Gandhinagar: In a remarkable recognition of police literature and Hindi writing, ‘Varchasva’, a gripping narrative authored by retired IPS officer Rajesh Kumar Pandey, has been awarded the first prize in the Rajbhasha Puruskar 2024 under the ‘Forensic Science, Police Research, Criminology and Police Administration’ category.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award during a ceremony held to mark Hindi Diwas in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on Sunday.
A Chronicle of Power and Pursuit: The STF vs. Prakash Shukla
The book ‘Varchasva’ details one of the most high-stakes police operations in India’s history — the pursuit and eventual neutralisation of dreaded gangster Prakash Shukla. Known for a string of audacious crimes in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the 1990s, Shukla rose to infamy through daylight assassinations, extortion, and kidnappings.
One of the turning points in his criminal career — and the book — is the 1998 Patna hospital shootout, in which RJD leader Brij Bihari Prasad was killed. The act shocked the political and administrative setup and hastened action against Shukla.
Read also: National Police Academy Honors HM Joshi, Last Survivor of 1948 IPS Batch, on 77th Raising Day
The Birth of STF and a Mission to Eliminate Terror
In response to rising public fear and intelligence reports suggesting even the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh was on Shukla’s hit list, then CM Kalyan Singh established the Special Task Force (STF) in 1998.
Rajesh Kumar Pandey, the author of ‘Varchasva’, was a founding member of the STF and played a pivotal role in the operations. The STF’s relentless chase culminated in an encounter in Ghaziabad in September 1998, where Shukla was killed.
Amit Shah Lauds Efforts in Promoting Hindi and Police Literature
While presenting the award, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the book’s contribution to Hindi literature and its relevance in police studies and internal security discourse. He underscored the importance of documenting law enforcement efforts to inspire future officers and maintain public trust in institutions.
About the Author: Rajesh Kumar Pandey
Rajesh Kumar Pandey is a retired IPS officer with extensive experience in law enforcement and internal security. As a core member of the original STF unit, he brings firsthand insight into one of India’s most dramatic criminal manhunts. His book not only reflects tactical details but also dives deep into the psychology of crime, criminal-politician nexus, and police strategy.
Significance of the Rajbhasha Puruskar
The Rajbhasha Puruskar, instituted by the Department of Official Language, celebrates outstanding Hindi publications in technical and administrative fields. ‘Varchasva’ winning this award underlines the growing importance of vernacular literature in specialized fields like law enforcement, criminology, and governance.
