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Gurugram School Murder - Leena Dhankhar - Book Review

Unveiling the Dark Truth: A Deep Dive into "The Gurugram School Murder" by Leena Dhankhar**

*"In the shadows of the truth lie the secrets we fear the most."*

The Gurugram School Murder, penned by Leena Dhankhar, is a heart-wrenching exploration of one of the most shocking crimes in recent Indian history. On 8th September 2017, the tragic discovery of a class two student’s lifeless body in the bathroom of a prestigious school in Gurugram sent shockwaves throughout the nation. 

The horror of the crime was only compounded by the chaotic and disturbing aftermath—a cover-up attempt, destruction of evidence, and the wrongful framing of an innocent bus conductor. Not only that, gross human rights violations against the poor guy. 

As the truth began to unravel, the case took an even more sinister turn with the arrest of a sixteen-year-old student, accused of the heinous act.

Leena Dhankhar, a seasoned crime journalist, uses her expertise in her first book to reconstruct the events leading up to and following the murder. Her narrative is both gripping and unsettling, as she takes the reader behind the scenes of the investigation, exposing the flaws in the system that allowed such a tragedy to be mishandled. The book raises critical questions that linger long after the last page is turned: How could the police get it so wrong? What drives a young person to commit such an atrocity? And most disturbingly, what kind of society breeds such violence? 

Dhankhar’s writing is not just an account of a crime; it’s an incisive commentary on the failings of law enforcement, the pressures of academic life, and the psychological turmoil that can push a person over the edge. Through her investigative skills she peels back the layers of the case, revealing a chilling story of deception, fear, and desperation. The book serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the dark undercurrents that can exist in even the most seemingly safe environments. It is also a reminder of mental health awareness for our children and society. Justice delayed is justice denied. I hope the guy gets justice someday. But as late it gets, the meaning of it will be diluted.

For anyone interested in true crime, The Gurugram School Murder is a relatable read. It’s a sobering account that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society and the systems meant to  protect us. It also throws light on our response as a society to such sensitive crimes. How we sometimes rush for instant justice and resolutions that truth shift farther away.

Publisher - Juggernaut 

Publishing year - 2024

Pages - 201

Genre - Non-fiction 

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