By : Gaurav Bhatia 
Date : 27/05/2025

In a time when history is often reduced to textbook pages or polarized debates, author and writer Natraj V Shetty dares to ask the most haunting question of modern India: Who really killed Mahatma Gandhi? His upcoming book, Fourth Bullet – Who Killed Bapu?, slated for release in July 2025, promises to reopen a chapter we thought was long closed and reframe it with sharp insight, compelling narrative, and bold historical background.
Shetty, best known for his thought-provoking political analysis and layered in-depth research on any given subject, now turns his pen toward one of India’s most emotionally charged and politically sensitive events ,  the assassination of the Father of the Nation. However, unlike conventional historical accounts, Fourth Bullet is presented as a work of historical fiction, based closely around true events, extensive research, and years of painstaking exploration into what many believe was not just a lone act of violence, but a larger, more sinister conspiracy.

The Premise: More Than Just a Bullet
The official record tells us that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, who fired three bullets at point-blank range. But Natraj Shetty’s book dares to ask: Was there a fourth bullet? If so, who fired it? And more importantly ,  why has it been erased from the pages of official history?
The book doesn’t claim to be a documentary or pure non-fiction; instead, it walks the line between fact and interpretation, using the medium of fiction to explore deeper truths often obscured by time, politics, and fear. Shetty has blended real testimonies, declassified documents, eyewitness accounts, and forensic inconsistencies with compelling storytelling to construct a narrative that reads like a political thriller , but resonates like a national soul-searching.

Years in the Making
Natraj Shetty has reportedly spent over a decade piecing together the puzzle. What began as a curiosity turned into an obsession  and ultimately a mission. He scoured archives, interviewed experts, read every available record of the trial and investigation, and even examined obscure details lost in bureaucratic files and forgotten testimonies.
This depth of effort gives Fourth Bullet its intellectual heft. But what makes it compelling is Shetty’s ability to humanize the narrative. Gandhi is not merely a martyr on a pedestal here , he is a man of ideals navigating a nation on the edge of chaos. Likewise, those around him ,  Nehru, Patel, Kripalani, Godse, Apte, Mountbatten  and several shadowy figures  are depicted not as caricatures, but complex individuals shaped by the politics and passions of their time.

A Pre-Launch for the Inner Circle
Before the public launch in July August 2025, there will be an exclusive pre-launch window for friends, family, and well-wishers within Natraj Shetty’s network to book early copies of the book. This pre-release phase is not just a marketing move; it reflects Shetty’s belief that such a significant narrative deserves to first reach those who have supported and inspired him along the way.
There’s already a growing sense of anticipation among Shetty’s followers and peers , not only because of the controversial subject matter but also due to the cinematic potential the story holds.

From Page to Screen
In a thrilling development, Fourth Bullet is also being adapted into a feature film, with Natraj Shetty himself actively involved in the screenplay and creative direction. The film promises to retain the same investigative intensity and moral complexity that defines the book, but with the added power of visual storytelling.
Given Shetty’s background as passionate writer and his unique flair for dramatic structure, the adaptation is expected to reach a far wider audience  both within India and internationally. Talks are already underway with noted production houses, and a formal announcement regarding the cast and production timeline is expected later in couple of months.

Beyond Controversy: A Call for Reflection
Fourth Bullet is not merely a speculative narrative aimed at stirring controversy. It is a serious, provocative work of literature that challenges readers to reconsider what they think they know about Indian history. It pushes us to ask difficult questions:
Was justice truly served after Gandhi’s assassination?
Were all the key players held accountable?
Why have certain documents remained classified or redacted even today?
In an era where historical revisionism is either feared or politicized, Shetty’s work stands apart. He neither sensationalizes nor sanitizes. Instead, he provokes thought and does so through the powerful lens of literary fiction inspired by truth.

Seeking Blessings from thought Leaders
In the lead-up to the launch, Shetty has reached out to several respected voices in academia, politics, and public , seeking their blessings, guidance, and critical engagement with the work.
This gesture reflects Shetty’s own humility and belief that dialogue, not dogma, should guide our interpretation of history.

Why This Book Matters
At its core, Fourth Bullet – Who Killed Bapu? is not just about Gandhi’s death , it’s about the life of a nation. It’s about the dangerous comfort of single narratives, and the need to reopen files, not to provoke unrest, but to pursue truth, accountability, and historical honesty.

As we approach the 77th anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination, perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay him is to never stop asking hard questions. Natraj Shetty’s book does exactly that and more.
Whether you’re a lover of political thrillers, a student of history, or simply someone who believes that truth should never be buried ,  this book demands your attention.

Get ready , Fourth Bullet – Who Killed Bapu ?  is coming …

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Nyayavimarsha, its editors, or publisher. The Current Affairs section is independently curated by Mr. Natraj V Shetty (natrajvshetty@gmail.com), who bears full editorial responsibility. The publisher and editorial board disclaim all liability arising from the content herein.