Ankush Saikia, a versatile author and keen observer of India’s socio-political fabric, has carved a distinct niche in the realm of crime fiction. Born in Tezpur, Assam, and having lived in diverse places like Madison, Wisconsin, and Shillong, Meghalaya, Saikia’s works seamlessly blend personal stories with the broader issues affecting the North East of India.
With a background in journalism and publishing, his sharp eye for detail and his ability to capture the complexities of human nature are evident in his writing. Over the years, Saikia has authored a wide range of works, including Jet City Woman (2007), Spotting Veron and Other Stories (2011), The Girl from Nongrim Hills (2013), Red River, Blue Hills (2015), Dead Meat (2015), Remember Death (2016), and More Bodies Will Fall (2018), among others.
His more recent works include The Forest Beneath the Mountains (2021), an environmental novel set along the borderlands of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and Tears of the Dragon (2023), the fourth book in the Detective Arjun Arora series.
In 2024, he self-published A Natural History of Violence, a Delhi-based crime novella, and Rough Streets, a coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Shillong. Saikia’s exploration of crime and social issues extends beyond traditional detective fiction, with each of his books challenging societal perceptions and delving into the socio-political undercurrents that shape modern India.
In this interview, Saikia shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of crime fiction in India, and how he uses storytelling to raise awareness and spark critical conversations on pressing social issues.
Q. In Rough Streets, how does the small-town environment of 1980s Shillong shape Chandan Sen’s coming-of-age journey, and how do social issues like militancy and anti-outsider sentiments influence his experiences?
A. The unique milieu of 1980s Shillong – with its fading colonial influences, distance from the mainland, and a mixed population of non-tribals and tribals – leaves a significant impact on Chandan. Initially, he feels a sense of belonging to the town, despite the discrimination he faces. The environment and growing social tensions make it difficult for him to stay, and his parents’ desire for him to leave eventually becomes a reality, marking a crucial point in his coming-of-age journey.
Q. How do themes such as militancy, coal mining, and community tensions drive the narrative of Rough Streets, and what impact do they have on the development of characters, especially Chandan?
A. These themes, although mostly in the backdrop, significantly influence the lives of the children we encounter. The impact of militancy, the coal mining industry, and the underlying community tensions shape their experiences, subtly guiding their development and perceptions of the world around them.
Q. The mystery surrounding the death of the young singer plays a key role in Rough Streets. How does it shape Chandan’s understanding of loyalty, love, and belonging, and how does it contribute to his personal growth while connecting him to larger socio-political issues?
A. The death of the young singer deeply affects Chandan, and the subsequent uncovering of the truth behind her murder plays a pivotal role in his transition from childhood to adolescence. The event not only sharpens his understanding of loyalty and love but also ties him to larger socio-political issues, forcing him to confront the realities of the world around him.
Q. What inspired you to choose crime fiction as your genre for all your novels, and how has your approach to storytelling evolved within this genre?
A. The inclusion of crime in my novels was not a deliberate choice but rather an organic development. Crime allows the writer to navigate diverse settings and narratives quickly, which otherwise might be challenging. Over time, my approach to storytelling has evolved to blend elements of crime with character-driven plots that explore deeper socio-political themes.
Q. Throughout your career, who has been your favourite writer or biggest influence, and how has their work shaped your own writing?
A. I’ve been deeply influenced by several writers, including RK Narayan, VS Naipaul, Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, John le Carre, JM Coetzee, WG Sebald, and Lawrence Osborne. Their works have taught me the value of simplicity, observation, and the complexity of human nature, all of which inform my writing.
Q. How do Indian crime fiction writers incorporate real-world socio-economic challenges, such as class disparity and corruption, into their plots to craft compelling and realistic narratives?
A. Real-world socio-economic issues such as class disparity and corruption are woven into my narratives by drawing on my surroundings and current events. By keeping a close watch on societal changes and reading extensively, I aim to reflect the realities of the world, using them to drive my plots.
Q. In your writing, how do you balance the darker aspects of crime, like violence and moral ambiguity, with character development and storytelling to keep readers engaged?
A. The darker elements of crime fiction are deeply influenced by a writer’s personal style. It is essential to present these aspects in a way that aligns with the overall tone and theme of the story. While crime fiction can be grim, the development of characters and the progression of the narrative remain central, with the darker elements serving as a way to enrich both.
Q. How does the socio-political environment and cultural context of the setting influence the crimes, characters, and ethical dilemmas explored in your books?
A. The setting is crucial in my work; it acts almost as a character in itself. I tend to write about places I know well—Shillong, Delhi, Assam, and other regions of North East India. The socio-political and cultural environment shapes the characters’ actions, ethical dilemmas, and even the very crimes that unfold, reflecting the complexities of real-world issues.
Q. How do you view crime fiction’s role in society? Can it challenge readers’ views on justice or raise awareness about social issues? If so, how do you aim to achieve that in your own work?
A. Good crime fiction can raise awareness and sensitize readers to societal issues, particularly marginal characters. In my work, I aim to provide an honest portrayal of people and places, steering away from an outsider’s perspective. I believe this approach can challenge preconceived notions and offer a deeper understanding of justice and societal issues.
Q. Looking ahead, what themes or issues do you hope to explore in your future works, and how do you see the evolution of crime fiction in India?
A. I hope to delve deeper into the hidden histories of the North East, exploring stories set in the 1950s NEFA and colonial Assam, among others. While crime fiction will remain a key aspect of my work, I aim to explore a wider range of narratives. As for the evolution of crime fiction in India, I see it moving towards more nuanced, socio-political explorations rather than just thrillers or detective stories.
