India's Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery

by Anirban Bhattacharya

From the creator-producer of Savdhaan India , the producer of Crime Patrol , and the bestselling author of The Deadly India's Most Notorious Serial Killers, comes the true story behind one of India's biggest and most sensational bank heists

31st December 2007. New Year's Eve. A sleepy town in Kerala called Chelembra finds itself in the national headlines for India's biggest bank heist to the tune of a whopping Rs 8 crore which included 80 kg of gold.
A crime that was supposedly inspired by a Bollywood blockbuster, this is the sensational story of that heist seen from both sides of the coin-the planning and execution by the mastermind criminals, and the difficult, yet thrilling, investigation by the Kerala police team led by P. Vijayan.
Constructed from extensive first-person interviews of the police team that solved the crime and the confession details of the criminals, this is the true story of how India's biggest bank heist was executed and the cat-and-mouse game that ensued.

Genres: Nonfiction, Thriller, Indian Literature

347 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Mujeeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

2007 December 30ന് ലോകം പുതുവർഷത്തെ വരവേൽക്കാനൊരുങ്ങവേ  മലപ്പുറത്തെ അത്രയൊന്നും അറിയപ്പെടാത്ത ചേലേമ്പ്ര എന്ന കുഞ്ഞു പട്ടണം ഇന്ത്യ അന്നോളം കണ്ടിട്ടുള്ള ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ബാങ്കുകൊള്ളയ്ക്ക് സാക്ഷ്യം വഹിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു.2008ലെ പുതുവർഷം ചേലേമ്പ്രയേയും കൊള്ളയ്ക്ക് വിധേയമായ കേരളാ ഗ്രാമീൺ ബാങ്കിനേയും ഇന്ത്യയൊട്ടുക്കും ചർച്ചാവിഷയമാക്കി. 2014ലെ പഞ്ചാബ് നാഷണൽ ബാങ്ക് കൊള്ള (100 കോടി) സംഭവിക്കുന്നത് വരെ ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ബാങ്കുകൊള്ളയായിരുന്നു നമ്മുടെ കൊച്ചുകേരളത്തിലെ ചേലേമ്പ്ര കൊള്ള. സ്വർണ്ണവും പണവുമടക്കം വെറും 8 കോടി രൂപ (2007 ലെ 8 കോടി എന്നോർക്കണം).  ഇത്രയും വലിയ കൊള്ള നടത്തുന്നത് വൻ സൗകര്യങ്ങളുമായി ഒരു പറ്റം പ്രൊഫഷണൽ ടീമാകുമെന്നാണ് നമ്മൾ കരുതും. സിനിമയിലൊക്കെ അങ്ങനെയാണല്ലോ. പക്ഷേ ഇവിടെ അതൊന്നുമല്ല സംഭവിച്ചത്. പക്ഷേ ഒന്നുണ്ട് മോഷണത്തിന് പ്രചോദമായത് ഒരു സിനിമയാണ് " ധൂം."  നമ്മളൊക്കെ നായകന്റെ പെരുപ്പിച്ച മസിലിലും നായികയുടെ അംഗലാവണ്യത്തിനും കണ്ണുനട്ടിരിക്കേ ഒരാൾ  സിനിമ തുറന്നിട്ട മറ്റൊരു സാധ്യതയിലേക്ക് ശ്രദ്ധ പതിപ്പിച്ചു. കോയി നഹീ  ഹേ കമരേ മേം എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് ഒരു സുന്ദരി നിറഞ്ഞാടിയപ്പോൾ ആരുമില്ലാത്ത ഒരു മുറിയേക്കുറിച്ചുതന്നെയാണ് തിയേറ്ററിന്റെ ഇരുട്ടിലയാളും സങ്കൽപ്പിച്ചു കൊണ്ടിരുന്നത്.

'ഒരു ബാങ്കിന്റെ സ്ട്രോങ്ങ്റൂം'.



ആ മനുഷ്യന്റെ കൗശലത്തിന്റേയും കൂർമ്മബുദ്ധിയുടേയും ആസൂത്രണമികവിന്റേയും കഥയാണ് അനിർഭൻ ഭട്ടാചാര്യ എഴുതിയ India's money heist' എന്ന പുസ്തകം പറയുന്നത്. അപ്പോൾ നിങ്ങൾക്കു തോന്നാം ഇതപ്പൊ വില്ലന്റെ കഥയാണോ നിങ്ങളുടെ ഹീറോ തോറ്റുപോയോ എന്ന്?? കഥ ഇനിയാണ് ആരംഭിക്കുന്നത്. വലിയ സാങ്കേതിക പരിജ്ഞാനമോ കിടയറ്റ ടീമോ ഒന്നുമില്ലാതെ പരിമിതമായ സൗകര്യങ്ങൾ കൊണ്ട് വൻ കവർച്ച നടത്തി മിടുക്കനായ അയാളെ നിരന്തര അദ്ധ്വാനത്തിലൂടെ , ക്ഷമയോടെ ലീഡുകൾ പിന്തുടർന്നും പരാജയപ്പെട്ടും വീണ്ടും ശ്രമിച്ചും കുറ്റവാളികളെ കീഴ്പ്പെടുത്തിയ ടീമിന്റെ കഥയാണിത്‌. നായക സ്ഥാനത്തേക്കവർ വരികയാണ്. Kerala Police. The real kerala crime files begins......



അത്യന്തം നാടകീയമായാണ് പുസ്തകം എഴുതപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. കവർച്ചയുടെ കഥയും കുറ്റവാളികളെ തേടിപ്പിടിക്കുന്ന കഥയുമൊക്കെ വളരെ ത്രില്ലടിച്ച് വായിക്കാം. അന്വേഷണത്തിനു നേതൃത്വം നൽകിയ പി വിജയൻ IPS ന്റെ  ജീവിതത്തിലൂടെ ആരംഭിക്കുന്ന പുസ്തകം കവർച്ചയുടെ സൂത്രധാരന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്കും ശേഷം കവർച്ചയിലേക്കും കടക്കുന്നു. അന്വേഷണത്തിന്റെ വിവിധ ഘട്ടങ്ങളുടെ വിവരണം ലളിതവും വിശദവുമായി പറയുന്നതിനാൽ നമ്മളും അന്വേഷണ സംഘത്തോടൊപ്പം ചേരുന്നു. പിന്നെ കവർച്ചയുടെ രാത്രികളിലേക്ക് പുസ്തകം കൊണ്ടുപോകുന്നു. കവർച്ചയിലുൾപ്പെട്ട നാൽവർ സംഘത്തിന്റെ കണ്ടുമുട്ടൽ, കവർച്ചയിലേക്കെത്തുന്നത്, വിദഗ്ദ്ധമായി കവർച്ച നടത്തുന്നത് ഒക്കെ പുസ്തകത്തിലുണ്ട്. നാലുപേരാണ് സംഘത്തിലുള്ളതെങ്കിലും ശരിക്കും ഒരൊറ്റയാൾ പ്രകടനമാണീ കവർച്ച. അപാരമായ ധൈര്യവും ആത്മവിശ്വാസവും ആസൂത്രണവും നേതൃപാടവവും തെളിവുകളവേശിഷിപ്പിക്കാതെ കൃത്യമായോരോന്ന് ചെയ്യാനുള്ള കഴിവും അയാളെ വ്യത്യസ്തനാക്കുന്നു. ഒരു ബാങ്കു കൊള്ളയുടെ നടുവിൽ പുറത്തുപോയി തട്ടുകടേന്ന് ഭക്ഷണമൊക്കെ കഴിച്ച് തിരിച്ചുവന്ന് അയത്നലളിതമായി " ഇനി ബാക്കി ചെയ്യാം" എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് മോഷ്ടിക്കാൻ ചില്ലര ആത്മവിശ്വാസം പോരല്ലോ!!!



കള്ളനെ പ്രകീർത്തിക്കുകയല്ല, മറിച്ച് ഇത്രേം മിടുക്കനായ ഒരാളെ കീഴടക്കാൻ ഇതിനപ്പുറം പ്രയത്നം ഇടേണ്ടിവരും എന്നു സാന്ദർഭികമായി സൂചിപ്പിച്ചതാണ്.  സിനിമകളിലേപ്പോലെ പൊടുന്നനേ കിട്ടുന്ന സൂചനയിൽനിന്നും കുറ്റവാളിയെ പുഷ്പം പോലെ പൊക്കുന്ന നായകൻ ഇതിലില്ല. പി വിജയന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലുള്ള ഒരു ടീമിന്റെ അക്ഷീണപരിശ്രമത്തിന്റെ ഫലമാണ് കുറ്റവാളികളെ കുടുക്കുന്നത്. അതിബുദ്ധിമാനായ കള്ളൻ അറിയാതെ ചെയ്തുപോകുന്ന ഒരൊറ്റ പിഴവ്(മറ്റേ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കയ്യൊപ്പ് സാധനം).അതിനെ പിന്തുടർന്ന് പലവട്ടം പരാജയപ്പെട്ട് ഒടുവിൽ അയാളിലേക്കെത്തുന്ന കഥ. രണ്ടുലക്ഷം ഫോൺ കോൾ ഡേറ്റയിൽ പരതി ഒരൊറ്റ നമ്പർ കണ്ടെത്തുന്ന ഒരു ഘട്ടമുണ്ട്. എത്രമാത്രം ക്ഷമയും അദ്ധ്വാനവുമായിരിക്കും അന്നുണ്ടായിട്ടുണ്ടാവുക??മൊബൈൽ ടവറു നോക്കിയാൽ എളുപ്പമല്ലേ എന്ന് ഞാനും ചിന്തിച്ചു. അത്ര നിസാരമല്ല കാര്യങ്ങളെന്ന് ചില ചിത്രങ്ങൾ സഹിതമാണ് പുസ്തകം വിവരിക്കുന്നത്. 


പുസ്തകം അവസാനത്തോടടുക്കുമ്പോൾ, മുഖ്യ സൂത്രധാരനെ അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്യാനുള്ള തയാറെടുപ്പുകൾ വിവരിക്കുന്നത് നമ്മുടേയും നെഞ്ചിടിപ്പേറ്റും. നാടകീയതയുടെ പാരമ്യത്തിലേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുപോകും(ശരിക്കും ഇങ്ങനെ തന്നെയായിരുന്നോ അതോ എഴുത്തുകാരനൊരു പഞ്ചിന് കൈയീന്നിട്ടതാണോന്നറിയില്ല, എന്തായാലും സംഗതി രസമുണ്ട്).


പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ ഉപസംഹാരമാണ് ശരിക്കും ട്വിസ്റ്റ്. കൊള്ളയ്ക്കു മുന്നേതന്നെ, അഥവാ പിടിക്കപ്പെട്ടാൽ എത്രവർഷം അകത്തു കിടക്കണം, എത്ര മാസം പരോൾ കിട്ടും , അതു കിഴിച്ചിട്ട് മൊത്തമെത്ര നാൾ അഴിയെണ്ണണം എന്നുവരെ ഹൃദിസ്ഥമാക്കിയ(പഠിച്ച കള്ളൻ!!) നമ്മുടെ (പ്രതി)നായകൻ പിന്നീടെന്തു ചെയ്തു എന്നതാണ് രസം. അതറിയാൻ പുസ്തകം വായിക്കൂ


പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ പരിസരം കേരളമായതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ നിരവധി മലയാളം വാക്കുകൾ(തെറിയുൾപ്പെടെ) ഇതിൽ സമൃദ്ധമായുണ്ട്. ഒരു മലയാളി സിനിമാസ്വാദകൻ ഇതിന്റെ രചനയുടെ പിന്നണിയിലുണ്ട് എന്ന് വ്യക്തമാണ്. നിരവധിയിടങ്ങളിൽ സിനിമാസംഭാഷണങ്ങൾ കടന്നുവരുന്നുണ്ട്. നന്നായി ഗവേഷണം ചെയ്യപ്പെട്ടെഴുതിയ ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിലെ കല്ലുകടി മലയാള പഴഞ്ചൊല്ലുകളുടേയും ശൈലികളുടേയും വിവർത്തനം പദാനുപദമാണ്, അതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ ശോകമാണ്. മലയാളപഴഞ്ചൊല്ലുകളുടെ സമാനാർത്ഥമുള്ള ഇംഗ്ളീഷ് ചൊല്ലുകളുണ്ടെന്നിരിക്കേ വായിച്ചാൽ ചിരിവരുന്നതരം വിവർത്തനങ്ങളൊഴിവാക്കാമായിരുന്നു.


2022ൽ പെൻഗ്വിൻ പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ച ഈ പുസ്തകം മലയാളത്തിൽ ഇറങ്ങിയിരുന്നേൽ എന്നാശിക്കുന്നു. ദേശീയതലത്തിൽ ശ്രദ്ധനേടിയ കവർച്ചയായതിനാലാകാം ഈ പുസ്തകം ഇംഗ്ളീഷിലിറങ്ങിയതെന്നു കരുതുന്നു.  ഉടൻ സിനിമയാകും എന്നും പറയുന്നുണ്ട്. മലയാളത്തിലായിരുന്നേൽ ഈ പുസ്തകം കേരളത്തിൽ നന്നായി വിറ്റുപോയേനെ എന്നുകരുതുന്നു; ലളിതമായ ഇംഗ്ളീഷിലാണ് പുസ്തകമെങ്കിലും.


മോഷണശേഷം ഉടനെ അതുവിറ്റ് പുട്ടടിച്ച് പോലീസിന്റെ വലയിലാകാതിരിക്കാൻ ബുദ്ധിപരമായി, കാത്തിരുന്ന്, ഒന്നുമറിയാത്ത പാവങ്ങളുടെ പേരിൽ കാറും അന്യസംസ്ഥാനത്ത് ഫ്ളാറ്റും വാങ്ങിയ  പ്രതിനായകന്റെ ദീർഘദർശിത്വമൊക്കെ കണ്ട് ആവേശം കേറി ആരും നാളെ കവർച്ച നടത്താൻ പദ്ധതിയിടരുത്. വില കൊടുക്കേണ്ടിവരും, വലിയ വില😌😌

[CK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written like a movie script, maybe it was meant to be.
The author has paced and narrated the incidents (with appropriate notations) very beautifully. Loved it. 300+ pages just flew!

Ps: screen adaptation is coming soon ( just noticed this on the back cover)!! So maybe a movie. Hope it’s a Malayalam one!

[Sitharaam Jayakumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three points I would like to mention which compel me to give a straight five for this book.

1. Absolutely thorough research. It can be seen that the author has spoken to all the police officers involved in solving this crime. He has also gone through all the police records which tell us how the police planned every move of theirs in order to trap the criminals.

2. The author has dealt with the robbery from both sides of the coin. On one hand he describes the police's moves and how they plan and act. On the other hand he gives us a look into how the antagonists planned the robbery from the planning stage to the execution and then the aftermath.

3. Instead of treating the crime and its detection like an intellectual exercise on the basis of police records, transcripts and court records, he has described it to the reader like a story. And he has done that very accurately. This style makes the book eminently readable and entertaining.

[Amit Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched, fast-paced, and thrilling read. The narration is smooth and easy to follow, with events explained clearly and in detail, making the story very engaging. It keeps you hooked right till the last page. The character of Babu is especially memorable and stays with you long after finishing the book. What stands out is how the author delves into the psychology of the people behind the crime, adding depth to the story. Exceptional storytelling, it almost feels like you’re watching the heist unfold in front of your eyes.

[Narayanan S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, a non-fiction that's like a crime thriller covering an ingenious heist. The author uses a lot of local Malayalam slang despite being a Bengali. This is nice

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sameer Gudhate Presents the Book Review of India’s Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery by Anirban Bhattacharyya

When you think of crime stories, your mind might immediately drift to gritty fictional thrillers or TV shows where detectives solve cases with cinematic flair. But India’s Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery by Anirban Bhattacharyya occupies a fascinating space that is both rooted in reality and as riveting as fiction. Its genre is true crime, a category that celebrates fact-based storytelling while keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and yet it does so in a manner that feels intimate, personal, and immersive.

True crime, at its core, is the art of narrating real-life criminal events, blending factual reporting with narrative techniques that draw readers into the story. What Bhattacharyya accomplishes here is a masterclass in that craft. He doesn’t just retell the robbery of Chelembra’s bank on 31st December 2007; he reconstructs it in a way that makes you feel the tension, the stakes, and the human emotions intertwined with each step of the crime and its investigation. This duality—the meticulous planning by the criminal mastermind and the strategic pursuit by the police—anchors the book squarely in the true crime genre while giving it a cinematic thrill that could easily be mistaken for fiction.

Unlike conventional crime reporting or academic case studies, this book employs narrative techniques characteristic of crime thrillers, including tension-building, cliffhangers at chapter ends, and vivid character sketches. Yet, every detail is firmly grounded in reality. Extensive interviews with police officers, first-person confessions from the criminals, and deep dives into police records give the story authenticity and weight. This careful balance between research-backed facts and narrative flair is precisely what elevates it beyond a simple recounting of events, positioning it as a hybrid between non-fiction, investigative journalism, and suspenseful thriller.

The genre is also defined by its perspective, and Bhattacharyya’s approach is particularly notable. He explores both sides of the law—the mastermind Babu’s meticulous, audacious planning and the Kerala police team’s strategic, patient efforts to track him down. This dual-perspective storytelling is a hallmark of sophisticated true crime writing. It allows readers not only to witness the mechanics of a high-stakes bank robbery but also to delve into human psychology, understanding motivations, fears, and moral dilemmas. In this sense, the book transcends mere criminal recounting and becomes a study of character, ethics, and the delicate balance between risk and reward.

Additionally, the book exhibits qualities of crime non-fiction with a thriller edge. The pacing is deliberate, with Bhattacharyya ensuring moments of tension are punctuated by humanizing details—a nervous glance, a calculated risk, the thrill of pursuit. These narrative choices align the work with suspense and thriller genres, but the grounding in real events keeps it unmistakably true crime. Readers are not simply following a plot invented for entertainment; they are engaging with the lived experiences of both the law enforcers and the criminals involved.

What makes India’s Money Heist even more compelling within its genre is its cultural specificity. Set in Kerala, it subtly incorporates local dialects, customs, and societal context, which adds a layer of authenticity that is often missing in generic crime narratives. This rooting in real-life geography and society is another hallmark of true crime: it’s not just about what happened but also where, how, and why it happened in a particular time and place. For readers, this creates a sensory, immersive experience—almost like visiting the town of Chelembra itself, hearing the local sounds, and feeling the charged energy of a community rocked by a spectacular crime.

Furthermore, the book’s genre thrives on meticulous research and fact-checking, and Bhattacharyya’s dedication to these elements is evident on every page. The careful recounting of police procedures, the step-by-step planning of the heist, and the unraveling of the investigation are what make the work credible. True crime demands rigor, and the author’s commitment to accuracy ensures that readers can trust the narrative even as they are swept up in the suspense.

In essence, India’s Money Heist exemplifies the best of true crime while flirting seamlessly with the edge-of-the-seat excitement of a thriller. It satisfies readers who crave authentic crime stories, those who delight in psychological and strategic insights, and even those who appreciate the dramatic tension of well-crafted fiction. The book’s genre is thus not merely a label; it’s a multi-layered experience—a blend of factual storytelling, psychological exploration, suspense, and cultural texture that makes it irresistible.

For anyone curious about real-life criminal minds, law enforcement strategy, or the anatomy of a high-stakes heist, this book is a shining example of true crime done right. It is immersive, meticulously researched, and emotionally resonant, offering insights into human ambition, risk, and morality. Anirban Bhattacharyya has not only recounted a spectacular robbery but has crafted a work that will remain a reference point in Indian true crime literature, a must-read for anyone who loves to see the dance between law and audacity played out in vivid, real-life detail.

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[Sushil Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bring out the popcorn 🍿

The author has taken us through the crazy journey from both the perspectives. From the perpetrators of this heist and also the investigating teams which I felt was the cherry on the cake as it wasn't a history class !
Another thing I appreciated was the dialogues in the original language and also the translations in brackets. Now for the things that had areas of improvement. 1. The vocabulary and word choice was very amateurish. 2. The premise was a potboiler story but the treatment in the book was similar as opposed to more exposure to the MO of the perpetrators... How the investigators got into their heads and understood their way of thinking... Was there a criminal profiler who helped... Handwriting analysis.. the reader was already aware of the crime as it had already got infamous. The nuances of the pressure which the top bosses sheildes from the investigating team. But all in all it was an okay read and of course would recommend this book for any one interested in true crime genre. Peace ✌️

[Aparna Salvi Salvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better late than never. That cliche dialogue saves me from not having written the review of this thrilling book.

Babu has robbed a rural bank and IGP Vijayan and his super-efficient team are behind him. That's it? No.

This is an account of the true events of the country's biggest money heist, the Chelembra Bank Robbery. The chase, the digging for the truth, the fall on various occasions and the final encounter, all captivate the reader's attention from the first go. The research is in-depth with the character graphs of each personality not long but crisp. There are many characters, in fact, heroes and villains if I can call them. Their names sounded similar to me as I'm not well versed in Malayam names or culture. But the author has taken sufficient care to attach a peculiar nuance to each character and repeat it a few times so that one gets very well acquainted with the person.

Another striking peculiarity of this book is the dialogue. Now, here, the author seems to have taken the creative liberty to keep boredom at bay. Some of you might not like it as they have a Bollywood punch to it. But I enjoyed them thoroughly as I'm a dedicated bhakt of Indian cinema. Knowing the author as a great scriptwriter from the telly industry, you can expect a good amount of entertainment from this book without distortion of facts.

Emotion bhi hai, fight sequence bhi hai but minus the irritating nach gana.

What I loved most about the book is the portrayal of the stressful lives of our police force. Behind the scenes, they are the fathers, the husbands and the friends beneath the Vardi(uniform). How do these roles become secondary to them once the call of duty summons them?
Sharing an excerpt here,

He went into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face. He started at his reflection in the filthy, fly-blown mirror. The lavatory reeked of ammonia, indicative of the dehydration of his team.


The depiction of human psychology more importantly the way criminology unfolds and turns your neighbour next door into a gangster, caught my attention very early in the book. The story is told in two halves-one from the perspective of the super cop Vijayan and the other from the angle of the gangster Babu. The writing is so fluid and engrossing that at a point I was rooting for Babu and his mastermind. It is the skill of the writer that projects good and evil on an equal scale. You decide where you want to go.

One thing that interrupted my flow was the allied information shared about the Chelembra village and its people in the middle of a fast-paced sequence. But to some, it could act as a relief to their thudding hearts as to what is to happen next.

Not revealing much. I would urge you to plunge into this thriller and then, wait for its screen adaption. See you in the theatres!

[Srikkanth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enthralling Account of a Real-Life Heist

India's version of the "Money Heist" is not just a television show, but a real-life robbery that took place in the early hours of December 2007. In Malappuram District, Kerala, a group of robbers looted gold worth a staggering 9 crores (11,00,472 USD), making it one of the largest heists in Indian bank robbery history. Little did the police know that they would be chasing a ghost for days until a critical piece of evidence pops up, which helps them start tracking the criminals.

If you're a fan of true crime stories, this book will capture your attention from the start. The book reads like a novel, but it's the investigative journalism that truly sets it apart. The authors take you on a fascinating journey that delves deep into the mind of the lead investigator, Mr. Vijayan, as well as the mastermind behind the crime, Babu.

The book kicks off with the robbery and the police's frantic attempt to chase down the criminals. From there, we are taken into the world of how the police tracked clues and where those clues led them. The second part of the book dives into the story of the criminals and how they planned and executed the heist. The final part of the book brings the two events together in a thrilling final showdown.

This is not just another retelling of a heist story; it's a well-researched and thoughtfully crafted account of an unforgettable crime. The authors did a commendable job of bringing all the characters and clues to life, making the story that much more fascinating. The time taken to boil down the call records and the painstaking investigative work done by the police is explained in great detail, which can seem overwhelming at times, but that's the reality of an investigation.

It's fascinating to note that the robbers were caught due to a lack of oversight. It's not uncommon for such mistakes to happen in criminal cases, and this book showcases how even the smallest mistakes can have significant consequences. The use of the original phone from the same location as the newly bought mobile was the clue that led to their downfall.

One can't help but be amazed by the audacity of the robbers in taking up such a mission. The sheer thought of looting a small bank with the assumption that it will contain valuables is mind-boggling. It makes one wonder what would have happened if they attempted such a stunt in a larger bank.

The book is a must-read for anyone who loves true crime stories. It's not just about the loss of money, but the meticulous planning and execution of the heist that make this book a page-turner. The story is well-told, and the characters are well-developed, making it an enthralling read from start to finish. If you're a fan of heist movies like "Ocean's Eleven" or shows like "Money Heist," you won't be disappointed with this real-life account.

[Lalitha Ramanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anirban Bhattacharya’s India’s Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank robbery is a gripping, true account of one of India’s biggest money heists. It chronicles the Kerala Police’s investigation of a bank break-in that led to the disappearance of 80 Kg of gold.
In 2007, a robbery at the Gramin Bank at Chelembra, a sleepy town in Kerala, sent shockwaves throughout the country. The lockers had been broken into and the missing assets were to the tune of 8 crores. A crime of such magnitude was unheard of, and the Police headed by SP P. Vijayan was under intense pressure to crack the case.
Vijayan assembled a team of his best officers to solve this crime. A cat and mouse game ensued where the mastermind of the plot was always two steps ahead. The story is narrated from two perspectives- one of the Police and the other of Babu, the brain behind the bank break-in.
The amount of research and technical detailing is astounding. The Malayalam phrases, dialogues, and tidbits of history inserted make the reading experience immensely enjoyable. The author has hit the nail on the head with the cultural references, especially the emotional significance of gold to Malayali households.
The book features photos of the crime scene and the police team that cracked the case. It felt surreal to put a face to the name. The reader develops immense respect for the police force- they work long hours, away from their families, with only limited resources to keep crime in check.
Reading this book was like watching a full-blown potboiler. In summary, India’s Money Heist is a riveting page turner. What makes it fascinating is that this is a true incident; proving that ‘real life’ is stranger than ‘reel life’!

[Deepa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I had first heard the news about the robbery in a small cooperative bank in Malappuram I was shocked and surprised. A loot of almost Rs. 8 Crore was certainly huge and the technique and methods used by the thief was absolutely filmy style (dhoom inspired itseems) so this was definitely huge. The subsequent investigation by the Police head Vijayan and his team were all reported and yes weren’t we all happy when the Robber was nabbed by them. Little did I know the story didn’t end there!
When I heard that the Chelembra bank robbery is made into a book by one Anirban Bhattacharya and the book release was done by our own Lalaten (Mohanlal), I decided to get the book. Managed to buy the book this time from the airport while returning from India and finished reading it in one sitting!
Only few writers can make a non fiction book into a fiction type reading experience and this author is certainly along the lines of Hussain Zaydi in my opinion.
This book not only contains the intricacies of the robbery and the investigation, it also contains the views and thought process of the robber as well. The gut instincts of the police, the manipulative mind of the robber, the explanation of certain police methods, the use of the local language Malayalam in some places- all of this was very nicely done.
I really felt as if I was reading a crime thriller and although I knew the robber had been caught and all in real– towards the last pages of the book the thrill was awesome...
Absolutely fit to be a series or movie (of which rumor's are already doing the rounds)

[Appu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kerala police have a reputation for solving tough cases super quickly. The Chelembra bank heist investigation is definitely one of their proudest achievements. This book tells the story of the crime and how the police cracked it in a thrilling and detailed way. But what’s interesting is that despite being underfunded, understaffed, and under-equipped, the Kerala police are so successful.

It all comes down to social capital. Kerala has a very egalitarian and friendly social culture, and this has seeped into its police force as well. So, an officer of the rank of SP can view a constable as a colleague and can work closely with him. The rigidities and social distance associated with bureaucracy disappear. If you read the book closely, you’ll see that SP Vijayan, who led the investigation team, worked more like a football team captain than a higher-ranking police officer. His deep understanding of the police force allowed him to identify the right talent, easily mix with the team members, and be willing to get down to the field.

It was an officer in the rank of SI, by name Anwar, who really cracked the case by carefully analysing mobile call data. But it was SP Vijayan’s leadership that motivated even the constable-level officers to give their all.

[Rishabh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best true crime books that I have read. the writing is very fluid and the descriptions are very visual - it is like watching a Netflix or Amazon series while reading. The nuances of the criminals, the language, the ethos, and milieu of Kerala are very detailed and brilliant. One gets transported to the scene of the crime. What I loved is the way the author pits the supervillain against the super cop - they are like two sides of the same coin - destined to meet. The suspense is awesome as I could not put down the book... and finished it in eight hours straight. The book is gripping and the masterful storytelling is what makes this a must read book. Even the master of true crime writing of India Hussain Zaidi has praised the book- and deservedly so. You can pick up this book and read it - you will not regret it. I am beginning to really like this author. This is his second true crime book. The first one was The Deadly Dozen India's Most Notorious Serial Killers which was AWESOME as well!

[Aarati Dutt Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent true crime book. It is a feast for true crime aficionados. An upright and dedicated cop pitted against a criminal mastermind is a story we may have read many times. But this beats them all. Set in a small town, ordinary thieves get together to rob a small bank. It turns out to be the country's biggest heist at that time. The dogged persistence of the Kerala Police led by P. Vijayan, SP, and the dedication of his entire team plus the engineers of the mobile telecom companies is to be read to be believed. We share their elation and their disappointments as they rush to catch the mastermind Babu and his gang. What is a surprise is that the author has thoughtfully woven in interesting bits of information and history to make our reading fun and engaging. It is as if we are there all along with the police team, cheering and egging them on as they rush to catch the mastermind. The book is a fun ride, it can be read breathlessly or savoured slowly.

[Priya Gole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author’s second book in my kitty and he doesn’t disappoint.

Chelembra, a small town in Kerala was caught in the eye of a storm when it became the hotspot of India’s largest bank heist. 80 kg of gold and cash amounting to about 8 crores INR were stolen in what seemed to be a perfect crime. However, the commendable efforts of the Kerala Police under the able leadership of P. Vijayan thwarted the criminal intents and not only recovered the loot but also strengthened the belief that crime never pays.

The salient features of the book are:

impeccable research where the author worked at the grassroots to gain first-hand information about the investigation process and what transpired.
The author has taken us on a journey from both ends, the mastermind’s mind and the Inspector in charge making this nothing short of a movie playing.
A sensational thriller to the core, this is a must-read.

[Gayathiri Rajendran · Rating 4 out of 5]

India’s Money Heist:The Chelembra Bank Robbery is a well-researched true crime account of one of the most daring bank heists ever. The book talks about the very meticulously planned robbery which took place in Chelembra in December 2007 where a group of criminals stole almost 8 crores of money along with 80 kilograms of gold.

The author reconstructs the events from the POVs of the policemen as well as the criminals. The narrative style blends facts along with detailed perspectives regarding the motivations. The cinematic way of storytelling works well here with the heist as the main subject. Extensive research adds a layer of authenticity as the author dives into the strategies used and the persistent investigation conducted by the policemen led by SP P.Vijayan which ultimately led to the capture of the criminals.

The writing is quite engaging and keeps us hooked which feels like reading a thriller more than a true crime account. Some parts of the book felt dramatised a bit but it could be easily overlooked. Overall,this was a fascinating account of how a very well executed heist was unravelled and the perfect crime does not exist.

An entertaining read!

[Sharmishtha Shenoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completed this in two seatings, because it is such an interesting read. This is an extremely well-researched, edge-of-the-seat thriller. The criminals have been characterized well, their psychology has been well understood and detailed in the book. The author has taken pains to interact with the police and understand the investigative procedures used. This is an unputdownable story and can be easily turned into an interesting movie. The writing style of the author is so good that I felt that I was watching a movie. Kudos to the author Anirban Bhattacharyya!

[Jitto Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

India's Money Heist: The Chelambra Bank Robbery is about the robbery in a small cooperative bank in a small town named Chelambra. It takes us throught the minds of the robbers and investigative officers throughout the heist and the later incidents and their arrest.
It is a fairly well written book, except that the author gives out too much details and explanations, underestimating the intelligence of the readers. Everything is over explained which kind of kills the mood and the suspense. Nonetheless, it is a worthy read and mystery lovers will definitely connect with this book.

[Sachin PK · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book seems to be more of a sensationalised event of the whole crime. The author did seem to have interviewed the police officials, or mostly the then Supdt. of Police but then too much 'masala' (spices) have been added to make this look like a movie script. The over emphasis and glorifying the practises of one religion also seems to pull down the overall interest in reading the book. The press reports during the days after the crime was always more matter of fact. Collating such reports may actually give a much more interesting story than what is mentioned in the book.

[Sonia Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have completed this book within a week but my wedding preparation interrupted my reading days. How is this book? Too good! I hope this book will turn into a movie soon and I really hope The complete star Mohanlal will take the lead role as P. Vijayan Puthiyottil 😬
Once a again @author_anirban given the best after his previous book The deadly Dozen: India’s most Notorious Serial Killers. Looking forward more books like this 🫣 Highly recommended to those who love crimes investigating/real life crimes.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expect an unputdownable thriller that will capture the reader's mind.
Expect a story that has interesting and well-researched characters.
Expect a book that flashes before your eyes for its engaging narration.

Complete review is up here:
https://issuu.com/storizen/docs/stori...

[Arun Philips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indian true crime from the state of Kerala - how a gang of thieves inspired by a Bollywood movie plot broke into the stronghold of a cooperative bank, India’s biggest Money Heist at the time. Would’ve probably been caught earlier if the police had better data analytics

[Yash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete roller coaster, just the part of thieve's perspective in the middle is ( I think) a bit elongated. Not saying its completely unnecessary, but, it can be shorter by 25 %. Otherwise, an awesome story.

[Pooja Balakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing.. feels like an indian "Money heist" (lol literally the name)series. I wish babu had used his brilliant brain to do something good than theft. But it was a well planned and executed murder. Thanks anirban for bringing this to us readers.

[Sumit Varma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable! Riveting true account of a cat & mouse chase.

[Smita Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any true crime story needs to be well-researched to believe it happened. This book does it with finesse and is unputdownable till the last page. Bravo!

[Mohit Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

[Syed Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a treat to read about real Money Heist.

Beautiful writing which will engage you till the last page..

Feeling good after finishing it...

[Amal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like the writing style, especially some dialogues that are written as a straight translation of the Malayalam dialogues.

[Mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A top notch real life Bank heist investigation. A page turmer in simple English. A must read.