Beyond The Tigers- Tracking Rajiv Gandhi's Assassination

About the Book Rajiv Gandhi's assassination remains the most mysterious political murder in the history of independent India. Was it the handiwork of a group of fall guys who executed the conspiracy without knowing who their general was? It seems to be the case.

It is not just the LTTE which did it. Of course, the LTTE was involved. But there were forces beyond the Tigers.

A jet-setting tantric, a clique of unscrupulous politicians hand in glove with international arm dealers and terrorists, obliging foreign secret agencies and above all an overly ambitious late Sri Lankan president R Premadasa-theses could have an important bearing on Rajiv's slaying.

"Beyond the Tigers" seeks to probe these questions and makes out a strong case for the government to order fresh police investigations into the dark areas of Rajiv's assassination.

"It should not matter which political party Rajiv Gandhi belonged to. It is the question of salvaging the Indian honour which has been mauled by foreign forces on Indian soil," says Rajeev Sharma.

About the Author The author is a New Delhi-based independent journalist, columnist and strategic analyst. He is in journalism since early 1982. Including this one, he has so far published seven books. He is the only journalist in the country to have attended and reported every single hearing of two Inquiry Commissions into the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case - the Verma Commission and the Jain Commission. He has also kept a close track of SIT investigations on day-to-day basis for years.

Foreword

On May my family, doing really nothing. The telephone we the terrible news. How could anyone it, we thought. First Indira Gandhi, now Rajiv in country with an over-riding ethos of non-violence. country that gave to the Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka Gandhi.

was then the Director (CBI) and it did take me long to realise that enough, would be summoned and asked to take the investigation the case. sadly, the case, as it forthwith become for investigating agency. I called one of my officers fixed meeting senior CBI officers in my office somewhat early morning. As was getting ready on the morning 22, Naresh Chandra, the cabinet secretary, called the RAX.

"You will take over the investigation", without emotion. "Yes meeting my officers to work the mechanics of investigation."

"Good," the others also. And do come with whatever may be requirements."

newspapers see anyone had been caught, there had been instant kind of breakthrough. in the course of our training that case really beyond detection, however heinous, however perfect.

Preface "Why this book ?", several people asked me mid-1996 when had completed nearly ninety per cent There are several reasons. Never before had such prominent world figure assassinated unconventional manner. Never before had 'whodunit' of dimensions stared people in face when they read newspapers for weeks after the Everyday sensational were being reported about assassination and the assassins. Many found difficult believe that gang assasins could so easily infiltrate into the country from across the land carry out such audacious.

For the first time, not one but two inquiry commissions probed different aspects the assassination-one headed a sitting Supreme Court judge security lapses another presided by retired Chief Justice of Delhi High Court conspiracy aspects. There were occasions when the investigations and both inquiry commissions generated simultaneously. nation was glued the Rajiv assassination.

was baffled developments, the rounds and amazingly high of sophistication shown by conspirators. Unconvinced by the version, started collecting Rajiv's assassination. took pride the was among very reporters the country have covered every single hearing the Verma commission and the commission. This came in handy. Apart throwing up valuable information by way of depositions, arguments, affidavits applications, the two commissions provided brilliant opportunities get access to usually officials and interact them 'off-the-record'.

**Contents and Sample Pages**