There are but few live by managing to bridge strikingly different worlds with effortless ease—crime and golf, intelligence and introspection, authority and empathy. Dr Amar Kumar Pandey is one such rare figure.
A former Director General of Police of Karnataka, an internationally respected human rights specialist, a scholar with a Ph.D. in International Humanitarian Law from National Law School , Bangalore , an avid golfer of over three decades, and now a bestselling author. Dr Pandey has traversed his journey which is as layered and compelling as the stories he tells.Dr Pandey’s life is not defined by a single achievement, but by the seamless way in which discipline, thought, compassion, and quiet excellence have coexisted throughout his career.
The Officer Who Refused to Accept the Impossible:
For many, Dr Amar Kumar Pandey is best known as the man behind A Don’s Nemesis, the gripping real-life thriller published in December 2023. The book chronicles one of the most elusive international manhunts in Indian law enforcement history—the pursuit, arrest, and extradition of Ravi Pujari, a notorious Mumbai underworld don who evaded capture for over 26 years and posed a grave national security threat.
In 2018, Dr Pandey was serving as Chief of Intelligence, Karnataka, when he was instructed to reopen the long-pending case. Multiple state police forces and central agencies had failed to trace the fugitive. What followed was a masterclass in intelligence gathering, patience, and strategic silence.
Over six relentless months, Dr Pandey methodically tracked Ravi Pujari across continents, finally arresting him in Senegal, West Africa, in 2019.
The operation was remarkable not only for its success, but for its execution—calm, discreet, and resolute. It showcased Dr Pandey’s deep understanding of human behaviour, global crime networks, and psychological endurance. The story, now captured in A Don’s Nemesis, reads like fiction—but every detail is rooted in fact.
A Thriller That Mirrors Its Author
A Don’s Nemesis is not merely a crime narrative. It is an insider’s view into the mindset of intelligence officers, the emotional toll of prolonged pursuit, and the ethical responsibility of power. The book has drawn widespread attention for its authenticity and restraint, and is soon to be adapted into a feature film by prominent Bollywood producers and directors.
For readers eager to experience this extraordinary real-life thriller, A Don’s Nemesis is available at www.bookscentral.in, making it easily accessible to audiences seeking substance beyond sensationalism.
The Golfer Who Found Balance in Motion
Beyond the intensity of policing lies another defining chapter of Dr Pandey’s life—golf. An avid golfer for over 30 years, his association with the sport began unexpectedly in 1994 during his tenure as Superintendent of Police in Coorg.
His then DIG, the formidable Mrs Jija Harisingh, introduced him to the game during a working discussion at the Mercara Downs golf course Coorg. At the end of the round, she made it clear that the next time, he was expected to play—not just walk. The very next day, she sent him a complete golf set from Mysore. As Dr Pandey often reflects, “there was no looking back.”
Golf soon became more than a sport. It became a discipline—one that mirrored the mental composure required in policing. Wherever he was posted, he found a golf course nearby: Railway Golf Club in Hubli during his Dharwad posting, the Kirloskar Golf Course at Harihar, the Army Golf Course at Belgaum, the Mysore Golf Club, and many more. Despite demanding schedules, he consistently managed 20–30 rounds a year.
In 2006, he became a member of the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), which he fondly calls his favourite course, describing it as “a dream course.” His ‘Hole-in-One’ on the 15th hole at KGA on 27th February 2025 stands as a testament to his enduring passion and skill.
International Policing and Humanitarian Leadership
Dr Pandey’s career extended well beyond Indian borders. Selected for India’s United Nations peacekeeping missions, he served in Bosnia in 1998 as Chief of Human Rights during the aftermath of the former Republic of Yugoslavia and the Civil War which occurred there and later in Sierra Leone in 2004 as National Advisor.
These assignments placed him amid some of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. His responsibilities included facilitating the safe return of displaced persons, refugees, and war victims to their homes, while navigating ethnic tensions and post-war trauma. The experience profoundly shaped his worldview.
Even during these challenging postings, golf remained his mental refuge. In Sierra Leone, a rugged brown golf course beside the Atlantic Ocean allowed him to decompress after intense days of humanitarian work. With long sunsets, he often played 10–12 holes after work. In 2005, he won the prestigious Johnny Walker Tournament in Freetown, playing five under his handicap of 11—becoming the only Indian at the time to have his name recorded on the club’s honours board.
The Scholar Behind the Badge
The humanitarian crises Dr Pandey encountered abroad sparked a deep academic curiosity. Witnessing displacement at close quarters led him to explore refugee management beyond policy rhetoric. On returning to India, he enrolled for a PhD at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU).
His research focused on creating a social science model for refugee rehabilitation, inspired by the Zachman Framework of enterprise architecture. Though he enrolled in 2008, the pressures of senior police leadership delayed completion. He finally earned his PhD in 2015, conferred by the Chief Justice of India, who is also the Chancellor of NLSIU.
His doctoral thesis was later published by Thomson Reuters in 2020 as The Architecture of Return in Civil War, further establishing him as a thought leader in humanitarian law and refugee studies.
A Career Marked by Honour
Dr Amar Kumar Pandey’s service has been recognised with some of the highest honours in the country. He has received the President of India’s Police medal for Gallantry, President Medal for Meritorious Service, and President Medal for Distinguished Service, two United Nations Medals for Peace, the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold Medal, and the highest-ever special cash reward of ₹25 lakh for his role in capturing Ravi Pujari.
All in One
An IPS officer, international humanitarian, scholar, golfer, and author—Dr Amar Kumar Pandey represents a rare synthesis of courage and contemplation. Whether dismantling global crime networks, rebuilding war-torn communities, or finding serenity on the fairway, his life is a testament to balance, discipline, and purpose.
For readers seeking a real-life story that combines grit, intellect, and humanity, A Don’s Nemesis is an unmissable read and is available at www.bookscentral.in. And for those curious to meet the man beyond the accolades, you may well find him at the Karnataka Golf Association—where the calm of the greens mirrors a life lived with quiet distinction.
