Since the tragic deaths of Jayaraj and his 31-year-old son Bennicks, custodial deaths in India, especially during the lockdown, were temporarily highlighted. The case of Faizan in February 2020 also brought this urgent issue to the forefront. Both events have sparked troubling questions related to police accountability. There’s a desperate need for reform in the Indian policing establishment.
Jayaraj and Bennicks were arrested in Tamil Nadu under charges of breaking Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Their deaths while in custody highlighted the systemic issues within law enforcement. In much the same way, Faizan was killed after being picked up during demonstrations against the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The High Court’s judgment described Faizan’s death as a “gross violation of human rights.” Within the context of these issues, they classified it as a hate crime, raising even deeper alarm about police brutality and lack of accountability.
In light of these events, the newly published book “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities,” edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, explores the historical and contemporary issues surrounding policing in India. With 368 pages, the book shows how colonial legacies continue to shape modern policing practices and highlights the urgent need for reform. At a range of ₹799, this guide is a treasure trove for students and scholars. It calls on federal and state policymakers and the public to demand more.
Custodial deaths in India are tragically common. This crisis is a painful reminder of systemic failures within institutions like the police force. It reflects a need to completely reform institutions. The cases of Jayaraj, Bennicks, and Faizan reflect a broader pattern of violence and human rights violations that require immediate attention from authorities.
Experts tell us that taking action to prioritize them is necessary for true justice for the thousands of victims. It’s key to restoring public confidence in law enforcement. Heath and Lokaneeta’s book makes that case compellingly, passionately, and urgently. It provides essential commentary on current policies and provides step-by-step guides to developing a more transparent, community-facing and accountable policing environment.