The Truth Behind India’s Internal Security Operations: A Review of “Blood on My Hands: Confessions of Staged Encounters”

Delving into the heart of India’s internal security operations, Kishalay Bhattacharjee’s book “Blood on My Hands: Confessions of Staged Encounters” brings to light a disturbing reality of extra-judicial violence, institutional decay, and a profound moral crisis.

Through anonymous confessions of current and former security personnel, Bhattacharjee paints a harrowing picture that challenges conventional beliefs.

From the outset, the book confronts readers with a bold declaration: the perpetrators of violence themselves detailing the ruthlessness of their actions. Their accounts expose a system that not only condones but rewards unimaginable acts of brutality, prompting a critical examination of the ethical fabric of India’s governance.

Far from being an isolated incident, Bhattacharjee’s narrative uncovers a systemic normalization and encouragement of violence within the security apparatus.

Grounded in the harsh realities of India’s conflict zones, the book highlights a prevailing sentiment that views the legal system as an obstacle rather than a protector. Quoting the words of K.P.S. Gill, the former police chief of Punjab, the author portrays a culture where extrajudicial actions are deemed necessary in the absence of legal recourse.

This mindset, embraced by many in the security sector, has fostered an environment where success is measured by the number of “encounters” carried out. The book illustrates how the state, through its own agents, has institutionalized clandestine killings, often targeting not only militants but also innocent bystanders.

The transformation of once-safe spaces like schools, markets, and homes into battlegrounds is a stark reminder of the pervasive violence that plagues these regions.

The repercussions of this “undeclared war” have left a lasting impact on the national psyche, breeding feelings of alienation and distrust among the populace. The vicious cycle of violence is perpetuated by a distorted incentive system, where units that report high numbers of “kills” receive greater financial support, particularly through programs like Sadbhavana.

These funds, intended for community development and peace initiatives, are instead misused, perpetuating a culture of violence and impunity.