes a huge impression. We understand why the lottery system is now illegal and the eye-opener story reveals that lotteries is never a matter of chance but an organised racket by habitual cheats to dupe the common man. Those who repeatedly keep on trying their luck on the lottery are unaware that they're putting themselves in trouble.
Another chapter titled 'Da Lakhvi Code' (Dan Brown fans might get the reference) deals with a terror attack that was plotted by ISI in 2003 at India Gate and how Kumar and his colleagues cracked a code and ensured that the plan failed. It tells us the reason why visitors are unable to approach the base of the war memorial for a closer look in India Gate.
Followed by the chapter 'The Devil's Advocate' wherein Neeraj Kumar supported a killer of his close associate and the reason is sure to leave you with bitter-sweet feelings. We even get to know why certain bills were passed by the Supreme Court and the reasons behind it.
Khaki Files is a readable collection of true crime stories that give us insights into the extraordinary challenge that our police force faces. It even talks about politics in the police department and intervention of ministers in investigations without naming any of them. The author brings both sides of the conundrum in a compelling narrative.
After Dial D for Don, Neeraj Kumar has penned another compelling narrative revolving around crimes in the country. Neeraj Kumar is the former Commissioner of Delhi Police, who retired from the Indian Police Service on 31 July 2013. He belonged to 1976 batch and AGMUT cadre. He recently completed his tenure as the Chief Advisor to the BCCI for their Anti Corruption & Security Unit.
In Khaki Files, former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar revisits many high profile police cases of his career -from investigation of one of the biggest lottery frauds in the country to a failed ISI attempt to kill Tarun Tejpal and Anirudh Behal of Tehalka- the book brings to light numerous achievements of the country's police force which is otherwise largely reviled and ridiculed.
The narrative sits on the edge, making one believe in what is rather thought to be impossibe. It not only shows the humane aspect of police personnel but also changes your outlook towards criminals.
The first chapter 'Matter of Chance' makes a huge impression. We understand why the lottery system is now illegal and the eye-opener story reveals that lotteries is never a matter of chance but an organised racket by habitual cheats to dupe the common man. Those who repeatedly keep on trying their luck on the lottery are unaware that they're putting themselves in trouble.
Another chapter titled 'Da Lakhvi Code' (Dan Brown fans might get the reference) deals with a terror attack that was plotted by ISI in 2003 at India Gate and how Kumar and his colleagues cracked a code and ensured that the plan failed. It tells us the reason why visitors are unable to approach the base of the war memorial for a closer look in India Gate.
Followed by the chapter 'The Devil's Advocate' wherein Neeraj Kumar supported a killer of his close associate and the reason is sure to leave you with bitter-sweet feelings. We even get to know why certain bills were passed by the Supreme Court and the reasons behind it.
Khaki Files is a readable collection of true crime stories that give us insights into the extraordinary challenge that our police force faces. It even talks about politics in the police department and intervention of ministers in investigations without naming any of them. The author brings both sides of the conundrum in a compelling narrative.
After Dial D for Don, Neeraj Kumar has penned another compelling narrative revolving around crimes in the country. Neeraj Kumar is the former Commissioner of Delhi Police, who retired from the Indian Police Service on 31 July 2013. He belonged to 1976 batch and AGMUT cadre. He recently completed his tenure as the Chief Advisor to the BCCI for their Anti Corruption & Security Unit.
July 15, 2020
There are a few thankless jobs in this world and perhaps what tops it, is the Police Service. For somebody who is constantly in the eye of the storm and has to face the criticism of the society at large, we sometimes forget the valour and the sacrifice behind their selfless services.
.
Rajeev Kumar is a renowned police personality who has undertaken a number of key operations under his able guidance and supervision. His fist hand view on some of the most high profile and horrific cases, are quite engaging. In fact this book ‘Khaki Files’ is almost like an ode to the men and women in uniform.
.
This arresting narrative is a must-read and I won’t be surprised if someone picks up this book and decides to make a Web-Series of it. 👮♂️📚
.
#KhakiFiles #RajeevKumar
.
Rajeev Kumar is a renowned police personality who has undertaken a number of key operations under his able guidance and supervision. His fist hand view on some of the most high profile and horrific cases, are quite engaging. In fact this book ‘Khaki Files’ is almost like an ode to the men and women in uniform.
.
This arresting narrative is a must-read and I won’t be surprised if someone picks up this book and decides to make a Web-Series of it. 👮♂️📚
.
#KhakiFiles #RajeevKumar
October 20, 2020
Written by an officer who has seen all the events from the front, this book is a collection of events that has been in news and troubled the security agencies a lot. It covers stories of crime from Mumbai to Delhi rape case.
The author has also shared anecdotes which made him remember those days of actions. This book is so interesting that I picked this book when I was travelling to my hometown and finished it during the Journey.
This book is a must-read for anyone who aspires to be part of the Police system and wants to know the events which take place while any mission is performed.
The author has also shared anecdotes which made him remember those days of actions. This book is so interesting that I picked this book when I was travelling to my hometown and finished it during the Journey.
This book is a must-read for anyone who aspires to be part of the Police system and wants to know the events which take place while any mission is performed.
July 13, 2022
An insider's retelling of nine major police/CBI cases in our country's recent past. The author provides insights on how the Indian police services actually work, and how cases are approached and solved. He does not go into too much detail on the negatives of the police forces, but one should read between the lines.
Written like a crime thriller but all true stories with names and the nitty gritty involving each case
Overall a good read!
Written like a crime thriller but all true stories with names and the nitty gritty involving each case
Overall a good read!
January 20, 2020
Well written book, calls a spade a spade. Must read for anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes. Makes a very compelling case for keeping the police out of political control/interference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews