I Am On The Hit List : Murder And Myth-Making In South India

I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India - Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize 2025 by Rollo Romig is an investigative work of non-fiction that examines the assassination of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh and the wider social, political and ideological forces surrounding her death. Following the events that unfolded after her murder in Bengaluru on 5 September 2017, the book explores the challenges faced by those who speak out against extremism and the complex realities of democracy in contemporary India.

Blending investigative reporting with historical and cultural context, the book traces the lives, places and institutions connected to the case. It offers readers an in-depth account of the investigation while reflecting on political violence, public memory and the individuals who continue to defend democratic values.

About This Book

Rollo Romig follows the story of Gauri Lankesh's life, her assassination and the investigation that followed, uncovering connections involving political extremists, organised crime, writers and religious groups. The narrative moves across Bengaluru, Goa and other locations, combining reportage with broader reflections on South India's social and political landscape.

The book also places contemporary events within a wider historical framework, drawing connections between present-day conflicts and earlier narratives from the region. Through its examination of political polarisation, violence and public discourse, I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India presents a detailed exploration of the circumstances surrounding one of India's most significant contemporary criminal investigations.

What You'll Discover

• An investigation into the assassination of Gauri Lankesh.
• The events and inquiry that followed her death in 2017.
• Profiles of writers, activists and other figures connected to the story.
• Discussions of political extremism, organised crime and religious groups.
• Historical and cultural contexts that shape the narrative.
• Reflections on democracy, political violence and public memory.

Perfect For

• Readers of investigative journalism.
• Those interested in contemporary Indian politics.
• Readers exploring South Indian history and society.
• Anyone interested in non-fiction about democracy and political violence.

Why You'll Love This Book

I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India - Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize 2025 combines investigative reporting with historical insight to examine the assassination of Gauri Lankesh and its broader implications. It offers a thoughtful account of a landmark case while exploring the social and political forces that continue to shape contemporary India.