I Am on the Hit List is a powerful and chilling investigation into the tragic assassination of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was murdered outside her home in Bangalore on September 5, 2017. Her death sent shockwaves through the country, sparking mass protests and leaving the nation in mourning. Despite years passing, her killers remain at large, and the mystery surrounding her murder continues to dominate headlines.
Journalist Rollo Romig delves into Gauri’s life, death, and the subsequent investigation, revealing a world teeming with political extremists, brave writers, organized crime, and shadowy religious groups. The narrative weaves through the vibrant literary scene of Bangalore’s Church Street, the opulent IT-funded high rises, a secluded ashram in Goa, and even the kitchens of an international vegetarian restaurant chain. Romig also explores the ancient story of St. Thomas’s martyrdom in India, adding depth to his investigation.
More than just a crime story, I Am on the Hit List offers a profound examination of the forces behind political violence and polarisation. It is a poignant tribute to the courage of those fighting for democracy in India and around the world, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of those who stand against the erosion of democratic values. This unsettling and compelling narrative unearths the dark realities that threaten both the individual and the society at large.
Born and raised in Detroit, Rollo Romig is a journalist, essayist, and critic. He has been reporting on South India since 2013, most often for The New York Times Magazine.
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