In a new book, the former ACP of Mumbai Police recalls how he arrested serial killer Charles Sobhraj

Shashi Raut ordered his third Thums Up – three more than he had drunk in the last 13 years. The sugar kept him alert as he waited. This was already his second evening of waiting at Goa’s famous O’Coqueiro Bar and Restaurant, located in Porvorim, just off the Mumbai-Goa highway.

Shashi’s friends sat inside the bar with their beers. O’Coqueiro’s famous chicken cafreal went wonderfully with it. They were all trying to enjoy the India–Pakistan hockey match on the TV, but their attention was routinely diverted by the boisterous wedding party in progress. Loud, merry and very Goan, the generous hosts were welcoming of anyone who wanted to join the evening’s revelry. At 11 pm, the party was just getting started.

Shashi was not interested in any of this. Sitting at the table near the entrance of the bar, he kept an eye on every car that stopped at the entrance of O’Coqueiro. Thanks to the party, there were not too many more visitors today. He briefly scanned every face; he knew he would not need to look too closely. Even though he had last seen the man he sought nearly ten years ago, he knew that he would recognise him immediately.

For the last five...

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