Subhechcha Ganguly 
Rohan Kirit Panwala is a criminal lawyer for the past 18 years. The book “Theory of Suspicion” is authored by Rohan Kirit Panwala and his father. Rohan likes to write Urdu shayari and screenplay for films. His short film “Joy will come “ was selected for the Kolkata International Film Festival. Let us know more about him in this Exclusive interview with Interview Times.
Q1) Every author has a start of their journey . Tell us how your journey in writing started.
Ans : Frankly, I am a screenplay writer first and a poet next. I never intended to write a novel before writing a full length feature film but my father had this amazing plot for a novel and had written a draft. However, I being educated in English medium and also more conversant with the contemporary style of mystery writing, I was onboard. I have spent an entire life reading mysteries and legal thrillers and I am very comfortable in the genre. Discussing the plot, making the investigative process interesting and plugging loopholes with my father was tiring but rewarding.
Q2) How did you decide the name for the book “Theory of Suspicion?” Also attach the link for purchase of the book
Ans : The name is given by my father. It is relevant because the entire premise revolves around how a Judge comes up with a theory that mere suspicion is enough to convict a person, challenging the notion of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. And how that theory seeps into his personal life and mayhem follows.
One can buy the book from Amazon, Flipkart or the website of Notion Press.
Q3) Writing a book has its own challenges. Are there any challenges that you and your father faced while writing the book ?
Ans : Oh I can list a whole bundle of challenges. But frankly, any creative process has its challenges and rewards. My father and I are both very busy lawyers so time constraint and syncing schedules was probably the top challenge. Covid-19, with all its challenges, also came as a boon as far as time was concerned and we did a lot of work then. Another major challenge was to arrive at the same page with the plot and flow aspects of the book as my father and I are very different persons with different style and thought process. However, we respected each other’s view and found common ground each time and we are very happy with the product.
Q4) Tell us a bit about the plot of the book that you have written.
Ans : The blurb of the book explains it well. It goes like this. In the twilight of his career, Judge Raj Deshmukh formulates a groundbreaking idea—the Theory of Suspicion—challenging the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. At Surat, his final station before retirement, he puts his theory into action with unwavering conviction. But when suspicion seeps into his own life, the consequences prove catastrophic.
Meanwhile, in the picturesque town of Lonavala, the influential Deshmukh family reigns supreme. With a sprawling business empire and deep-rooted political connections, they are the true power brokers of the region. However, shadows cast doubt over their opulent existence when the patriarch, LB, is found murdered at a party he supposedly did not attend. The family is thrust into a vortex of suspicion and treachery.
Amidst the chaos, veteran lawyer Abhinav Bhardwaj assumes an unfamiliar role as a relentless investigator, determined to unravel the sinister web surrounding Judge Deshmukh’s family and the subsequent murders that ensue. With each revelation, Bhardwaj peels back layers of deception, exposing hidden agendas and shocking truths, ultimately leading to a climactic showdown.
Q5) A lot of youngsters want to start writing but do not have the confidence to do so. What would be your tips to motivate them ?
Ans : There can be tips for writing but not for motivation. It is a calling. But all I can say id that write regularly. I read somewhere that the way to write well is to write badly and then fix it. Most people keep percolating in their heads and sit down to write only when the find clarity. That is a mistake. Write everything that comes to mind and the bang it into shape. I may take 3 drafts or 30, but it will be done.
Q6)Your profession and writing is quite distinct. How do you manage time for your hobbies and writing ?
Ans : Law is my job and writing is my passion. Both are in a way complimentary and supplementary at the same time. Our profession gives us a vast amount of experience and insight about human beings and their fallacies, and why they do what they do and how. And when you give is flavor and put it down on paper adding your own fictional imagination, it creates a magical combination of thrill and relativity.
