Book Review: ‘Fallen City’ by Sudeep Chakravarti

Book Title: Fallen City: A Double Murder, Political Insanity, and Delhi’s Descent from Grace
Author: Sudeep Chakravarti
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Number of Pages: 248
ISBN: 978-8119635177
Date Published: Aug. 5, 2024
Price: INR 606

Book Review

Sudeep Chakravarti’s “Fallen City: A Double Murder, Political Insanity, and Delhi’s Descent from Grace” investigates the harrowing double murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, who vanished from their peaceful Delhi neighborhood in August 1978. The siblings’ disfigured bodies were discovered days later, a brutal crime that shocked and traumatized the city and captured national attention. This meticulously researched account explores the intense manhunt and the political repercussions that followed, offering a gripping narrative of the events surrounding the tragedy.

Set against a backdrop of political unrest, the book places the Chopra murders within the broader context of Delhi’s turbulent history. The narrative reflects on the lingering effects of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency in the mid-1970s and the subsequent anti-Sikh violence of 1984. Chakravarti uses this historical turbulence to explore themes of political instability and societal fear, highlighting how such environments can exacerbate the impact of heinous crimes.

Author Sudeep Chakravarti delves into the interplay between political insanity and criminal acts, examining how authoritarian regimes and political chaos can create fertile ground for violence. The book highlights the profound societal trauma inflicted by the murders and discusses the challenges of seeking justice. Through a detailed exploration of eyewitness accounts, court records, and original interviews, Chakravarti presents a thorough analysis of the crime’s impact on both individual lives and the broader public consciousness.

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The author’s writing is both compelling and meticulously researched. His use of diverse sources, including firsthand accounts and archival materials, enriches the narrative and provides a comprehensive view of the crime and its aftermath. The engaging prose and detailed storytelling make “Fallen City” a powerful and thought-provoking read, effectively capturing the gravity of the events and their significance in Delhi’s history.

Reading “Fallen City” offers a profound and unsettling glimpse into a dark chapter of Delhi’s past. Chakravarti’s nuanced portrayal of the Chopra murders and the socio-political climate of the time provides valuable insights into the interplay of crime, politics, and societal trauma. The book’s depth and clarity make it a significant contribution to the genre, prompting reflection on both historical and contemporary issues.

“Fallen City: A Double Murder, Political Insanity, and Delhi’s Descent from Grace” is an essential read for those interested in true crime and the socio-political dynamics of India. Sudeep Chakravarti’s skillful narrative and thorough research offer a compelling and insightful examination of a chilling event and its broader implications.

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