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Who Killed Shastri?: The Tashkent Files
It was the time of the Cold War. After defeating Pakistan in the second biggest armed conflict since the Second World War, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri arrived in Tashkent, former USSR, to sign a peace accord.After days of extended negotiations, the peace agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in the presence of Alexei Kosygin, the USSR Premier.
Hours later, at 1.32 am, Shastri died in his dacha. Abruptly. Mysteriously.
Soon after, his official Russian butler and the Indian cook attached to the Indian ambassador were arrested by the Ninth Directorate of the KGB under the suspicion of poisoning Shastri.
No post-mortem was done. No confession was achieved. There was no judicial enquiry ever. It's been 50 years since his death, and we still don't know the truth.
Was it really a heart attack?
Was he poisoned?
Did the CIA kill him?
Was it the KGB?
Was it a state-sponsored murder?
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri along with his motley team of inexperienced assistants turned whistle-blowers investigate the mystery behind Shastri's death and find themselves in a mirror-world where all and everybody is suspect. But they cannot remain distant, for the painful story of India touches their own lives as they discover how the country was put up for sale.
This investigation was turned into one of the most sensational and successful feature films -The Tashkent Files.
Hours later, at 1.32 am, Shastri died in his dacha. Abruptly. Mysteriously.
Soon after, his official Russian butler and the Indian cook attached to the Indian ambassador were arrested by the Ninth Directorate of the KGB under the suspicion of poisoning Shastri.
No post-mortem was done. No confession was achieved. There was no judicial enquiry ever. It's been 50 years since his death, and we still don't know the truth.
Was it really a heart attack?
Was he poisoned?
Did the CIA kill him?
Was it the KGB?
Was it a state-sponsored murder?
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri along with his motley team of inexperienced assistants turned whistle-blowers investigate the mystery behind Shastri's death and find themselves in a mirror-world where all and everybody is suspect. But they cannot remain distant, for the painful story of India touches their own lives as they discover how the country was put up for sale.
This investigation was turned into one of the most sensational and successful feature films -The Tashkent Files.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
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352 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 25, 2021
This is the kind of book everyone has to read once in a lifetime
In 1966, the second prime minister of India died on a foriegn land hours after signing the Tashkent treaty. This book is basically the author's research and 4 year jouney which finally resulted in the movie- Tashkent Files which came out in 2019 and I remeber watching it too.
The author's writing style was quite fitting and the book did not read as a bullet list of research points but actually showed the process. Instead of directly talking about the events of Tashkent, the author also researched the political climate as well as the events that led to Shastriji becoming the second PM. The book further talks about India's victory against Pakistan and the better and reformed policies introduced under our 2nd PM.
The book also talks about the amendments done to the constitution during the Emergency after Tashkent events and Indira Gandhi becoming the PM. The influence of KGB, no post mortem being conducted despite the body having cuts and being blue and swollen. It's been 50 years since his death, and we still don't know the truth. I cannot really summarise the entire book in one review hence are these paragraphs
Finding swelling and cuts on his body and blood marks made the Shastri family suspect that there was something wrong. His son-in-law and two young sons made a formal request for post-mortem to the caretaker prime minister, Gulzarilal Nanda, and the home secretary but no action was taken.
Being a passive society, this is India’s biggest danger and the reason why India was invaded, India was colonised. Now, it seems, India has been sold. The citizens have started doubting our own culture, ideology, traditions and values. They are questioning the very identity of India—a 5,000-year-old civilisation. For the first time, I am forced to question —if India is really sold?
This is really true. I've myself seen people who are shy of their own culture.
The author also talked abouth the failures of Nehru in the 1962 China war. His elitist viewpoints and total lack of understanding which lead to the 1962 blunder. The author also cited several books and accounts of army officials:
When the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, General Sir Rob Lockhart, wrote a defence policy for Nehru’s approval, Nehru snapped at him and said, ‘Rubbish! Total rubbish! We don’t need a defence policy. Our policy is of ahimsa. We foresee no military threats. As far as I am concerned, you can scrap the army—the police are good enough to meet our security needs.’ Soon, Nehru had to eat his own words when the Pakistani-sponsored tribal people invaded Kashmir.
See, here's the thing, unnecessary violence is not good but violence for the sake of protecting your country is justified.
Later, when General Cariappa asked Nehru the reasons for the ceasefire, Nehru replied, ‘You see, the UN Security Council felt that if we go any further, it may precipitate a war. So, in response to their request, we agreed to a ceasefire.’ After some thinking, he further added, ‘Quite frankly, looking back, we should have given you 10–15 days more. Things would have been different then.’ It’s very apparent that Nehru valued a third party’s unconcerned opinion more than our own army’s invested assessment.
The CIA report also mentions Nehru telling a source, ‘In certain circumstances, I would not have minded giving away a bit of Ladakh (presumably the Aksai Chin) but I do not want the Chinese to take me for a sucker.’
Imagine how many soldiers were martyred because of such an attitude of a "PM".
Also these are some excrepts from The Mitrokhin Archives II : The KGB and the World.
2. India was the ‘model of KGB infiltration of a Third World government’ with ‘scores of sources throughout the Indian government, in intelligence, counter-intelligence, defence and foreign ministries, the police...’
Now, this isn't me speaking. These are the excrepts from a former KGB worker.
6. Suitcases of cash were sent to the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, for her party’s war chest and vast sums of money was funnelled in to the CPI.
10. By 1973, the KGB had 10 Indian newspapers on its payroll plus a press agency. During 1972 the KGB claimed to have planted 3,789 articles in Indian newspapers—probably more than in any other country in the non- communist world. According to its files, the number fell to 2,760 in 1973
but rose to 4,486 in 1974 and 5,510 in 1975. In some major NATO countries, despite active- measures campaigns, the KGB was able to plant little more than 1 per cent of the articles which it placed in the Indian press.
I remember a relative of mine telling me how when they were kids, Russian literature was widely availabe and quite cheap too.
I think this book is really necessary to understand the events post independence and the erasure of records about Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Once again I'm left wondering why are we never taught this in school? Why are we never told about Nehru's 1962 blunder? Why is Emergency never really discussed?
Our schools told us about nationalism in Europe, socialist revolution in Russia, nazizm and the WW but WHY are we never told about our own history?
If you actually read NCERT which is what every student in india reads at school, you'll see that the history after indipendence is never ever discussed
Perhaps it's time we search the truth ourselves.
Satyamev Jayate
Jai Hind
In 1966, the second prime minister of India died on a foriegn land hours after signing the Tashkent treaty. This book is basically the author's research and 4 year jouney which finally resulted in the movie- Tashkent Files which came out in 2019 and I remeber watching it too.
The author's writing style was quite fitting and the book did not read as a bullet list of research points but actually showed the process. Instead of directly talking about the events of Tashkent, the author also researched the political climate as well as the events that led to Shastriji becoming the second PM. The book further talks about India's victory against Pakistan and the better and reformed policies introduced under our 2nd PM.
The book also talks about the amendments done to the constitution during the Emergency after Tashkent events and Indira Gandhi becoming the PM. The influence of KGB, no post mortem being conducted despite the body having cuts and being blue and swollen. It's been 50 years since his death, and we still don't know the truth. I cannot really summarise the entire book in one review hence are these paragraphs
Finding swelling and cuts on his body and blood marks made the Shastri family suspect that there was something wrong. His son-in-law and two young sons made a formal request for post-mortem to the caretaker prime minister, Gulzarilal Nanda, and the home secretary but no action was taken.
Being a passive society, this is India’s biggest danger and the reason why India was invaded, India was colonised. Now, it seems, India has been sold. The citizens have started doubting our own culture, ideology, traditions and values. They are questioning the very identity of India—a 5,000-year-old civilisation. For the first time, I am forced to question —if India is really sold?
This is really true. I've myself seen people who are shy of their own culture.
The author also talked abouth the failures of Nehru in the 1962 China war. His elitist viewpoints and total lack of understanding which lead to the 1962 blunder. The author also cited several books and accounts of army officials:
When the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, General Sir Rob Lockhart, wrote a defence policy for Nehru’s approval, Nehru snapped at him and said, ‘Rubbish! Total rubbish! We don’t need a defence policy. Our policy is of ahimsa. We foresee no military threats. As far as I am concerned, you can scrap the army—the police are good enough to meet our security needs.’ Soon, Nehru had to eat his own words when the Pakistani-sponsored tribal people invaded Kashmir.
See, here's the thing, unnecessary violence is not good but violence for the sake of protecting your country is justified.
Later, when General Cariappa asked Nehru the reasons for the ceasefire, Nehru replied, ‘You see, the UN Security Council felt that if we go any further, it may precipitate a war. So, in response to their request, we agreed to a ceasefire.’ After some thinking, he further added, ‘Quite frankly, looking back, we should have given you 10–15 days more. Things would have been different then.’ It’s very apparent that Nehru valued a third party’s unconcerned opinion more than our own army’s invested assessment.
The CIA report also mentions Nehru telling a source, ‘In certain circumstances, I would not have minded giving away a bit of Ladakh (presumably the Aksai Chin) but I do not want the Chinese to take me for a sucker.’
Imagine how many soldiers were martyred because of such an attitude of a "PM".
Also these are some excrepts from The Mitrokhin Archives II : The KGB and the World.
2. India was the ‘model of KGB infiltration of a Third World government’ with ‘scores of sources throughout the Indian government, in intelligence, counter-intelligence, defence and foreign ministries, the police...’
Now, this isn't me speaking. These are the excrepts from a former KGB worker.
6. Suitcases of cash were sent to the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, for her party’s war chest and vast sums of money was funnelled in to the CPI.
10. By 1973, the KGB had 10 Indian newspapers on its payroll plus a press agency. During 1972 the KGB claimed to have planted 3,789 articles in Indian newspapers—probably more than in any other country in the non- communist world. According to its files, the number fell to 2,760 in 1973
but rose to 4,486 in 1974 and 5,510 in 1975. In some major NATO countries, despite active- measures campaigns, the KGB was able to plant little more than 1 per cent of the articles which it placed in the Indian press.
I remember a relative of mine telling me how when they were kids, Russian literature was widely availabe and quite cheap too.
I think this book is really necessary to understand the events post independence and the erasure of records about Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Once again I'm left wondering why are we never taught this in school? Why are we never told about Nehru's 1962 blunder? Why is Emergency never really discussed?
Our schools told us about nationalism in Europe, socialist revolution in Russia, nazizm and the WW but WHY are we never told about our own history?
If you actually read NCERT which is what every student in india reads at school, you'll see that the history after indipendence is never ever discussed
Perhaps it's time we search the truth ourselves.
Satyamev Jayate
Jai Hind
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
The kind of movies Vivek Agnihotri making these days amazes me. I loved his Buddha in Traffic jam, Tashkent file and The Kashmir file. I have read his Urban Naxal book long time back, it was brilliant and gave me lot clarity. Now I am so glad i read this informative book. This book throws light on the death of the then PM Shastri who died under mysterious circumstances. Was it a natural death or unnatural? If unnatural then, who killed Shastri? The first-ever book to investigate the mysterious death of independent India's second prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, from all possible angles.
February 21, 2021
First of all I like to Thank Mr Agnihotri for lifting the veil from this best kept secret. It is irony that we as a Nation still do not know who killed our second Prime Minister. It is even more shocking to realise how our own so-called Leaders betrayed our trust, sold our country to foreigners. Free from London but slave to Moscow is not freedom.
Thank you again Mr Agnihotri. This book has motivated me to dig more into those Archives you mentioned and spread the reality to others at my level.
Thank you again Mr Agnihotri. This book has motivated me to dig more into those Archives you mentioned and spread the reality to others at my level.
January 25, 2021
“Who Killed Shastri?” by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is not mere a monologue or an investigatory triller, but a journey you accompany while reading this book.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri being a filmmaker and a bestselling author toils to bring vital facts that every Indian must agnize. As said, the book depicts a journey, of learning, of unravelling the questions which should’ve been intrigued since last 50 years.
The book is well divided into 3 Acts (sections) which pre-empts from the blunders done before Shastriji’s tenure, to the sale of India after his conspired death.
It depicts the carelessness with regards to the Indo-Sino relations which when adulterated led to the Indo-Sino War in 1962.
After Nehru’s death, despite being called as the ‘The indecisive leader’, Shastriji propelled the way of India’s development during the time of crisis. His strong military tactics in the Indo-Pak War in 1965 made the world call him as the ‘Military PM’.
It lays down important proofs of his death/murder in Tashkent through investigation.
Although crucial, some of the paragraphs have been re-iterated which would lengthen your reading.
This book is a must-read for every citizen of India. It is appreciable that even after so many attempts of the vague allegations by Indira Gandhi Government, the truth has risen up.
It gives me honour to post this review on the 71st Republic Day of India. Salutations to great soul of India. ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri being a filmmaker and a bestselling author toils to bring vital facts that every Indian must agnize. As said, the book depicts a journey, of learning, of unravelling the questions which should’ve been intrigued since last 50 years.
The book is well divided into 3 Acts (sections) which pre-empts from the blunders done before Shastriji’s tenure, to the sale of India after his conspired death.
It depicts the carelessness with regards to the Indo-Sino relations which when adulterated led to the Indo-Sino War in 1962.
After Nehru’s death, despite being called as the ‘The indecisive leader’, Shastriji propelled the way of India’s development during the time of crisis. His strong military tactics in the Indo-Pak War in 1965 made the world call him as the ‘Military PM’.
It lays down important proofs of his death/murder in Tashkent through investigation.
Although crucial, some of the paragraphs have been re-iterated which would lengthen your reading.
This book is a must-read for every citizen of India. It is appreciable that even after so many attempts of the vague allegations by Indira Gandhi Government, the truth has risen up.
It gives me honour to post this review on the 71st Republic Day of India. Salutations to great soul of India. ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
December 28, 2020
The book is filled with information assembled from various sources. The research work is, as expected from the author, excellent.
It's written in the form of a complete thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seats. The author has managed to keep chapters concise and to the point while also informing us of the trials and tribulations he and his crew had to face to uncover the whole conspiracy.
The author shares with us some beautiful and insightful diary entries made by his father which broaden your perspective a lot and make the book worthy of a second read.
All in all, the book is a quick read with a lot of relevant info, neatly presented. It'll make you feel like you've been transported to that time.
PS : There's also much information in the notes and bibliography section, like about the nagarwala scandal, so don't forget to check that section out too. I had expected a lot and the author has surpassed all expectations.
It's written in the form of a complete thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seats. The author has managed to keep chapters concise and to the point while also informing us of the trials and tribulations he and his crew had to face to uncover the whole conspiracy.
The author shares with us some beautiful and insightful diary entries made by his father which broaden your perspective a lot and make the book worthy of a second read.
All in all, the book is a quick read with a lot of relevant info, neatly presented. It'll make you feel like you've been transported to that time.
PS : There's also much information in the notes and bibliography section, like about the nagarwala scandal, so don't forget to check that section out too. I had expected a lot and the author has surpassed all expectations.
April 11, 2021
Finally, this 313 pages book by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is finished. This is my second book on the murder mystery of the then Prime Minister of India Late Lal Bahadur Shastri. The first book that I read was written by Anuj Dhar's 'Your Prime Minister is Dead'.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Shastri Ji's death is still a murder mystery, why it is still a murder mystery for all of us because the govt of the day didn't conducted a post-mortem inquiry, despite suspicion that his cook was arrested on suspicion of giving poison to Shastri Ji.
Shastri Ji's diary which he took along with him in Tashkent was also missing from the crime scene.
In his last moments, Shastri Ji was pointing towards a flask. And that never came across after that. Not only this, Dr. R. N. Chugh who used to monitor Shastri Ji's health died in a car accident. Shastri Ji's servant Ramnath his legs were cut off in another incident and after a few months he also died.
Like Father, Like Daughter.
It is a shame to know that a prime minister which had gone to Tashkent to sign a particular document was killed. And the acting Prime Minister or then Prime Minister Mrs. Gandhi didn't even set up an inquiry commission on the Late PM's death. If that would have happened they could have detected so many facts regarding his sudden death.
We Indians were surrounded with so many mysteries whether its Netaji's mysterious death in Taiwan or Shastri Ji's death in Tashkent. We don't question the government again and again on such matters. This book is also a message to the current regime in the Centre i.e BJP whether they'll release the critical classified files regarding Shastri Ji's death or there family will face the same fate as when the PMO shunted them in 2009, that it will create chaos in the country if the files were released.
Every Indian must read this book. Why? Because the kind of in-depth research that Vivek Agnihotri presented in the book was fabulous. In the book itself, the author gave you not one but many reasons to believe that it wasn't an heart attack, it was a cold-blooded murder.
And lastly I think you should read this book and draw your conclusions.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Shastri Ji's death is still a murder mystery, why it is still a murder mystery for all of us because the govt of the day didn't conducted a post-mortem inquiry, despite suspicion that his cook was arrested on suspicion of giving poison to Shastri Ji.
Shastri Ji's diary which he took along with him in Tashkent was also missing from the crime scene.
In his last moments, Shastri Ji was pointing towards a flask. And that never came across after that. Not only this, Dr. R. N. Chugh who used to monitor Shastri Ji's health died in a car accident. Shastri Ji's servant Ramnath his legs were cut off in another incident and after a few months he also died.
Like Father, Like Daughter.
It is a shame to know that a prime minister which had gone to Tashkent to sign a particular document was killed. And the acting Prime Minister or then Prime Minister Mrs. Gandhi didn't even set up an inquiry commission on the Late PM's death. If that would have happened they could have detected so many facts regarding his sudden death.
We Indians were surrounded with so many mysteries whether its Netaji's mysterious death in Taiwan or Shastri Ji's death in Tashkent. We don't question the government again and again on such matters. This book is also a message to the current regime in the Centre i.e BJP whether they'll release the critical classified files regarding Shastri Ji's death or there family will face the same fate as when the PMO shunted them in 2009, that it will create chaos in the country if the files were released.
Every Indian must read this book. Why? Because the kind of in-depth research that Vivek Agnihotri presented in the book was fabulous. In the book itself, the author gave you not one but many reasons to believe that it wasn't an heart attack, it was a cold-blooded murder.
And lastly I think you should read this book and draw your conclusions.
May 11, 2021
this book made are realized that whole country is filled with terrorist. we all killed Shashti ji. nobody nowadays remember is birthday or know his death. one person died due to negligence and selfishness of other corrupter in India.
February 24, 2022
I started reading this book as a possible investigation of one of the least-spoken but very poignant episodes of modern post-Independence Indian history. The death of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri should ideally occupy an important marker in our history books and collective consciousness - but all I was taught or at least remember being reinforced was about Nehru and his progenies.
Apart from highlighting critical aspects of the sad demise of the Prime Minister and the possible causes, the book is also a journey giving a glimpse into the quest to determine the truth and the travails that the small team faces while dealing with the labyrinthian Government machinery designed to obfuscate.... hats off to Vivek-Ji for writing this.
Apart from highlighting critical aspects of the sad demise of the Prime Minister and the possible causes, the book is also a journey giving a glimpse into the quest to determine the truth and the travails that the small team faces while dealing with the labyrinthian Government machinery designed to obfuscate.... hats off to Vivek-Ji for writing this.
February 8, 2021
When the movie Tashkent Files, a docu-drama centred around the events surround the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri released, I subscribed to the OTT platform that streamed the movie just to be able to watch it. When a book on the topic, written by the director of the movie was released, I had to read it.
The book is a first-person account by the author, recollecting his journey collecting, analysing and dissecting the material available on Shastri’s death. While the movie focused on the material, the book throws light on both the journey and the material. Having watched the movie helped me relate back to some of the events depicted, but it is not necessary to have watched the movie to be able to appreciate the book.
The book raises some important questions, questions that we have forgotten to ask. At the core of the book, is an important question: the right of people to demand and know the truth. If the fact that truth is denied us is scary, the answer that follows is scarier: people do not care for the truth. When the author says that we have reduced our role as citizens in a democracy to just turning up to vote on election day, it is a mirror held to our collective behaviour. It is because of our failure to demand the truth, that authorities around the world, get away with murder. Pun intended.
The book showcases the author’s attempt at demanding, and unearthing the truth, on a question that has remained unanswered for more than 50 years: how did Shastri really die? That quest took up four years of the author’s life. There were troubles that the author and his motley team faced: lack of resources, an un-co-operative government, threats to life, lack of credible information. At one point, the team had to even crowd source the research. The book gives a behind the scenes peek to all that happened, in the course of that “private” investigation. But more important than that, are the fundamental questions that the author raises. Questions on our apathy, the government’s apathy. That apathy is not restricted to the matter concerning Shastri’s death: it extends to all facets of our life, indeed our existence.
Each chapter in the book begins with extracts from the diary of the author’s father, an upright freedom fighter and subsequently, the Vice-chancellor of a university. Some of the extracts, written over 50 years ago, seem relevant even today. It appears that not much has changed. It won’t. Until we demand the truth. From the authorities. From each other. And from ourselves.
The question of Shastri’s death and the evidence hinting at foul play and conspiracy is only the frame structure that raises these deeper questions. Read this book not only to read about Shastri’s death, but also to be challenged on our collective apathy.
The book is a first-person account by the author, recollecting his journey collecting, analysing and dissecting the material available on Shastri’s death. While the movie focused on the material, the book throws light on both the journey and the material. Having watched the movie helped me relate back to some of the events depicted, but it is not necessary to have watched the movie to be able to appreciate the book.
The book raises some important questions, questions that we have forgotten to ask. At the core of the book, is an important question: the right of people to demand and know the truth. If the fact that truth is denied us is scary, the answer that follows is scarier: people do not care for the truth. When the author says that we have reduced our role as citizens in a democracy to just turning up to vote on election day, it is a mirror held to our collective behaviour. It is because of our failure to demand the truth, that authorities around the world, get away with murder. Pun intended.
The book showcases the author’s attempt at demanding, and unearthing the truth, on a question that has remained unanswered for more than 50 years: how did Shastri really die? That quest took up four years of the author’s life. There were troubles that the author and his motley team faced: lack of resources, an un-co-operative government, threats to life, lack of credible information. At one point, the team had to even crowd source the research. The book gives a behind the scenes peek to all that happened, in the course of that “private” investigation. But more important than that, are the fundamental questions that the author raises. Questions on our apathy, the government’s apathy. That apathy is not restricted to the matter concerning Shastri’s death: it extends to all facets of our life, indeed our existence.
Each chapter in the book begins with extracts from the diary of the author’s father, an upright freedom fighter and subsequently, the Vice-chancellor of a university. Some of the extracts, written over 50 years ago, seem relevant even today. It appears that not much has changed. It won’t. Until we demand the truth. From the authorities. From each other. And from ourselves.
The question of Shastri’s death and the evidence hinting at foul play and conspiracy is only the frame structure that raises these deeper questions. Read this book not only to read about Shastri’s death, but also to be challenged on our collective apathy.
December 7, 2020
Must read for the subject, if not for the narrative.
Who Killed Shastri?: The Tashkent Files
I haven't yet seen the movie "The Tashkent Files", but I read this book which is a first person account of making of the movie.
It is a wonderful book, as the death or the murder of India's second Prime Minister has always been shrouded with mystery. One should commend the pain staking research Vivek Agnihotri and his team have made to piece the mysterious jigsaw. The way in which they had to battle the infamous Indian bureaucracy will definitely make one give up. The fact that they persisted with their research is testament to their commitment in bringing truth to the surface.
Due to the fact that half the book moans the fact about the difficulties faced in collecting the much needed data and evidences, the reading becomes tiresome at places. Nevertheless, the subject matter of the book is something that every Indian should know.
Who Killed Shastri?: The Tashkent Files
I haven't yet seen the movie "The Tashkent Files", but I read this book which is a first person account of making of the movie.
It is a wonderful book, as the death or the murder of India's second Prime Minister has always been shrouded with mystery. One should commend the pain staking research Vivek Agnihotri and his team have made to piece the mysterious jigsaw. The way in which they had to battle the infamous Indian bureaucracy will definitely make one give up. The fact that they persisted with their research is testament to their commitment in bringing truth to the surface.
Due to the fact that half the book moans the fact about the difficulties faced in collecting the much needed data and evidences, the reading becomes tiresome at places. Nevertheless, the subject matter of the book is something that every Indian should know.
November 3, 2020
"Who Killed Shastri?" is another poignant read from the author, Vivek Agnihotri. If the title intrigues us, as it must, then there in lies the answer. The author has harnessed this aspect of inquiring minds which makes his writing very readable. Interspersed with personal experiences and pages from his father's diary, he makes it his personal quest. He takes us along in his own unique way and ensures that, we, the readers, have a stake in his story. That is why, in the end, the truth hurts.
"The reason Shastri’s death remains a mystery is because nobody at that time got angry. Some anger is good in a democracy. This anger keeps the government on its toes." These are prophetic words indeed. It holds good today, more than ever before.
"The reason Shastri’s death remains a mystery is because nobody at that time got angry. Some anger is good in a democracy. This anger keeps the government on its toes." These are prophetic words indeed. It holds good today, more than ever before.
January 4, 2021
This book is really amazing! Every Indian should read it, honestly.
August 20, 2021
Author and Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has written a Masterpiece based on the amount of research done by him and his team while making the Movie “The Tashkent Files” which was on the Mysterious Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, The 2nd Prime Minister of India during his visit to Russian city Tashkent for the peace agreement with Pakistan after 1965 War.
Book starts with the early stages of Independent India and blunders done by the first prime minister Nehru while trying to imitate the Western democracy and making India shun its vast history and its civilizational values which we had from the last 2500 years. Nehru forgot that ours is the only civilization that sustained the horrors of invaders and colonizers and is still standing tall and thriving.
Nehru government mistake in underestimating china’s strength, plans, and its policy towards neighbors had cost heavily to us, Nehru was circled with people VK Menon, M J Desai, D K Patil who had no skin in the game for the positions they held and were busy doing corruption and filling their personal coffers.
When China raided and illegally occupied Tibet and atrocities against the peaceful Tibetans instead of criticizing it Nehru was more interested in the drama of signing the panchasheela Agreement and by making India Endorse the Chinese occupation of Tibet. After this debacle to save face the Indian govt gave asylum to the Dalai lama, even though it was done in a non-diplomatic manner which again antagonized the Chinese. When Indo China War happened all the Details of unprepared of Indian Govt and how the army request for considering upgrading the armies ammunition, creating an infrastructure along the Chinese border, and being vigilant towards Chinese aggression was not heeded due while India lost so many soldiers just to the Chinese soldiers but also to the Cold of Himalaya. The Loss of war made Nehru look weak in front of the common people. It shattered his image of a leader like anything thereby leading to his death, and the reason for death is still a secret in independent India.
Nehru was more interested in making Indira his heir after his death but the old guards of congress were against it so he used the help of K Kamaraj to divide the old guards and made Indira the congress chief and Lal Bahadur Shastri the 2nd Prime Minister.
Shastri was a Man of Humble origins and had impeccable honesty and integrity values. He had to face a lot of hurdles from the courtiers of the Nehru family and Kamaraja who thought Shastri would be his puppet PM.
When Shahstriji became PM India was suffering a lot due to the failure of agrarian droughts and he had request American help in providing the wheat to common people, his appeal to the public on fasting one time in a week was received with so much enthusiasm because the PM and his family was itself participating in fasting. Shastri had a vision of making India hunger-free and made sure that Green Revolution is implemented and farmers can grow the HY crops, he had disbanded the Five years plans and started a 1 years roll plan in its place.
When Pakistan attacked India in the 1965 war, Entire India looked towards Shastri for his action and Shastri made sure the army ahs the free hand and made them reply the 1 bullet with 2 and won the war by conquering the territory of Pakistan too, but due to the chicken-hearted Army General J N Chaudhuri who gave misinformation to the PM about Ammunition PM had to halt the reconquering of the POK area.
L B Shastri was our PM when there was a strong Cold war going on Between the USA and USSR, Both were more interested in establishing the dominance of their power in the world and India had to pay the price when it agreed to the request of the USSR for signing the Tashkent Accord in establishing the Peace between India and Pakistan. India was forcefully made to sign the accord and return the conquered areas in the 1965 war. After Shastriji signed and returned to the accommodation he spoke to his family and said he had some good news even after returning to the area which was conquered and that good news was buried with him. On the same night, Shastri Ji died mysteriously.
The Shady information on the Cause of death and not doing Post mortem either in Russian or in India and the way the accommodation and cook was changed raises a lot of questions which has been explained in the book. This Book has many more details which raised suspicion to anyone who goes through it and anyone who reads the book firmly believes that Shastriji was killed and he didn’t die a natural death as portrayed by the Indian govt and media. The media's failure in reporting and investigating the death of an Honest and humble PM is noteworthy.
Russia’s increased role in India’s internal affairs and having an agenda to change India’s way of thinking by Ideological subversion has been explained with great details in the book, how the academicians and intellectuals became a tool of Russia and communist propaganda while discarding our own ethos and philosophy of an ancient civilization is a painstaking read.
Kuldip Nayar Short and informative interview on the events that happened during the death of Shastriji and how the Indian Ambassador followed up with Kuldip Nayar for issuing a statement in clearing out his name from the controversy of Shastri’s death confirmed the belief of the writer that Shahstriji was killed.
The Climax of Book and Movie both are filled with emotions which will moist our eyes knowing that a Corrupt and selfish Govt failed to prevent and punish the people who were a cause for the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Shastri Ji was not alone to die in the manner of suspicion the deaths of Homi J Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and many more Scientists and eminent people who are working hard to make India independent w.r.t to technology and many areas where we have a dependency on the world’s powerhouses are dying or slandered and implicated with false charges in mysterious ways and our government is not able to protect them from the death or slanders.
Thanks to Author Vivek Agnihotri for taking the courage to compile the details and making this book a possibility with the personal touch by giving us a glimpse of his father’s diary who lived and saw the entire event of India’s Independence, the Wars with China, and Pakistan, death of Shastri, Emergency imposed by Indira.
I highly recommend this book to all the people of India, especially the Millennial generation, to know about India and its government which failed an Honest and Humble Prime Minister in protecting him and getting justice for his death.
Disclaimer: I had received this Book as part #1000ReviewClub from the Indic Book Club of Indic Academy.
Book starts with the early stages of Independent India and blunders done by the first prime minister Nehru while trying to imitate the Western democracy and making India shun its vast history and its civilizational values which we had from the last 2500 years. Nehru forgot that ours is the only civilization that sustained the horrors of invaders and colonizers and is still standing tall and thriving.
Nehru government mistake in underestimating china’s strength, plans, and its policy towards neighbors had cost heavily to us, Nehru was circled with people VK Menon, M J Desai, D K Patil who had no skin in the game for the positions they held and were busy doing corruption and filling their personal coffers.
When China raided and illegally occupied Tibet and atrocities against the peaceful Tibetans instead of criticizing it Nehru was more interested in the drama of signing the panchasheela Agreement and by making India Endorse the Chinese occupation of Tibet. After this debacle to save face the Indian govt gave asylum to the Dalai lama, even though it was done in a non-diplomatic manner which again antagonized the Chinese. When Indo China War happened all the Details of unprepared of Indian Govt and how the army request for considering upgrading the armies ammunition, creating an infrastructure along the Chinese border, and being vigilant towards Chinese aggression was not heeded due while India lost so many soldiers just to the Chinese soldiers but also to the Cold of Himalaya. The Loss of war made Nehru look weak in front of the common people. It shattered his image of a leader like anything thereby leading to his death, and the reason for death is still a secret in independent India.
Nehru was more interested in making Indira his heir after his death but the old guards of congress were against it so he used the help of K Kamaraj to divide the old guards and made Indira the congress chief and Lal Bahadur Shastri the 2nd Prime Minister.
Shastri was a Man of Humble origins and had impeccable honesty and integrity values. He had to face a lot of hurdles from the courtiers of the Nehru family and Kamaraja who thought Shastri would be his puppet PM.
When Shahstriji became PM India was suffering a lot due to the failure of agrarian droughts and he had request American help in providing the wheat to common people, his appeal to the public on fasting one time in a week was received with so much enthusiasm because the PM and his family was itself participating in fasting. Shastri had a vision of making India hunger-free and made sure that Green Revolution is implemented and farmers can grow the HY crops, he had disbanded the Five years plans and started a 1 years roll plan in its place.
When Pakistan attacked India in the 1965 war, Entire India looked towards Shastri for his action and Shastri made sure the army ahs the free hand and made them reply the 1 bullet with 2 and won the war by conquering the territory of Pakistan too, but due to the chicken-hearted Army General J N Chaudhuri who gave misinformation to the PM about Ammunition PM had to halt the reconquering of the POK area.
L B Shastri was our PM when there was a strong Cold war going on Between the USA and USSR, Both were more interested in establishing the dominance of their power in the world and India had to pay the price when it agreed to the request of the USSR for signing the Tashkent Accord in establishing the Peace between India and Pakistan. India was forcefully made to sign the accord and return the conquered areas in the 1965 war. After Shastriji signed and returned to the accommodation he spoke to his family and said he had some good news even after returning to the area which was conquered and that good news was buried with him. On the same night, Shastri Ji died mysteriously.
The Shady information on the Cause of death and not doing Post mortem either in Russian or in India and the way the accommodation and cook was changed raises a lot of questions which has been explained in the book. This Book has many more details which raised suspicion to anyone who goes through it and anyone who reads the book firmly believes that Shastriji was killed and he didn’t die a natural death as portrayed by the Indian govt and media. The media's failure in reporting and investigating the death of an Honest and humble PM is noteworthy.
Russia’s increased role in India’s internal affairs and having an agenda to change India’s way of thinking by Ideological subversion has been explained with great details in the book, how the academicians and intellectuals became a tool of Russia and communist propaganda while discarding our own ethos and philosophy of an ancient civilization is a painstaking read.
Kuldip Nayar Short and informative interview on the events that happened during the death of Shastriji and how the Indian Ambassador followed up with Kuldip Nayar for issuing a statement in clearing out his name from the controversy of Shastri’s death confirmed the belief of the writer that Shahstriji was killed.
The Climax of Book and Movie both are filled with emotions which will moist our eyes knowing that a Corrupt and selfish Govt failed to prevent and punish the people who were a cause for the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Shastri Ji was not alone to die in the manner of suspicion the deaths of Homi J Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and many more Scientists and eminent people who are working hard to make India independent w.r.t to technology and many areas where we have a dependency on the world’s powerhouses are dying or slandered and implicated with false charges in mysterious ways and our government is not able to protect them from the death or slanders.
Thanks to Author Vivek Agnihotri for taking the courage to compile the details and making this book a possibility with the personal touch by giving us a glimpse of his father’s diary who lived and saw the entire event of India’s Independence, the Wars with China, and Pakistan, death of Shastri, Emergency imposed by Indira.
I highly recommend this book to all the people of India, especially the Millennial generation, to know about India and its government which failed an Honest and Humble Prime Minister in protecting him and getting justice for his death.
Disclaimer: I had received this Book as part #1000ReviewClub from the Indic Book Club of Indic Academy.
January 31, 2021
Brilliant. A must read for millennials.
#ibc. #indicacademy
‘Who Killed Shastri?’ By Vivek Agnihotri is a brilliant book.
The book starts with with the idea that Vivekji had, of making a film about the death of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri the second Prime Minister of independent India, who died in mysterious circumstances in Tashkent.
While describing his struggle to find information, Vivekji covers the major political scenario that India had from the time of our independence. Written in a simple style, the book is very interesting. While wanting to know what happened to Shastriji in his final hours and how the government covered up his unnatural death, we get to read about what happened before and after in our country. While many parts are shocking, it also makes us sad that after years of fighting for independence by our older generations, the people who came into power misused it completely and for money and power harmed our country.
Though I was born years after Shastriji died, the first time I heard about him was when as a 10 year old, I heard a passing remark from some elders that Shastriji was killed. If common people believed that, it also meant that he remained in the collective consciousness of the people.
While watching ‘The Tashkent Files’ is a disturbing and satisfying experience, reading the book ‘Who Killed Shastri?’ gives us much more information.
Anyone who loves our country and would want a better future for our country has to read this book, to learn about how our country was compromised and to make sure that history does not get erased. It is only by understanding our history that we can make a better future for our country.
A big thank you to Vivekji for bringing this book to us. Also a thank you to Docsaab, Pallaviji and Truptiji for supporting him.
#ibc. #indicacademy
‘Who Killed Shastri?’ By Vivek Agnihotri is a brilliant book.
The book starts with with the idea that Vivekji had, of making a film about the death of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri the second Prime Minister of independent India, who died in mysterious circumstances in Tashkent.
While describing his struggle to find information, Vivekji covers the major political scenario that India had from the time of our independence. Written in a simple style, the book is very interesting. While wanting to know what happened to Shastriji in his final hours and how the government covered up his unnatural death, we get to read about what happened before and after in our country. While many parts are shocking, it also makes us sad that after years of fighting for independence by our older generations, the people who came into power misused it completely and for money and power harmed our country.
Though I was born years after Shastriji died, the first time I heard about him was when as a 10 year old, I heard a passing remark from some elders that Shastriji was killed. If common people believed that, it also meant that he remained in the collective consciousness of the people.
While watching ‘The Tashkent Files’ is a disturbing and satisfying experience, reading the book ‘Who Killed Shastri?’ gives us much more information.
Anyone who loves our country and would want a better future for our country has to read this book, to learn about how our country was compromised and to make sure that history does not get erased. It is only by understanding our history that we can make a better future for our country.
A big thank you to Vivekji for bringing this book to us. Also a thank you to Docsaab, Pallaviji and Truptiji for supporting him.
October 12, 2021
An eye opener book I must say!
For those who studied history in our school days, I must tell them that there was another great man by the name Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri who was born on the same day as of the man who's on our currency notes. Unfortunately our history subject has been so biased that we don't find much info about him in our books. All is Nehru-Gandhi focused.
Please do read this book to get some knowledge about our ex PM who got assasinated in Tashkent and you'll realise how the governments manipulate honest persons working for our nation.
For those who studied history in our school days, I must tell them that there was another great man by the name Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri who was born on the same day as of the man who's on our currency notes. Unfortunately our history subject has been so biased that we don't find much info about him in our books. All is Nehru-Gandhi focused.
Please do read this book to get some knowledge about our ex PM who got assasinated in Tashkent and you'll realise how the governments manipulate honest persons working for our nation.
November 3, 2021
The second PM of the world's largest democracy dies under mysterious circumstances in Tashkent hours after signing the Tashkent peace accord. Despite an unnatural death, the Indian government cremates him without even a postmortem, and all reports about his health and final moments missing.
The book is a precursor to the Movie and details the painstaking research it needs to dig up past that people in power have buried deep. Subversion and deceit are written over the mysterious death of Shastri.
The book is a precursor to the Movie and details the painstaking research it needs to dig up past that people in power have buried deep. Subversion and deceit are written over the mysterious death of Shastri.
December 24, 2021
Genuinely a great book. I’m a big fan of the non fiction espionage genre and this book did not disappoint in that aspect. It’s an easy and quick read, great for people interested in contemporary Indian political history, and well referenced. Vivek tries to connect with you, and this book gives you insight into Indian public opinion and culture from the 40’s up until the 80’s. The last few chapters are a bit stretched out, but nothing worth dropping the book for.
January 22, 2021
The book feels like reading a nail-biting mystery novel even though it's not a novel. A strongly recommended book for everyone whether you are an avid book reader, history lover, nationalist or even a genuine critic. The books let's you experience several variations of emotions...
May 4, 2022
हमारे देश के सबसे बड़े रहस्यों में से एक। पुस्तक में शास्त्री जी की मृत्यु के पीछे कई कारणों को समझाने का प्रयास किया गया है। पुस्तक आंखें खोलने वाली है और बहुत से निष्कर्ष तक ले जाती है।
March 16, 2022
the depth of research gone in making this film is mind-boggling. hopefully at least there is some spark left in audience even after years. the truth cannot come out on the death of our 2nd prime minister, as all evidences were systematically cleaned off. miracles should happen. Like Subhash Chandra Bise Lal Bahadur Shastri will live in the minds of Indians till a very long time.
May 4, 2022
पुस्तक में सभी सही सामग्री, रहस्य, इतिहास, मानव व्यवहार, राजनीति है और इसका दिल सही जगह पर है। हमारे देश के गुमनाम नायक को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि! जय शास्त्रीजी!
July 10, 2022
A great book and a must-read book by Vivek that questions and explains the mystery around the death of Shastri in this book.
May 27, 2022
It served all that I expected from it and more! Most of the Investigation/Research novels feels inhumane to read, but this one right here makes you feel as if you were right there in the same room with all these magnificent officers you can feel their teripidation and anxiety through Vivek Agnihotri's words. Lastly I ought to add that this book is a must read for all those who wish to pursue a career in politics or as an analyst/advisor or international relations!
May 21, 2022
I had seen the movie #The Tashkent Files and had loved it. But reading this book was altogether a different experience- one that makes you understand the painstakingly magnanimous research done by the entire team. Vivekji is an excellent filmmaker no doubt, but after reading this book, I feel he is as brilliant an author too!! This book answers so many questions of the social political scene in India that has been since the independence and so much relevant to the events occurring even today. Its a must read for every Indian and specially the youth. A sincere thank you to him and his team!!
February 23, 2023
Plot: Vivek Agnihotri reveals his research from trying to solve the mystery surrounding the death of the late Indian Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, in this book. The events that took place during his trip to Tashkent to sign a peace treaty with Pakistan in the presence of Alexei Kosygin, the premier of the USSR, are detailed in the book.
The ninth Directorate of the KGB interrogated and detained people for Shastri ji's strange death, including his cook, as there were widespread suspicions at the time that he had been poisoned.
The situation in India was completely different. Although the death of the Indian Prime Minister was suspicious, there was no postmortem. We have yet to solve the enigma surrounding his murder; was he poisoned or killed by the CIA, KGB, or someone else?
The ninth Directorate of the KGB interrogated and detained people for Shastri ji's strange death, including his cook, as there were widespread suspicions at the time that he had been poisoned.
The situation in India was completely different. Although the death of the Indian Prime Minister was suspicious, there was no postmortem. We have yet to solve the enigma surrounding his murder; was he poisoned or killed by the CIA, KGB, or someone else?
October 28, 2020
If you have read Urban Naxals by the same author, You will notice the evolution of the writing style with eloquent descriptions such as:
"When I had first met Docsaab, he was a skinny young man with unkempt hair, dirty stubble, sunken cheeks, unironed shirt and dirty shoes, If one had to cast for an undernourished man, who hasn't taken any protein in years and who survives on 2 packets of Maggi per day, he would have been a perfect match"
"The post office had a lazy vibe and there was an expression 'we are not relevant anymore' on every postman's wrinkled face"
“Who Killed Shastri?” explores various aspects surrounding the mysterious death of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent, USSR. The author has catalogued in-depth instances from the primary sources providing clarifications for the gaps referred to by the lawmakers however, many questions still remain unanswered.
The book is not a comprehensive study like Anuj Dhar’s “Your Prime Minister is Dead” but rather an augmentation of the 2019 movie "The Tashkent Files" directed by the author himself.
Capered with “12 Angry Men” style treatment of the subject matter, “Who Killed Shastri?” is socio-political non-fiction which almost reads like a spy thriller and more dramatic than the movie itself.
In neatly arranged short to medium-sized chapters, there is a myriad of information and opinion on subjects that concern the modern Indian state. The strategically-placed, wisdom-laden entries from the diary of Vivek Agnihotri Ji's late father gracefully complement the content of the chapters.
There are snippets from modern history with a focus on the psyche of Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. At times it becomes hurtful to flip pages. The readers will undoubtedly be infuriated and desolated at the apathy of the Indian Government's reaction towards their PM’s mysterious death.
So much has been already written about Shastriji’s mysterious death in the form of books, articles and essays, so what makes this one different from any other?
Written with intense passion the exposition originates from the personal experiences of the author and serves as an earnest inquiry into the sustainability of the world today. It also serves as an interesting case study for budding entrepreneurs while also directing the reader to grow personally and spiritually.
There is no doubt that “Who Killed Shastri?” will become relevant with time and will serve as a stepping stone for someone venturing into this topic.
The wow-factor of the book lies in the fact that it incites contemplations and possibly figures out how to change the reader’s viewpoint on issues which torment our lives and nation.
"When I had first met Docsaab, he was a skinny young man with unkempt hair, dirty stubble, sunken cheeks, unironed shirt and dirty shoes, If one had to cast for an undernourished man, who hasn't taken any protein in years and who survives on 2 packets of Maggi per day, he would have been a perfect match"
"The post office had a lazy vibe and there was an expression 'we are not relevant anymore' on every postman's wrinkled face"
“Who Killed Shastri?” explores various aspects surrounding the mysterious death of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent, USSR. The author has catalogued in-depth instances from the primary sources providing clarifications for the gaps referred to by the lawmakers however, many questions still remain unanswered.
The book is not a comprehensive study like Anuj Dhar’s “Your Prime Minister is Dead” but rather an augmentation of the 2019 movie "The Tashkent Files" directed by the author himself.
Capered with “12 Angry Men” style treatment of the subject matter, “Who Killed Shastri?” is socio-political non-fiction which almost reads like a spy thriller and more dramatic than the movie itself.
In neatly arranged short to medium-sized chapters, there is a myriad of information and opinion on subjects that concern the modern Indian state. The strategically-placed, wisdom-laden entries from the diary of Vivek Agnihotri Ji's late father gracefully complement the content of the chapters.
There are snippets from modern history with a focus on the psyche of Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. At times it becomes hurtful to flip pages. The readers will undoubtedly be infuriated and desolated at the apathy of the Indian Government's reaction towards their PM’s mysterious death.
So much has been already written about Shastriji’s mysterious death in the form of books, articles and essays, so what makes this one different from any other?
Written with intense passion the exposition originates from the personal experiences of the author and serves as an earnest inquiry into the sustainability of the world today. It also serves as an interesting case study for budding entrepreneurs while also directing the reader to grow personally and spiritually.
There is no doubt that “Who Killed Shastri?” will become relevant with time and will serve as a stepping stone for someone venturing into this topic.
The wow-factor of the book lies in the fact that it incites contemplations and possibly figures out how to change the reader’s viewpoint on issues which torment our lives and nation.
September 5, 2022
Was bored in the first half
Started getting interesting after about 60%
I would say that the book is more about Vivek's journey in making the film than about Shastri's death. It also has some philosophical bits scattered in between which seem a bit strange at first but I started to like them after some time. Even the idea of interweaving excerpts from his father's diary was very nice.
Started getting interesting after about 60%
I would say that the book is more about Vivek's journey in making the film than about Shastri's death. It also has some philosophical bits scattered in between which seem a bit strange at first but I started to like them after some time. Even the idea of interweaving excerpts from his father's diary was very nice.
June 2, 2023
Got to page 133/288 and decided the writing was too poor to continue.
Within 15 pages I detected a childish approach to this writing and was amused.
After a few more sessions the humor wore off and I bailed out.
This is a stupid book that has NOTHING to say about Shastri.
Save your money and time.
Within 15 pages I detected a childish approach to this writing and was amused.
After a few more sessions the humor wore off and I bailed out.
This is a stupid book that has NOTHING to say about Shastri.
Save your money and time.
January 24, 2024
The book is kind of a rabbit hole which examines the post-independence era of India.
The flow in which the details are organised is remarkable. The book should have toned down on the internal/personal conflict.
The flow in which the details are organised is remarkable. The book should have toned down on the internal/personal conflict.
January 16, 2023
One of the best!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews