The Front Page Murders (P)

In The Front Page Murders, Puja Changoiwala recounts the spine-chilling true story of Vijay Palande, a ruthless killer who preyed on Bollywood aspirants in Mumbai. Over 21 days in April 2012, five gruesome murders were discovered, each pointing to Palande—a man who targeted dreamers with the promise of a better life, only to lure them into a deadly trap. His method was chillingly simple: befriend his victims, assess their wealth, murder them, dismember the bodies, and dispose of the remains in the Western Ghats.

Palande, with the sophistication of Charles Sobhraj, the cold-bloodedness of serial killer Raman Raghav, and the sadistic cruelty of Jack the Ripper, captivated the nation with his horrific crimes. As the police closed in on him, a desperate manhunt ensued, involving connections to the underworld, law enforcement, and even Bollywood.

Changoiwala, who covered the story as it unfolded, provides a gripping, detailed account of this sensational case. She not only reveals the inner workings of crime reporting and police investigations but also offers startling insights into the worlds of journalism and criminal justice, making The Front Page Murders a compelling and haunting exploration of one of India’s most notorious killers.