Prepare to be moved, enraged, and captivated by “The Stolen Necklace” penned by the seasoned journalist, Shevlin Sebastian. In this deeply personal account, Sebastian chronicles the heart-wrenching saga of VK Thajudheen, a Kannur native who was wrongfully accused of stealing a gold necklace, imprisoned, and left to endure 54 days of police harassment. Published by HarperCollins, this book uncovers the tragic story that gripped Kerala’s attention in 2018, shedding light on the victim’s perspective and unmasking the complexities surrounding the case.
The tale unfolds on a pivotal day in July 2018, only two days following Thajudheen’s daughter’s wedding. After a delightful celebration, Thajudheen and his family were met by a group of police officers outside their home. Without any prior notice, Thajudheen was accused of stealing a gold necklace and labeled a thief. This unexpected and perplexing event left Thajudheen in utter shock. Refusing to accept his unjust fate, Thajudheen pleaded for evidence to support the accusation. The police presented him with a mobile phone displaying a CCTV image of the alleged thief riding a scooter, and even Thajudheen himself couldn’t help but notice the startling resemblance. Consequently, the police arrested him, and he was thrown into a ghastly 54-day ordeal in jail.
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What makes “The Stolen Necklace” stand out is Sebastian’s unwavering dedication to presenting Thajudheen’s story exactly as it happened. He leaves no detail unexplored, creating a comprehensive narrative that fully immerses readers in the incident’s background and complex circumstances. He even covers Thajudheen’s romantic tale, his vibrant existence in Mumbai, politics in northern Kerala, as well as his encounters in Doha. Sebastian skillfully intertwines his conversations with Thajudheen, allowing the story to unfold with authenticity and depth.
Through his simple yet powerful storytelling, Sebastian effectively puts readers in Thajudheen’s shoes, exposing the raw emotions and hardships he endured during his nightmarish experience. As I turned each page, I found myself connecting with Thajudheen on a personal level, sharing in his despair, frustration, and, ultimately, his unwavering resilience. Additionally, the book sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by Thajudheen’s entire family.
While the narrative maintains its flow, seamlessly guiding us through Thajudheen’s personal journey, the book’s structure strikes a delicate balance. Sebastian effortlessly combines storytelling with factual information, keeping readers engaged and enlightened throughout.
“The Stolen Necklace” is an impactful and enthralling book that sheds light on the struggles faced by VK Thajudheen as he fought for justice. He, in many ways, represents the typical individual we come across in India, serving as a poignant reminder that anyone can face such tragic circumstances. With its captivating plot and careful attention to detail, the book prompts readers to contemplate the imperfections in our legal system and the significant harm that baseless allegations can cause to innocent individuals.
You can a grab a copy of the book here.
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