A new publication titled “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities” delves into the pressing issues surrounding policing in India. Edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, the book tackles 368 pages worth of topics. It is newly published in India by Speaking Tiger at ₹799. It aims to shed light on the legacy of violence in Indian policing and emphasizes the need for urgent reform.
The release of this book could not come at a more important time. India has witnessed a spate of high-profile custodial deaths that have stirred up public protests and a call for justice. The most egregious example is Faizan’s case. He sadly passed away while in police custody during protests opposing the CAA in February 2020. In its order, the High Court described Faizan’s killing as a “gross violation of human rights.” They also classified the attack as a hate crime.
In June 2020, Jayaraj and his son Bennicks Jayaraj were arrested in Tamil Nadu for allegedly violating Covid-19 curfews. More tragically still, they didn’t make it home that night. Their deaths only intensified conversations about the deeply rooted systemic misogyny and patriarchal mores in the Indian policing system. Editors Heath and Lokaneeta explore each of these events to show why action is needed now more than ever. They look at colonial pasts and present day realities that shape the landscape of policing today.
Policing and Violence in India takes political and sociological perspectives to explore these issues, providing an in-depth examination centered around the ways historical contexts – from colonialism to caste – still shape policing practices today. The book explores the history of law enforcement extending to the origins of policing. For that reason, it creates an urgent imperative to reimagine and replace the current systems that drive inequality.
This publication serves as a critical scholarly reference. It energizes advocacy, igniting essential dialogue around the reforms we require. Both of these editors are committed to shining a light on these important issues. They inspire us to remember that by learning from the past, we can create a more equitable tomorrow.