New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
The Deadly Diamond
A Rainy Morning, A Lethal Secret Unfolds
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Raktomukhi Neela (রক্তমুখী নীলা)
Originally in Bengali1936
19 pages21 min read
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About This Book
Idle hours and relentless rain leave detective Byomkesh Bakshi restless—until a cryptic piece of news shatters the monotony. When talk of released criminals surfaces, curiosity gives way to a chilling mystery that demands Byomkesh’s legendary insight. What deadly secrets lie behind the headlines, and who will be the next to fall under suspicion?
Characters
View all 9 charactersAbout the Author
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
1899–1970
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay (1899–1970) was a celebrated Bengali author, best known for his enduring contribution to Indian detective fiction. Born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bandyopadhyay was educated at Vidyasagar College and later at Patna University. He initially worked as a teacher and a scriptwriter for the Bombay film industry, but his literary pursuits remained central throughout his life. His prolific career spanned several genres including historical fiction, short stories, and plays, but he achieved lasting fame for his creation of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi. Bandyopadhyay’s works reflect a deep engagement with the social and cultural life of early- to mid-20th-century Bengal.
Places and Terms in this Book
Alipur— A locality in Calcutta (now Kolkata), known for its jail, which plays a role in the story.
Calcutta— The former name of Kolkata, a major city in India where the events of the story take place.
Charitraheen— A well-known novel by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, referenced here as being shown in cinema halls.
Dutta jewellers— Another jewellery shop in Calcutta, also burgled during the spate of thefts.
Jawaharlal Hiralal— A jeweller or jewellery shop in Calcutta, mentioned as a victim of theft.
Marwari— An Indian ethnic group, often associated with business and trade, referenced here in the context of buying diamonds.
Vocabulary
babu— A respectful term used in Bengal and other parts of India to address men, often appended to names or titles.
jailbird— A colloquial term for someone who has spent a significant amount of time in jail, often used in Indian English.
lakhs— A unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand (100,000).
matinee— A term used in India for an afternoon cinema show or performance, here used metaphorically for a dramatic event.
