R.A.W. Hitman: The Real Story of Agent Lima by S. Hussain Zaidi

R.A.W. Hitman by S. Hussain Zaidi

R.A.W. Hitman: The Real Story of Agent Lima by S. Hussain Zaidi is a nonfiction true-crime and intelligence narrative built around the mysterious case of Laxman “Lucky” Bisht, a former commando who became connected to one of India’s most intriguing covert-operation stories.

The book begins with a shocking event.

In September 2011, two gangsters—Raju Pargai and Amit Arya—were murdered in Uttarakhand.

Pargai had allegedly become involved in weapons smuggling and was reportedly viewed as an emerging national-security threat.

According to the book’s central narrative, an intelligence operation involving a covert assassin known as Agent Lima was linked to the effort to eliminate him.

The day after the killings, Laxman “Lucky” Bisht was arrested.

That arrest creates the central mystery of the book:

Was Lucky Bisht actually Agent Lima?

Simon & Schuster describes the book as a true-event-based account of intrigue, covert operations and questions surrounding Lucky Bisht’s arrest and imprisonment.

Laxman “Lucky” Bisht

Lucky Bisht had served in elite security roles.

The book identifies him as:

• A former NSG commando
• A security officer connected to senior Indian political figures
• A man later accused in a double-murder case
• Someone whose alleged connection to covert intelligence work became central to the controversy

The publisher’s description notes that he had served as a personal security officer for figures including L.K. Advani and Narendra Modi during Modi’s time as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Agent Lima

The identity of Agent Lima is the book’s key mystery.

Zaidi examines whether Lucky Bisht and Agent Lima were:

• The same person
• Connected through intelligence operations
• Or incorrectly linked by investigators and public speculation

The book does not function like a conventional spy novel because it is based on real events, court cases, arrests and intelligence-related claims.

At the same time, the narrative is structured with the pace of a thriller.

The Double Murder

The murders of Raju Pargai and Amit Arya triggered the investigation at the centre of the book.

Pargai had reportedly been rising through the criminal world and was associated with weapons smuggling.

Zaidi uses the case to explore the murky intersection of:

• Organized crime
• Intelligence operations
• Police investigations
• National security
• Covert action

The official publisher summary presents the killings as the event that ultimately led to Lucky Bisht’s arrest.

More Than Five Years in Prison

One of the most striking elements of the story is the length of time Bisht spent in prison.

The publisher notes that he remained incarcerated for more than five years and was moved from jail to jail while bail applications were repeatedly denied.

This creates one of the book’s larger questions:

If he was connected to government or intelligence work, why did he spend years in prison?

The book explores that contradiction rather than presenting a simple answer from the beginning.

True Crime and Intelligence

R.A.W. Hitman combines several nonfiction genres:

• True crime
• Investigative journalism
• Intelligence history
• Organized crime
• Security operations
• Biography elements

The Kerala State Central Library categorises the book under subjects including intelligence services in India, organized crime and 21st-century criminal history.

A Thriller-Like Narrative

S. Hussain Zaidi is known for presenting real criminal and underworld stories in a fast, readable style.

This book follows that pattern.

Readers can expect:

• Short, suspenseful sections
• Investigative detail
• Criminal networks
• Intelligence intrigue
• Political context
• Court and prison developments

Crossword describes the book as combining investigative detail with fast, cinematic storytelling.

Based on True Events

Simon & Schuster explicitly markets the book as being based on true events.

That is important for product classification.

This is not a fictional spy thriller.

It is nonfiction that reconstructs real events and reported allegations.

Important Evidence Note

Because the subject involves covert intelligence activity, alleged assassinations and criminal accusations, some events are necessarily presented through the author’s reporting, interviews and interpretation of available evidence.

Readers should distinguish between:

• Established public records
• Reported claims
• Intelligence allegations
• The author’s reconstruction

The book itself raises questions rather than treating every disputed point as definitively settled.

Themes

The book explores:

• Loyalty
• Secrecy
• Intelligence work
• Organized crime
• Justice
• State power
• Prison
• Identity
• National security
• Covert operations
• Truth and uncertainty

Who May Enjoy This Book?

R.A.W. Hitman may appeal to readers interested in:

• True crime
• Indian intelligence
• R&AW
• NSG operations
• Spy stories
• Organized crime
• Investigative journalism
• Crime nonfiction
• Political intrigue
• Indian security history

Readers who enjoyed Zaidi’s earlier books on Mumbai crime and the underworld may find this especially appealing.

About S. Hussain Zaidi

S. Hussain Zaidi is an Indian investigative journalist and author known for writing about organized crime, terrorism and the Mumbai underworld.

Simon & Schuster identifies him as a veteran investigative, crime and terror reporter.

His books include:

• Dongri to Dubai
• Mafia Queens of Bombay
• Byculla to Bangkok
• My Name Is Abu Salem
• Mumbai Avengers
• R.A.W. Hitman

Several of his works have been adapted into films or other screen productions.

For readers looking to buy R.A.W. Hitman by S. Hussain Zaidi in Sri Lanka, ISBN 9789392099649 is the Simon & Schuster India paperback edition used for this listing.