My Rating - 3 out of 5 stars
Publisher - JuggernautPublishing year - 2024
Language - English
ISBN - 978-93-5345-732-7
Pages - 203
Book Review -
The Gurugram School Murder is the debut book by journalist Leena Dhankhar, based on the tragic and shocking incident that took place at Ryan International School in Gurugram on September 8, 2017. The victim, Pradyuman Thakur, a seven-year-old student in the second standard, was found brutally murdered in the school washroom during the early morning hours.
The case initially saw the arrest of Ashok Kumar, a school bus conductor, by the Haryana Police. Allegedly, this was an attempt to quickly close the case and calm public outrage. However, when the investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ashok Kumar was acquitted of all charges.
The CBI later apprehended a 16-year-old student from the same school, who allegedly committed the crime to avoid an upcoming exam. Shockingly, the investigation revealed a pattern of troubling behaviour from the accused, which had gone unaddressed by school authorities, raising serious concerns about negligence on their part.
Though the teenager initially confessed to the crime, he later retracted his statement, claiming that the confession had been coerced by the CBI. The trial is still ongoing, and justice remains pending years after the incident.
As for the book itself, while it is based on factual reporting, I found it lacking in depth. I only discovered toward the end that Leena Dhankhar is a journalist with Hindustan Times who covered the case. Unlike the works of investigative authors such as Anirudhya Mitra, Sanjay Singh, or Rakesh Trivedi, this book does not offer any unique insights, exclusive information, or behind-the-scenes details.
Much of the content is already available in the public domain, making the book feel more like an extended news report than a comprehensive investigation.
I had hoped the author would include more of her personal observations, professional insights, or previously unpublished details. That perspective could have elevated the narrative and helped readers better understand the complexities of the case, the media's role, and the challenges of India’s justice system.
This book made me reflect on the alarming way Indian media sensationalises crime scenes for television ratings, often compromising both integrity and humanity. It also raises concerns about the functioning of law enforcement and the lack of trust the public places in the police, so much so that high-profile cases are frequently handed over to the CBI. It underscores the urgent need for stronger policies to preserve crime scenes and ensure accountability.
In conclusion, The Gurugram School Murder is a readable, fact-based account of a deeply disturbing case. It may be useful for those unfamiliar with the incident, but seasoned readers of true crime or investigative journalism may find it lacking in originality and depth. Due to legal constraints, the author has changed all names in the book, in accordance with court directives.
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