When it all Began | Hardcover

When it all Began : The Untold Stories of the Underworld | Hardcover

Format : Hardcover
Pages : 454
Date of Release : 3 November 2025

Written by former IPS officer Rakesh Maria, When It All Began: The Untold Stories of the Underworld is a gripping exploration of the origins and evolution of Bombay’s criminal underworld. Combining historical research, insider knowledge and firsthand policing experience, the book traces the rise of organized crime in Mumbai from the 1930s onward, revealing how street-level gangs transformed into powerful criminal syndicates that shaped the city for decades.

The narrative begins with the arrival of the legendary don Karim Lala in pre-independence Bombay. Through figures such as Karim Lala, Haji Mastan and other early gang leaders, the book charts the formation of the city’s first organized criminal networks involved in smuggling, extortion and illicit trade.

Maria examines how economic hardship, migration, communal tensions and the rapidly changing urban landscape of Bombay contributed to the growth of gang culture in neighborhoods such as Dongri, Byculla, Nagpada and Agripada. Over time, these localized gangs evolved into sophisticated criminal empires with political influence, financial power and international connections.

The book also explores the violent transition from the older generation of dons to a far more ruthless era dominated by gang wars, assassinations and escalating criminal rivalries. Central to this transformation was the emergence of Dawood Ibrahim and the expansion of the infamous D-Company network, which became synonymous with organized crime and terror-linked activities in India.

Key themes explored in the book include:

The historical roots of Mumbai’s underworld
Smuggling and black-market economies in post-independence India
Gang rivalries and territorial wars
Police operations and crime investigations
Political-criminal nexus and corruption
The evolution of organized syndicates
Violence, extortion and criminal influence in Mumbai

What distinguishes the book is Rakesh Maria’s perspective as one of India’s most prominent police officers. Having led several high-profile investigations during his career, Maria brings authenticity, operational insight and firsthand understanding to the narrative. The book combines crime history with investigative detail, giving readers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how law enforcement confronted some of the country’s most dangerous criminal networks.

Fast-paced, atmospheric and deeply researched, When It All Began is ideal for readers interested in Indian crime history, policing, investigative nonfiction and the social history of Mumbai. It captures the transformation of Bombay into a city shaped not only by commerce and cinema, but also by the shadow of organized crime.

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