{"product_id":"when-it-all-began-hardcover","title":"When it all Began | Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen it all Began : The Untold Stories of the Underworld | Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat \u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardcover \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePages \u003c\/strong\u003e: 454 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Release\u003c\/strong\u003e : 3 November 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaria 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey themes explored in the book include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical roots of Mumbai’s underworld \u003cbr\u003eSmuggling and black-market economies in post-independence India \u003cbr\u003eGang rivalries and territorial wars \u003cbr\u003ePolice operations and crime investigations \u003cbr\u003ePolitical-criminal nexus and corruption \u003cbr\u003eThe evolution of organized syndicates \u003cbr\u003eViolence, extortion and criminal influence in Mumbai\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen It All Began, Rakesh Maria books, Mumbai underworld history, Bombay mafia books, Indian organized crime, Dawood Ibrahim history, Karim Lala story, Haji Mastan books, IPS officer memoirs, true crime India, gang wars in Mumbai, crime history nonfiction, Mumbai police investigations, Booksandyou.in\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rakesh Maria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54345226682643,"sku":"BY13.3430","price":925.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/4494\/6707\/files\/WhenItAllBegan_1.webp?v=1782471416","url":"https:\/\/booksandyou.in\/products\/when-it-all-began-hardcover","provider":"Books and You","version":"1.0","type":"link"}