Summary
Dr. Nandita Rai is a celebrated gynecologist, revered for her work in promoting women’s rights. However, when accusations of sex-selective abortions at her clinic surface, her reputation is put under the microscope. As the police investigation intensifies, it uncovers a disturbing connection between Dr. Rai and the city's elite, raising the question: Is Dr. Rai a champion of girl power or a cold-blooded murderer?
Deepanjana Pal in her book Hush a Bye Baby ( the title is inspired from a lullaby of similar name) brings out a story of abortions, police procedures and how abortions are carried over in Mumbai. The case baffles the police for lack of a motive and the accused being a high profile member of the society.
Dr Nandita Rai is the gynecologist for the celebrities and rich people. She is on television and radio every week talking about women empowerment and issues. She is from South Mumbai and a proud feminist. Every woman wants her to be their doctor. Until the Mumbai Police raid her Hope Clinic when they get complaints that she does sex selective abortions from the Health Ministry. Is the celebrity doctor aborting female fetuses? If yes, then why?
If she is, then the police team headed by Inspector Hadpude of CAW wing, need to build a watertight case. Dr Rai's husband, a construction magnate has friends in high places, including the Police Commissioner who is his golf buddy. Her patients refuse to co-operate and her paperwork provides them with no answers. The case seems to be going nowhere until Sub-inspector Reshma Gabuji begins to investigate Dr Rai 's secret online presence and uncovers a vigilante setting which is manipulative and ruthless. Reshma’s character is well fleshed out as an ambitious woman establishing her identity beyond her family name.
About the Author
Deepanjana Pal is a journalist and critic with experience in writing about culture, gender and society. She has worked at Time Out Mumbai and Firstpost, and was the managing editor of Newslaundry. Her writing has appeared in magazines such as Wallpaper*, Caravan, India Today and Vogue. She also blogs, tweets and Instagrams, but has admitted defeat to decoding Snapchat (even though its filters are way more fun). Deepanjana 's first book was a critically acclaimed biography of Raja Ravi Varma titled The Painter. She is also the author of A Book for Puchku, a children 's book.
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Juggernaut
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2018
Pages: 264
Price: 350
Quote Unquote
*"The fight for women's rights doesn't end at the clinic doors; it starts there. But what if the protector becomes the predator?"
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