SUBJECT: 3.5/5
RESEARCH: 3.5/5
WRITING: 2/5
OVERALL: 2.5/5

“The clock in the courtroom ticked away as one witness after another took the stand, giving their version of the truth in a laborious and slow manner. That’s the thing about courts: they are slow, dusty, old, and very negative places. There is so much negative criminal energy in court.”

–        Anuj Tikku, The Trial of Palande

Reenter the world of Author Anuj Tikku as he unveils the newest addition to the gripping ‘Yes Sir I Killed My Dad’ trilogy. In this latest installment, readers are granted an exclusive glimpse into the final stage of Anuj’s relentless quest for justice, as he battles to avenge his father’s tragic murder.

“The Trial of Palande” is an electrifying true-crime courtroom drama that thrusts us into the very epicenter of the battle for justice. Anuj Tikku, unwavering in his pursuit of truth, makes a dramatic entrance into the bustling city of Mumbai. Here, he takes center stage as the pivotal witness in the haunting murder case of his father, Arun Kumar Tikku.

In his valiant quest for vindication, Anuj finds allies in the determined Inspector Srikant Tawde, resourceful Gitesh Kadam, and unyielding public prosecutor Ujjwal Nigam. The stage is set for an intense showdown, with Anuj standing as a beacon of hope against the dark forces that threaten to conceal the truth.

Meanwhile, on the opposing side of the legal battleground, stand the perpetrators of this chilling crime – the prime accused serial killer, Vijay Palande, and his partners-in-crime, Dhananjay Shinde, Manoj Gajkosh, and Simran Sood. The tension is palpable as these characters collide, their fates intertwined in a high-stakes struggle for justice.

In this gripping narrative, every word resonates with urgency and suspense as Anuj’s testimony becomes a cornerstone in the intricate puzzle of truth. “The Trial of Palande” immerses readers in a world where the pursuit of justice takes center stage, and the battle between right and wrong unfolds in riveting detail.

A trail of twenty-five witnesses has already paved the way, and now the spotlight shifts to Anuj Tikku, poised to step into the witness box and paint his own vivid account.

However, this path ahead won’t be a walk in the park. The author must summon the courage to revisit his haunting past, dredging up the harrowing memories of that fateful day in April 2012.

Confronting his innermost demons, he stands undaunted before his ultimate nemesis in the courtroom, locking gazes and unflinchingly unveiling the truth, bared for the world to witness.

With unwavering commitment, he dedicates his entirety to ensuring that the enigmatic case number 548 finds its rightful, just conclusion. Every fiber of his being is channeled into this mission, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of a fair resolution.

Within the pages of “The Trial of Palande,” a comprehensive chronicle unfolds, meticulously capturing the final phase of this legal odyssey. The book delves deep into Anuj’s personal encounters, navigating emotional highs and lows, all while seamlessly interweaving an exhaustive exploration of the Arun Kumar Tikku murder case.

This true-life courtroom drama stands as a testament to meticulous research, meticulously examining essential elements such as courtroom testimonies and the original accounts from witnesses who took the stand in the session’s court. Every detail is meticulously woven together, offering an unparalleled window into the relentless pursuit of justice.

Should the reader wish to know more about the case of Arun Kumar Tikku’s murder, they can check out the other books in this true crime trilogy – Yes Sir I Killed My Dad, and Hanging Palande.

In “The Trial of Palande,” Anuj masterfully begins the narrative with an inviting and familiar tone. He effortlessly draws readers in by recounting a simple yet significant moment – a phone call echoing through the halls of his home in Dehradun, beckoning him to the heart of Mumbai for the impending case proceedings.

As the story unfolds, Anuj thoughtfully shares the ins and outs of his travel preparations, from arranging transportation to booking accommodations. These everyday details offer an accessible entry point, allowing readers to connect with his journey on a personal level. Soon after, he introduces us to the central figures of the case, gradually peeling back the layers to reveal the intricate web of characters involved.

With a skilled hand, Anuj delves deeper into the heart of the matter, unraveling the nuances of the case with unwavering precision. He navigates through the maze of facts and details, guiding us through the labyrinthine twists and turns that make up this enthralling true crime narrative.

The author pens his words with remarkable candor, fearlessly confronting the uncomfortable truths surrounding the case and his own personal history. There’s no evasion of difficult subjects here, as he bravely lays bare the details, including his brushes with the shadowy world of drugs and his poignant emotional and mental battles following his father’s tragic passing.

Drawing from his life as a Bollywood actor, the author compellingly weaves a comparison between his glitzy encounters on the movie set and the weighty moments he faces within the courtroom’s hallowed walls. This juxtaposition adds a captivating layer to his narrative, painting a vivid portrait of the stark contrasts that define his journey.

“….this was not a film set or stage; this was going to be the witness box in an open court with the judge, lawyers, cops, public prosecutors, and the clerks..”

“The stakes are very high. On the movie set I could give many retakes, but in front of the judge – I had to be bang on – no mistakes, no fumbles, no show of fear or hesitance.”

He vividly portrays his courtroom battle, weaving a compelling narrative that unveils his side of the story. One after another, he recounts how adversaries swoop down like vultures, attempting to tarnish his character and undermine his credibility.

Through the lens of this gripping courtroom drama, the author skilfully immerses the reader in the intricate workings of an authentic legal battleground.

He sheds light on the meticulous preparations required, revealing how every detail must be meticulously crafted to counter the opposition’s relentless pursuit of loopholes. In this world, emotions find no foothold; only unyielding facts hold sway.

Curiously, this depiction stands in sharp contrast to the polished courtroom scenes often glamourized on screen, leaving readers astonished by the gaping divide that separates reality from fiction.

Similar to its predecessors, “The Trial of Palande” also bears writing that exudes an air of naivety and amateurism. From the outset, it becomes apparent that the book’s editing has not received meticulous attention. Numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and proofreading are evident, ultimately diminishing the overall reading experience to a significant degree.

You can buy your copy of The Trial of Palande using the link below.