A new book titled “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities” delves into the intricate relationship between policing, violence, and colonialism in India. This balanced study, edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, is the perfect companion. It harnesses the collective expertise of many authors, who all bring a fresh perspective to this truly important issue.
The book of 368 pages is priced at ₹799. It hopes to open a window into how the shadows of these legacies still loom over Indian police forces today and inform policing as we know it. The editors, Heath and Lokaneeta, bring their expertise to the topic, offering insights into how colonial legacies persist in contemporary law enforcement methods.
The importance of this conversation is further emphasized by the deadly events we’ve seen in recent years. In June 2020, police in Tamil Nadu arrested Jayaraj and his son Bennicks for violating Covid-19 restrictions. Tragically, both men died while in custody shortly after their arrest. Their deaths ignited massive outrage and protest and exposed the systemic nature of the disease inside the policing apparatus. The public outcry that erupted after this incident has sparked demands for reform in the way law enforcement operates in India.
The book draws important attention to one particular case – that of Faizan. He was sadly killed in police custody amid the protests against India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in February 2020. It noted Faizan’s killing a gross violation of human rights and termed it a hate crime. Along with other recent cases, these instances emphasize the ongoing impacts of violence rooted in colonial legacies. They highlight the moral imperative to fundamentally rethink how we police.
The authors of Policing and Violence in India make it clear how colonial legacies persist in shaping the actions of law enforcement today. They argue that the historical context is essential in understanding current policing practices, which often perpetuate violence rather than ensure justice. By interrogating these themes, the book hopes readers will be able to better engage in meaningful conversations about where reform is most urgently required in Indian policing.
The editors’ dedication to tackling these challenging questions is felt on every page of the book. The report’s racial equity analysis dives deep into the ways that historical discrimination has produced present-day disparities. We hope that this exploration provokes thought and discussion about India’s policing landscape.