Kannada book Paknalli Namma Dhurandhararu, authored by the former Director-General of Police D.V. Guruprasad, was released in Dharwad on Sunday.

Major Siddalingayya Hiremath (retired) released the Kannada book that speaks of the lives of some Indian spies who suffered torture, imprisonment and death in Pakistan.

“Indian spies operating in Pakistan face unimaginable risks as espionage between the two neighbouring countries is treated as a grave national security offence,” Major Hiremath said.

“Indian operatives caught in Pakistan are often branded as terrorists or saboteurs and subjected to brutal torture, long imprisonment and even death sentences. Anyone who works as a spy for India in Pakistan must be prepared to sacrifice everything, including life itself, for the nation,” he said.

He recalled the cases of Kulbhushan Jadhav and Sarabjit Singh, among others.

He said that the book speaks of the largely unrecognised lives of Indian spies like Ravindra Kaushik, Kashmir Singh, Mohanlal Bhaskar, Karamat Rahi and others.

Dr. Guruprasad said that he was inspired to write the book after watching Hindi films Dhurandhar 1 and 2.

He said that his experience as Superintendent of Police (Intelligence) and later, as chief of State Intelligence helped him gain deeper insight into covert operations and intelligence networks.

He also recalled interactions with officers from Mossad that broadened his understanding of global intelligence systems.

He said that spies not only face physical torture but also psychological trauma, loneliness and the constant fear of being exposed while living under false identities for years.

“Even after returning home, many former operatives struggle with poor health, financial hardship and a lack of recognition,” he said and dedicated the book to those unsung heroes who place national interest above everything else.