Authors: Maanas Lal and Aloke Lal
This is the third book co-authored by the father-son duo that I read and it’s by far their best work. The duo specialise in true-crime stories and the amount of research for all their stories is mind-boggling. Specially Aloke sir’s former profession as a cop provides us with the intricate details of the case studies and as laypeople, it’s easy for us to get to the bottom of it all.
In 2020, there was a homicide that occurred in a nondescript village in Kerala that shocked the nation. However, prima facsie, the case seemed like an open-and-shut case where the victim died of snakebite. But when the investigators diligently probed it, they discovered layers that revealed ghast realities that shook the hardened law enforcement officers when peeled. The victim was a mentally challenged woman living with her husband and infant son. Further probe revealed she was tortured for dowry and the husband eventually wanted to get rid of the woman without having to give back the dowry in the event of a divorce.
The victim’s parents suspected foul play when there were two instances of snake bites within a short period and the second proved fatal. It was discovered that the husband had been in constant touch with a renowned snake wrangler and had procured the snakes from the latter. While the snake wrangler gave his account of the events that transpired it became clearer that it was no accident but a premeditated murder.
However, now began the challenge in front of the prosecution; gathering evidence beyond the circumstantial ones to make a watertight case that the defence couldn’t penetrate.
The police worked round the clock to gather evidence in the absence of the ‘murder weapon’ in this case, a slithering reptile with a mind of its own!
While the rest of the book talks about the detailed investigation, what struck me was how we take for granted certain terminologies. Mainly because of the way things are portrayed in mainstream cinema! The ground reality is a complete contrast. The loopholes in the existing laws and how easily the defence can destroy the evidence are well explained and hence the importance of gathering the evidence and making it stand the trial becomes vital.
Another aspect the book talks about is the recognition of the human role in these crimes involving snakes. there is next to nothing in our educational curriculum about snakes and their habitats and manners. Snakes are often termed dangerous and are killed instantly at sight. However, the interface between man and snake is an integral part of our survival and this is a major take-home besides the landmark judgement that changed the face of the justice system. It is us who have forged our way into forbidden territories and blaming the reptile is not right.
A riveting read that takes you on a roller coaster judicial ride as well as through the murky waters of the criminal mind. A must read.
