A new book titled “Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities” explores the complex issues surrounding policing and violence in India. This 368-page volume edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta and published by Speaking Tiger engages in some of the most pressing topics, tackling them through political and sociological contexts. The price of the book is ₹799. It seeks to inspire action directly by emphasizing the pressing need for reform in Indian law enforcement.
The book does a good job illuminating major events that have exposed the systemic rot in our police forces. Perhaps the most heartrending example was that of Jayaraj and his son Bennicks. They had been arrested for violating Covid-19 restrictions and died in custody in Tamil Nadu in June 2020. Their deaths set off a firestorm of protests and calls to hold the police more accountable.
Faizan’s story serves as an anchor and fulcrum in the book. He would tragically die in custody in February 2020 after nationwide protests exploded against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The High Court subsequently decried Faizan’s killing as “gross violation of human rights.” They denounce it as a hate crime. These examples are representative of a wider trend of violence that is rooted in policing in India. The editors unambiguously call for the most basic reforms.
The book’s exploration of historical contexts and contemporary realities provides readers with a deeper understanding of the legacies impacting current policing practices.
The problem with the narrative of progressive, pro-reform policing. Their message is clear—without systemic change, we’ll continue to witness tragic deaths like this one. As they state, unless we understand the true causes of police violence, we cannot create strong and meaningful reforms that place human dignity at their center.