About the Book

A SPY NOVEL INSPIRED BY REAL-LIFE INCIDENCES OF INDIAN COVERT OPERATIVES
The Sandesar brothers seek asylum in Albania after robbing Indian banks of US$ 700 million, setting off a dangerous chain of events.
In Albania, President Tefik Metta, colludes with Xi Wang, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, to win the next elections and stay in power.
Chairman Xi Wang has his own secret plan in motion—pushing his One Path, One Road agenda, which will soon trap half the world in China’s debt.
In this fraught geopolitical climate, the US feels increasingly threatened and President Hussain Akhmu considers sacrificing India’s friendship to safeguard his country’s interests, even as rumours fly thick and fast about the People’s Liberation Army of China’s plan to sabotage India’s nuclear programme.
With the nation under threat from inside and outside, everyone in India looks to one man—Prime Minister Damodar Das, aka The Panther—and his elite covert counter-terrorism group, The Panther’s Ghosts. Will India’s new defensive offence doctrine mitigate the nation’s threats? Will the Ghosts survive this mission? Most importantly, is it time for the Puppeteer to enter the arena?
Inspired by real-life covert operations that follow India’s new doctrine of defensive offence, The Puppeteer pays homage to the unsung heroes who live and die to keep our nation safe from terror.

About the Author

Ajit Menon—author, philanthrope, and a unique nation builder in his own right—has worked in very senior leadership roles in five different industries, before deciding to follow his passion–storytelling. He was rated amongst the ‘Top 12 inspiring writers of 2023’ by Mid-Day. Ajit and his family run an NGO called Anugraha Foundation, which funds homes for abandoned and destitute senior citizens. Ajit lives in Gurgaon with his family.

Anil Verma is a well-known lyricist, screenplay writer and ad man. His songs are blockbuster hits, and he is known for his patriotic lyrics. He travelled extensively across India to understand the authentic Indian way of life, which is now reflected in his songs and film scripts. Anil thinks in his mother tongue; hence, he prefers to express himself in Hindi. However, he has partnered with Ajit to co-author this book in English. He was recently recognised as the ‘Emerging Lyricist of the Year’ by Tycoon Global. Anil and his family live in Mumbai.