Let Me Say It Now

People often aspire to be at the right place at the right time and Rakesh Maria was that one lucky cop. He was in all the major incidents of Mumbai, be it 1994 blast or 26/11 attacks.After reading this book I watched 'Scoop by Hansal Mehta' and the way it presented the character of Ramesh Malick (aka Rakesh Maria), I doubt my respect for this "super cop".Regarding the book I would say it packs thrills of a non-fiction, but it bores at certain parts.There are unnecessary details about all good that Rakesh Maria did.But is it all good only? Why didn't Maria talk about the journalist Jigna Vora?This question is valid as this book claims itself as a memoir.

This book is a captivating narration of the life of a cop who's been at the forefront of the events which shook the nation and changed the course of modern history of India.It is also a small but significant glimpse into the lives of hard working policemen and their experience of working in a challenging environment of mafia, terrorism and politics.

OK, I have read the book 90% but I just could not wait for penning in my review. So, "Let me say it Now" :-)This book is less of an autobiography and more of a thriller book with multiple "real life" stories and all of them narrated in a very lucid style.What I liked best :1. The 1993 blasts and the 26/11 terror strikes' narration takes the cake. It is a ring side view of these two huge tragic events of India (or world) directly from the "hero" himself. The detailing on how the events unfolded and how Maria Sir navigated the various situations is really remarkable.2. Maria Sir ensured that he gave enough credit to his peers, his team members and many of his colleagues in all of the narratives. He also added couple of chapters on investigations which was conducted by someone else and he has given him due credit. Only a true leader is capable of doing this. In the 26/11 narration he also gave credit to a few unsung heroes who risked everything but contributed to the collective effort of neutralizing the terrorists.3. The author also highlights some of the failures of himself and his officers very candidly. If it was an escape of a prisoner or a botched up investigation, he takes full responsibility and explains the failures and the learnings from it.4. He addresses every police personnel involved with their respective rank and title. Its a huge thing for any person in uniform. It is too bad that Indian Police personnel do not retain their official titles after retirement like Army personnel does. For any police officer their rank and title represents something and I am glad that Maria Sir mentions it in every statement.5. In a few places we get to see the human side of a police officer, although says little about his family, but there is just enough to show his important role as a son, father, husband and brother. At the most these are kept as a background narrative.What I didn't like :1. No offence!! But the cover page could have been something else. When the portrait of Maria Sir looks at you from the bookshelf, you can't help but feel you are being watched by Police :-)2. The narration on 26/11 events could have been a bit sequential which would have made it a bit more thrilling. Instead Maria sir started with how he was victimized and then goes on to narrate his position. So, I kind of felt that the narration was to defend his position from accusations that was leveled against him in the beginning.Apart from these, there are few things that needs to be read between the lines. Maria Sir did not elaborate on some issues that happened with him especially on his transfers and promotions. He does mention it on and off but tries not to write too much about it. It appears that some of these were due to politics played at higher levels of the police system and the government. Maria Sir was careful not to reveal these in detail which shows his high level of maturity and professionalism.It is a great book from a true leader.Thank you Maria Sir for sharing your life with us.Update : Completed the whole book today. I must say that he got the short end of the stick in the Sheena Bora case and you would feel sorry for him. Maria sir has clearly explained his position and I believe him. Unfortunately, I did not see any media review of this book covering this part.Truth is that "media trial" has become endemic and govt institutions have not matured enough to deal with it.

I picked this book in the times of lockdown. It is indeed a long time. I am habitual to read on kindle paperwhite. I was going through several titles and was looking in the biographical section which keeps me intrigued. I first read a book named “Black Warrant”, we ll come on that later. On this read, amazon recommended a few more books and then I choose “Let Me Say It Now”. The title was catchy, it denotes if someone wanted to tell something for a very long time but because of some invisible fetters which only a dutiful government servant understands, Rakesh Maria, the famed Mumbai top cop was not able to tell. He could not disclose things to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.Why should you read this book? Well, you should read this book as it is an honest account of someone who took responsibility and tried to be the best in his field. To be the best in a country, which loves its mediocrity, in a country which proudly declares inside their households, “Shivaji was great, but he should not be from my home.”I am one, who is a part of the three departments of any country which makes the backbone of generations: education, healthcare, and safety. I totally agree with Mr. Rakesh Maria when he insists to choose a team on the basis of merit, not on the extent of gray hair and their cast. In 35 engaging chapters, I saw the forefront workers who bear the big but thankless responsibility. He had an illustrious career, but even he did not get his due in the end. A country where policeman faces the threat of public out lash, get poorly paid and mocked in the motion cinemas and print media, this memoir makes you realize the cost of very freedom which remains neglected by a whole generation.I am bound to remember, a dialogue from “A Few Good Men”. You are free to disagree on it….Lieutenant J.G. Daniel Kaffe: You cant handle the truth! Son we live in a world that has walls, and those have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it you, you lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury, you have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Santiago's death while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence while grotesque and incomprehensible, to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you talk about parties; you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall! We use words like honor, code, loyalty, We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something, you use them as a punch line. I have neither the time,or the inclination, to explain myself to a man, who rises and sleep under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner, in which I provide it. I'd rather you just say 'thank you' and go on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn, what you think you are entitled to!I agree with you Rakesh sir even if someday I hear ‘Chinese whispers’………Manjul TripathiAssociate ProfessorDept. of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, ChandigarhGamma Knife RadiosurgeryFunctional Neurosurgery, Oxford University, United KingdomPost Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)Chandigarh, IndiaTwitter: @manjulneuroResearchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manjul_TripathiLinkedin: in.linkedin.com/pub/manjul-tripathi/90/a83/729/enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrVlTCDuhT2h0eOyRGiGVfw?view_as=subscriberInsta:@benevolenthippie

Having worked in Mumbai, he was a well respected senior police office of integrity.A nice book giving in detail how Mumbai police works and how he investigated/ solved important crimes and terrorist cases.

I liked the book..A vivid account of an IPS life.. Pointed narration of some historic incidents that will ever be etched on crime history of our time..Recommended strongly for interested readers.

Rajesh Maria’s memoirs of his service with the IPS is deeply personal and informative. The way the police services in Mumbai is organized and functions is one of the reasons for reading this one. Also, there are ample opportunities to dive deep into Mumbai crime, including gangs, terrorists, communal violence, and match fixing which are illustrated with both historical accounts and interesting cases. Recommended.

This is an amazing insight in the inner workings of police and also the trials and tribulations of a supercop. A must read for every mumbaikar.For me personally I had seen Mr Rakesh Maria up close once when we were in school staying at Haji Ali government quarters.His aura, personality and authority was contagious.Thank you for writing your memoirs citizens of India greatly appreciates your service.

For someone who has only heard of Mr Maria, this book presents a complete picture of him and his selfless service to the nation

What an amazing biography. Easy to read and full of interesting facts. The best book I have read so far that’s lays bare the working of the Indian police. Rakesh Maria is a truly talented police officer who often fell foul with politicians who have a single minded agenda.

This book exposes many high-profile criminal cases in Mumbai, some of which were in the national news in India for decades. A must-read for all those who want to know about how the police and law enforcement works in India.