Yet Indian policing is under mounting scrutiny for its historical violence, deepened by the recent wave of high-profile custodial deaths. As the nation continues to face the disproportionate systemic effects of these issues, experts warn that real, urgent reform is vital. Calls for change, following tragic events, have led to this moment. One such incident was the death of Faizan in February 2020, while he was in police custody after having protested the now infamous Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
His Honour found that Faizan’s death amounted to a “gross violation of human rights”. They further designated it a hate crime. This verdict underscores the deadly impact of police violence. It highlights, once again, the urgent need to transform law enforcement practices in India. Faizan’s case points to deeper, systemic issues with policing. The shocking deaths of Jayaraj and his son Bennicks in June 2020, tragically confirm these dire concerns. They were arrested for violating Covid-19 lockdown orders. Their heartbreaking custodial deaths have ignited a rising national urgency to reform the way detainees are treated and hold police personnel accountable.
To understand the nuances of discriminatory policing in India, you have to dig deep. Dive into it through a political eye—then through a sociological eye. A look back at history shows that today’s policing infrastructure is rooted in colonial legacies, manifesting in the realities of today. These legacies persist in disproportionately shaping the way law enforcement operates in tragic, violent, and abusive ways.
A new book titled “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities,” edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, explores these critical themes. Speaking Tiger published a lavishly produced, 368-page illustrated companion volume. It provides a detailed look at the implications of our historical practices on today’s police forces. The Rethink Ag 2022 Conference book is available for ₹799. It hopes to build greater awareness of systemic problems and push for change that is needed.
Across the board, the call for dramatic change in Indian policing has never been more urgent. As civil society organizations and activists push for accountability and transparency, it is crucial for policymakers to take decisive steps towards implementing reforms. The tragic deaths of Faizan, Jayaraj and Bennicks are horrific reminders of what can happen when we continue to ignore their plight.