Policing and Violence in India: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary Realities

This text reviews a book edited by Deana Heath and Jinee Lokaneeta, which explores the deeply entrenched patterns of police violence in India, rooted in colonial legacies and continuing into contemporary times.

Key Incidents and Findings

• The custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennicks in 2020 and Faizan in February 2020 highlight ongoing police brutality, often targeted at marginalized communities.
• The "Status of Policing in India Report 2025" indicates that 30% of police personnel justify the use of third-degree methods in serious cases, and 22% support extrajudicial killings of "dangerous criminals".

Historical and Societal Context

• The book traces police violence from colonial times to present, maintaining socio-economic and political hierarchies.
• It discusses the role of legal and bureaucratic structures in enabling such violence and marginalization.

Contemporary Issues and Legal Frameworks

• Despite new penal codes, the book argues they replicate colonial laws, potentially increasing police power.
• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and other laws are critiqued for blurring the lines between war and policing.

Case Studies and Personal Accounts

• Chapters include personal insights from legal practitioners like Vrinda Grover and researcher Mayur Suresh.
• Interviews with figures like Vikash Narain Rai and Abdul Wahid Shaikh shed light on systemic issues and personal experiences of police violence.

Challenges and Reforms

• Police are under significant pressure due to long hours, low pay, and limited resources, which exacerbates violence.
• Reform requires political will, focusing on modernization rather than militarization.

The book is a critical examination of policing in India, revealing the need for urgent reforms and accountability to address systemic violence and uphold democratic values.