The investigative book "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" is written by which Indian journalist and author?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to contemporary Indian non fiction and investigative writing. "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" examines official investigations and narratives related to the 2002 Gujarat violence. The question asks you to identify the journalist who authored this critical and detailed study.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title is "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra".
• The subject is the legal and investigative processes around the Gujarat riots case.
• Four Indian journalists and authors are listed as options.
• Only one of these names is actually associated with this book.

Concept / Approach:
Manoj Mitta is a senior Indian journalist and legal analyst who co authored and authored several books on communal violence and justice in India. He wrote "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" to critique how investigative bodies and courts handled the facts and evidence. The other names are prominent journalists and authors too, but they have different signature works and are not linked to this particular title.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Manoj Mitta is often mentioned in connection with books on riots, legal processes and accountability in India. Step 2: Connect this memory with the book title, which focuses on fact finding and investigation. Step 3: Consider the alternatives. Rajdeep Sardesai has written on Indian elections and politics, Barkha Dutt on her experiences as a television journalist and Kuldip Nayar on politics and diplomacy. Step 4: None of these three is known as the author of "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra". Step 5: Therefore, the only correct choice is Manoj Mitta.

Verification / Alternative check:
Publisher listings and media reports about the book clearly name Manoj Mitta as the author. Reviews discussing legal issues around the Godhra case and the larger Gujarat riots also refer to him by name. There is no confusion in reputable sources about this authorship, which confirms that option A is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajdeep Sardesai wrote books such as "2014: The Election That Changed India". Barkha Dutt has authored works based on her reporting career, and Kuldip Nayar wrote widely on India foreign policy and politics. While each is a significant journalist, none is credited with the investigative work specified in the question. Selecting them would misattribute the book to the wrong journalist.

Common Pitfalls:
Because all four options are or were well known public commentators, some candidates simply pick the most familiar television personality rather than recalling the specific book title. A better approach is to categorise journalists by the issues they usually write about. Manoj Mitta should be mentally associated with legal scrutiny of communal violence and fact finding, which aligns perfectly with this book title and helps you quickly locate the correct answer in the options.

Final Answer:
Manoj Mitta