Crime Literature Fest concludes with gripping session
By Passang Dolma Baraili
Dehradun, 1 Dec: The 2nd edition of the Crime Literature Fest concluded with an electrifying session, titled CBI Confidential: Inside India’s High-Stakes Missions. Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar shared the stage with Manoj Barthwal, ex-Executive Director of ONGC, who moderated the discussion.
The session provided a rare glimpse into the CBI’s complex operations, highlighting its role in handling high-profile cases before the NIA took over terrorism investigations. Barthwal praised Kumar’s valour, telling the young audience, “You feel safe because of officers like Neeraj Kumar.”
Kumar recounted two significant cases. The first detailed the capture of Aftab Ansari, mastermind of the 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata. Ansari was extradited from Dubai in a landmark mission. The second focused on Romesh Sharma, a politically connected criminal. Chronicled in Kumar’s ‘Dial D for Don’, the case, dubbed “Devil Wears Khadi”, exposed Sharma’s empire.
The session also highlighted Kumar’s latest book, ‘Khaki Files’, offering further insights into India’s unsung police missions. The audience left inspired by the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers.
(Passang Dolma Baraili is a 2nd year student of Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication, Graphic Era Hill University)
