Renowned thriller writer Ashok Bhasin has once again captivated readers with his latest novel, Gulnora. This gripping tale delves into a murky world of crime, corruption, and betrayal within the Indian customs and intelligence agencies, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences in law enforcement.
Set in the late 1990s, Gulnora follows the story of a young Uzbek woman who becomes entangled in a high-stakes smuggling operation. When intercepted at the Delhi airport with 27 bales of silk fabric, she is arrested and later released on bail. However, what seems like a routine case of smuggling quickly spirals into a web of intrigue involving bribery, sexual exploitation, and the sinister influence of foreign operatives.
The novel takes a darker turn when Ankit Tyagi, a Superintendent of Customs known for his connection to Gulnora, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. His wife, Poonam, an officer at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), claims he died of a sleeping pill overdose. But as Customs Inspector Sandeep Yadav unofficially begins investigating Ankit’s death, shocking revelations emerge.
The deeper Sandeep digs, the more unsettling the connections become—between Gulnora, Ankit’s widow Poonam, and a businessman named Prithvi, whose role remains shrouded in mystery. Was Ankit’s death truly an accident, or is there a larger conspiracy at play? As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the novel keeps readers on edge, questioning every character’s motives until the final twist.
Inspired by True Events
The novel is reportedly inspired by real-life incidents and people, with names changed to protect identities. One such figure is Olga Kozireva, an Uzbek national who became infamous for her involvement in money, massage, sex, and smuggling. Having made headlines in the past, she now stages a comeback through this novel, which is set to be released shortly.
About the Author
Ashok Bhasin, a former officer of the Customs and Central Excise Department, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in law enforcement. Having joined the department in 1976, Bhasin pursued further studies, earning an M.A. in Philosophy and an LL.B. from Delhi University. He was honored with the President of India Award in 1996 for his distinguished service.
After leaving the department the same year, Bhasin transitioned into legal practice and is currently a member of the Delhi High Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Bar Association. His deep understanding of legal proceedings and investigative techniques lends authenticity to his novels.
Gulnora marks Bhasin’s fifth novel, following his successful thrillers It Was Not Gold, Stupid Lawyer, Chapter 31, and Her Secret. Each of his books has been lauded for their intricate plots and realistic depiction of the Indian legal and enforcement systems.
With Gulnora, Bhasin once again proves his mastery of the thriller genre, delivering a novel that promises to keep readers guessing until the very last page. For those who love crime fiction interwoven with real-world intrigue, Gulnora is a must-read.
