The Gateway by Hariharan Balagopal Sheds Light on Crime Against Senior Citizens

/ -- With an introduction by Arun Govil of Ramayana fame, and foreword by acclaimed investigator Kunwar Vikram Singh, who is also a former Chairman of the World Association of Detectives, the storyline of 'The Gateway' by Hariharan Balagopal is gripping and thought provoking. The book saw its release recently by Justice K.G.Balakrishnan, former CJI, with a few advance copies presented to distinguished guests. There are indications that the book will soon be made into a film for greater reach and impact on the subject, and is being taken up by Arun Govil for production. In its present form, the paperback version of the book is available at Amazon and all other leading book stores.

The book, opening with three brutal murders, steers away from the usual route of thriller and mystery. Employing an unconventional take on the same genres, it combines a good cause of safety and rehabilitation of senior citizens with a gripping and nail-biting storyline, and outlines the need for a concerted effort to fight crime against the old and the aged.

While much needed focus and attention is being extended to the security and safety of women and children in the country, one of the most vulnerable sections of the society, that of senior citizens, continues to be neglected. The headlines of murders of senior citizens in their own homes are often disturbing and shocking at the first instance, but are soon relegated to the background amidst the noise of more sensational news and stories. Sadly, crimes against senior citizens are not discussed with the same levels of alacrity and enthusiasm as crime against women in public places and molestation of children in their schools. When did one hear of candle light marches or social-media campaigns seeking justice for an old couple murdered in cold blood? Or is the rape of a sixty-five-year-old woman so gory and revolting that it can only grab headlines for one day for the sake of sensational news, but never to be followed up thereafter?
About Hariharan Balagopal