When in search of a nonfiction/politics book, one that comes to mind would be the scam that shook a nation. Written by seasoned authors, the book is perhaps, the best one can find about the dark side of Indian politics.
It is based during the 1970s, about a real-life incident that took place in the nation’s capital, which is what makes it extremely interesting. The long silence, unusual murders of several suspects, and murky secrets, that never got to see the light of day, were some of the critical elements of the books.
The authors have done their best to get their facts, truths, and some hidden information to the public as much as possible. The Scam That Shook a Nation is an excellent narrative about one of the biggest scams to have hit India.
Even more shocking was the fact that it was done under the nose of one of the finest Prime Ministers of India, Indira Gandhi.
Highlights of the Book
This nonfiction/politics book talks about a true story of how one-midnight phone call supposedly from the PM, her secretary P.N. Haksar, and the chief cashier at the Parliament Street branch of the State Bank of India took place on 24 May 1971.
The chief cashier then handed over Rs 60 lakh to a stranger posing as the PM’s courier. This money was meant for a secret operation to be held in East Pakistan. Unfortunately, when the chief cashier approached the PMO to get the receipt, it was then he realised that he had been cheated.
The chief cashier was told that neither the PM nor Hashar had given any such instructions. The Delhi Police immediately swung into action and were able to recover the cash instantly. This was notably due to two senior policemen, who took things into their own hands and did not bow to the pressure from their seniors.
The man responsible for this scam, was a former army captain, Rustom Sohrab Nagarwala. Unfortunately, that was the end of what could have been an efficient police operation. The judiciary also for some reason, did not seem interested, and the principal investigator & the accused were found mysteriously dead.
What was the icing on the cake, was the inexplicable silence from the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The book is the first novel work on the scam, as a study in political corruption, based on police records, press reports, and depositions before the Justice Jaganmohan Reddy Commission.
It highlights the corruption, lies, and greed that gave rise to a scam of this extent. Besides, the PM herself did not respond to any question about the scam. The book weaves through a gripping narrative and also illustrates the inefficiencies that give birth due to corruption.
Besides, it was one of the most dark period during the ruling of the Congress Party with Indira Gandhi as the PM. In an otherwise, glorious example of leadership qualities, this was her Waterloo moment.
Conclusion
The book is too gripping for a political book. Since it is non-fiction, readers can be assured of the fact, that each word is based on the research that was done by the authors. They managed to interview, talk, and speak, to most of the individuals who were alive, before penning the book.
The book has the power to re-structure your subconscious if you read with conviction. This was nothing short of a tragic story that snuffed the lives of several people.