The recent publication of “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities” serves as a crucial examination of the ongoing issues surrounding policing and violence in India. Edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, this informative book tackles these questions and many others. It looks deeply at the context of policing, following its colonial roots and focusing on current day realities. Published by Speaking Tiger, this monumental book runs over 368 pages and retails for ₹799.
The book’s focus couldn’t be more timely, after years of the most egregious and tragic examples of hate and intolerance have made headlines. Specifically, the high-profile custodial deaths of Jayaraj and his son Bennicks, from Tamil Nadu, in June 2020. Both gentlemen had recently been arrested for violating Covid-19 restrictions before their tragic, untimely deaths. These tragedies ignited national outrage and exposed systemic misogyny in India’s law enforcement.
Another major case the book covers is that of Faizan, who died in police custody during protests in February 2020. His death came just after creating a storm of protests against the CAA. The High Court subsequently described it as a “gross violation of human rights” and characterized it as a hate crime. These unfortunate situations have reiterated the importance and acute need for reform in policing practices. That’s why so many advocates are pressing for strong, swift reforms that guarantee accountability and justice.
Policing and Violence in India not only looks at these present day manifestations of violence, but at how colonial legacies remain relevant in informing today’s policing strategies. To that end, editors Heath and Lokaneeta seek to provide readers with a rich examination of how past practices have created the present landscape. All of their work is part of a deeper conversation that’s happening right now regarding justice and human rights.
The book comes out at a critical time, as people across India increasingly demand transparency in law enforcement agencies. The public demand for reform has never been more robust. Community members are left to wrestle with the consequences of these well publicized, controversial cases. The lessons shared in this new publication could not be more timely.