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

I Am on the Hit List is a gripping investigative narrative that explores the assassination of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, uncovering the complex forces behind political violence while highlighting the courage, struggles and vulnerability of those defending democracy.

📖 About the Book

On 5 September 2017, renowned journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was assassinated outside her home in Bengaluru, shocking writers, activists and citizens across India. Her death sparked widespread protests and raised urgent questions about political extremism, freedom of expression and the safety of voices challenging intolerance.

Journalist Rollo Romig follows the trail of Gauri Lankesh’s life, her work and the investigation that followed her murder. Through extensive reporting, he reveals a disturbing world of political extremists, organised crime networks, radical groups and hidden forces operating behind the scenes.

The narrative moves across the many layers of contemporary India—from the independent bookstores of Church Street and the rapidly growing high-rises shaped by Bengaluru’s technology boom, to a secretive ashram in Goa and the kitchens of a global vegetarian restaurant chain.

The book also explores deeper historical and social questions, including the long history of religious conflict and the story of St Thomas’s martyrdom in India, connecting past events with the present struggles over identity, ideology and power.

Both an investigation into the forces that fuel political violence and a tribute to those who continue to defend democratic values, I Am on the Hit List is a powerful and unsettling account of journalism, courage and resistance.

✨ Key Highlights

• Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize 2025.
• A detailed investigation into the assassination of Gauri Lankesh.
• Explores political extremism, organised crime and ideological violence.
• A powerful account of journalism, activism and democratic resistance.
• Combines investigative reporting with historical and social analysis.
• A compelling narrative about the people fighting for truth and justice.

✍️ About the Author

Rollo Romig is a journalist, essayist and critic known for his investigative writing and long-form storytelling. Born and raised in Detroit, he has reported extensively from South India since 2013, most notably for The New York Times Magazine.

His work focuses on complex social, political and cultural issues, bringing together deep reporting with thoughtful narratives that examine the forces shaping contemporary societies.

📚 Why Read This Book?

I Am on the Hit List is an essential read for those interested in journalism, democracy, politics and contemporary India. Through a powerful blend of investigation and storytelling, the book examines the dangers faced by truth-tellers and the importance of protecting freedom of expression in a changing world.