AUTHOR’S BIO:
Aloke Lal is a former Indian Police Service officer who has been awarded medals for meritorious and distinguished services by the President of India, rising to the top rank of Director-General of Police. As an officer, he made important contributions in dacoity-infested areas around Kanpur, and his spectacular success in dealing with the opium mafia through unorthodox methods is the subject of this book. He also served in other challenging assignments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand with high levels of success. Apart from being a writer, Aloke Lal is a well-known painter and lives in idyllic Dehradun with his wife and son, who is an artist.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
As a police officer there were some experiences which were memorable for me. My family always encouraged me to write. My wife Madhu and son Maanas always encouraged me to write about all these exciting happenings in my life. So, I can say that it was largely due to the constant egging on by Madhu and Maanas that the book took shape.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
The book is a true account of what actually happened, so there had to be authenticity of content. For this reason the need to pore into archival documents, especially the police station records and media coverage of those years, was of much value. The research related to the above aspects was demanding on time and physical effort.
Having completed the manuscript I depended on Mr Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers Literary Agency to find a publisher. It is due to his efforts that I could get a publisher of the standing of Hachette to accept my work for publication.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I have known Mr Sanjeev Mathur, one of the founders of THE BOOK BAKERS (TBB), since my young days. He asked me if I wanted to write books on my police service experiences then his literary agency, TBB, will be keen to pitch the books. My son Maanas was already in touch with Mr Suhail Mathur regarding potential writing prospects and the rest as they say is history.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?
As mentioned in my answer to the questions above, I had to just submit the MS to the Agency, and the rest was handled by the highly efficient team led by Mr Suhail Mathur. I have great respect for Mr Mathur’s enterprising attitude, and resourcefulness, at such a young age. I am so glad that TBB is handling my journey as an author.
5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
I must confess that it’s a heady feeling to be an author! That the book has been so well-received is a fact which elates me. It is an affirmation for me that it is never too late to take up a new path to creativity.
6. When can we expect your next book?
The manuscript of my next book, titled ‘The Kanpur Inferno’ which has been co-authored by Maanas Lal has been submitted to the publisher, Bloomsbury. My hope is that the book will be in the hands of readers by the end of this year.
7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
Life’s experiences are valuable. Fellow human beings can benefit from what you share about them. So, you must not bottle up, but come forth with vivid descriptions. Who knows, one day there will be thousands who will talk about what you have written? Your experiences may help others choose their paths in life !
BOOK NAME: THE BARABANKI NARCOS : BUSTING INDIA'S MOST NOTORIOUS DRUG CARTEL
PUBLISHER: HACHETTE INDIA
In 1984 - a politically charged time in northern India - Aloke Lal, a young officer, is posted to Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, as the chief of police.
In the small, backward district, known for little other than its opium production and smuggling rackets, Lal finds himself in the middle of a well-entrenched web of crime run by a dangerous drug mafia whose seemingly endless supply of black money appears to have bought out local politicians and district officials and influenced higher rungs of power.
Determined to annihilate the opium chain, Lal sets out on a path that sees him make unlikely allies and deadly enemies as he is led from the red-light districts of Lucknow to midnight highway interceptions and perilous raids that shake up the Barabanki cartel.
But do such actions against powerful criminal organizations ever come without consequences? And what political games are being played in the corridors of power even as this upright officer tries to ride the gathering storm of an enraged underworld?
The Barabanki Narcos is the thrilling true story behind the largest-ever opium bust in history - the methodical build-up to the operation, the deadly aftermath and the ensuing events that would leave a lasting impact on north Indian politics - narrated by the man who led the action at the centre of it all.
ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/9388322584/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_B3MM9TM9ZH98M157SAB3