Byculla to Bangkok is a book by S. Hussain Zaidi, a veteran journalist and crime reporter, who chronicles the rise and fall of some of the most notorious gangsters of Mumbai, India. The book is a sequel to his best-selling book Dongri to Dubai, which traced the history of the Mumbai mafia from the 1940s to the 2000s. Byculla to Bangkok focuses on the lesser-known but equally ruthless and influential gangsters who operated in the areas of Byculla, Nagpada, Dongri, and Mumbai Central. The book covers the lives and crimes of Chhota Rajan, Arun Gawli, Ashwin Naik, and many others, who challenged the supremacy of Dawood Ibrahim, the most wanted don of India.
The book is divided into three parts: The first part deals with the rise of Chhota Rajan, who started as a petty criminal and became Dawood's right-hand man, before turning against him and becoming his arch-rival. The second part narrates the story of Arun Gawli, who was a mill worker turned gangster turned politician, and his gang, the BRA (Byculla Company, Rama Naik, and Arun Gawli). The third part explores the emergence of Ashwin Naik, who was a brilliant student turned underworld don, and his brother Amar Naik, who was a feared contract killer. The book also sheds light on the role of the police, politicians, and media in the underworld saga.
The book is based on extensive research and interviews with various sources, including gangsters, police officers, journalists, and eyewitnesses. The book is written in a gripping and engaging style, with vivid descriptions of the events and characters. The book also provides a socio-economic and historical context for the rise of the underworld in Mumbai. The book reveals how poverty, unemployment, communal riots, corruption, and political patronage created a fertile ground for the growth of organized crime in the city.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and dynamics of the Mumbai underworld. The book is not only a thrilling account of the gang wars and encounters that shaped the city's crime scene, but also a valuable insight into the psyche and motivations of the gangsters who ruled the streets of Mumbai.
The book is available in both print and digital formats. However, some websites claim to offer a free PDF download of the book . These websites are illegal and may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or compromise your privacy. It is advised to avoid such websites and purchase the book from authorized sources only.