SANJEEV MATHUR.

▮ Identity sealed · POCSO §23

Author, Co-author with Ajay Lamba

New Delhi, Delhi

“Sanjeev Mathur is an experienced writer, editor, and literary agent who co-authored the book 'Gunning for the Godman: The True Story Behind Asaram Bapu's Conviction'. Mathur collaborated with IPS officer Ajay Pal Lamba to document the detailed investigation and legal challenges that led to the conviction.”

Sanjeev Mathur is a professional writer, editor, and the head of editorial services at The Book Bakers, a prominent literary agency in India. With a background in creative writing and publishing, Mathur has collaborated with various professionals, including law enforcement officers, historians, and public figures, to help document their experiences and write non-fiction books. In 2018, he began working with senior IPS officer Ajay Pal Lamba to help write a firsthand account of the investigation into Asaram Bapu.

Mathur's collaboration with Lamba resulted in the book 'Gunning for the Godman: The True Story Behind Asaram Bapu's Conviction', published by HarperCollins in 2020. Mathur was responsible for structuring the narrative, transforming police files, case diaries, and Lamba's personal memories into a compelling, fast-paced true crime account. The book detailed the gathering of evidence, the arrest in Indore, and the legal battles that took place in the Jodhpur SC/ST court.

The publication of the book was delayed by legal challenges filed by Asaram's co-accused aides, Sanchita Gupta (Shilpi) and others, who petitioned the Delhi High Court to block its release. They argued that the book's contents would prejudice their pending appeals in the High Court and damage their reputations. Mathur and Lamba, represented by HarperCollins' legal team, successfully defended the book, arguing that it was a factual account based on public court records. The court ultimately allowed the distribution of the book.

Mathur continues to work in the publishing industry in New Delhi, editing and agenting books across various genres. His work on 'Gunning for the Godman' was widely praised for its narrative quality and its detailed documentation of the criminal justice system in India. The book has served as a key source for journalists, researchers, and filmmakers analyzing the Asaram Bapu case.