I Am on the Hit List by Rollo Romig-Bookreview

I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India is a powerful nonfiction book by journalist Rollo Romig, published in hardcover on 13 January 2025. The book investigates the brutal assassination of Gauri Lankesh, a bold journalist and activist who was shot dead outside her home in Bangalore on 5 September 2017. I Am on the Hit List takes readers deep into the complex social and political realities of modern India, highlighting the threats faced by those who dare to defend truth, justice, and free speech.

In I Am on the Hit List, Romig traces Gauri’s life and the circumstances leading to her murder. He investigates the political, religious, and social tensions in South India, uncovering how a network of extremists, cults, and powerful interests operate behind the scenes. Romig skilfully shows how Gauri’s death is not just about one individual, but reflects deeper issues in Indian democracy.

More than just a crime investigation, I Am on the Hit List also presents a detailed picture of Indian society and its many languages, faiths, histories, and contradictions. Romig takes readers from the streets of Bangalore to secretive religious spaces, courtroom battles, and global restaurant chains, connecting local stories to global themes of authoritarianism and the struggle for freedom of expression.

Praised internationally, I Am on the Hit List was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in General Non-fiction. It stands out for its gripping storytelling and honest commentary. Through this book, Romig not only honours Gauri Lankesh’s brave voice but also shines a light on the many people in India still fighting for truth, justice, and democracy.

Availability & Details of the Book

I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India by Rollo Romig, published on 13 January 2025 by Context (an imprint of Westland Books, a division of Nasadiya Technologies Pvt Ltd), is available in both hardcover and Kindle editions. The hardcover edition has 372 pages and is priced at ₹459, while the Kindle version is available for ₹436. The book can be purchased online through Amazon India, Flipkart and Goodreads. For readers who prefer instant access and convenience, the Kindle edition is a smart choice and it is affordable, easy to carry, and allows you to start reading immediately without waiting for delivery.

key themes in I Am on the Hit List

I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India is not just a book about one journalist’s murder. It is a mirror reflecting the state of a nation in turmoil. Through its rich themes ranging from violence and democracy to history, identity, and activism, Rollo Romig delivers a book that is urgent, emotional, and essential. It is both a wake-up call and a tribute to those who still dare to speak when silence is safer.

Freedom of the Press and the Cost of Truth-Telling: At the heart of I Am on the Hit List lies a powerful message about the growing dangers to press freedom in India. The book uses Gauri Lankesh’s assassination as a stark example of how journalists who dare to challenge dominant political ideologies or question majoritarian narratives are increasingly being silenced. Romig does not just report a crime but he shows how speaking the truth has become a life-threatening act. Gauri’s fearless journalism, often sharply critical of the Hindu right, made her a target. Romig portrays her death not as an isolated incident but as part of a wider trend where media freedom is shrinking, dissent is criminalized, and those who challenge power face brutal consequences.
The Rise of Religious Extremism and Right-Wing Nationalism: I Am on the Hit List explores the rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism in modern India, especially its influence on public opinion and policy. Romig connects Gauri’s killing to a larger pattern of violence that includes the murders of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, and M.M. Kalburgi activists who shared similar progressive values. The book investigates groups like the Sanatan Sanstha, showing how a network of loosely organized yet ideologically unified actors has been working to eliminate rebellious voices. Romig highlights how this religious extremism is not just fringe but increasingly emboldened by political silence or support, threatening India’s secular foundations.
The Fragility of Indian Democracy: Romig uses I Am on the Hit List to question how strong India’s democratic institutions really are. He points out the gap between the country’s democratic ideals and the ground reality, where freedom of speech, justice, and institutional integrity are under strain. Through the case of Gauri and other activists, Romig exposes how law enforcement, the judiciary, and the media sometimes fail to stand up to pressure. He notes how these institutions often buckle under political influence, contributing to the erosion of civil liberties. The book becomes a warning that without accountability and open dialogue, democracy itself is at risk.
Investigative Journalism at its Best: I Am on the Hit List is also a model of thorough investigative reporting. Romig dives deep into police files, court documents, eyewitness accounts, and over 10,000 pages of official chargesheets. His approach is not limited to reporting facts but he adds historical, cultural, and political layers to his investigation. By combining hard data with storytelling, Romig makes the complex story accessible without losing nuance. His commitment to accuracy and context shows the power of journalism when practiced with care, empathy, and persistence.
The Transformation of Bangalore: City in Conflict: Romig does not just write about Gauri or her murder and he writes about Bangalore itself, the city she loved and fought for. I Am on the Hit List presents Bangalore as a city caught between its past and present. Once known as India’s intellectual and cultural hub, it is now a bustling tech capital where rapid urban growth is matched by rising social tension. Romig captures the changing mood of the city, from bookstores on Church Street to elite IT campuses and radical religious spaces. He shows how Bangalore’s evolution reflects the cultural and ideological shifts shaping contemporary India.
Martyrdom, Myth-Making, and History: The book’s subtitle, Murder and Myth-making in South India, becomes especially clear through Romig’s use of historical parallels. In I Am on the Hit List, he reflects on the ancient story of St. Thomas, believed to have been martyred in India, and draws comparisons with modern-day martyrdom like that of Gauri. These stories are not just symbolic but they show how death is used to create memory, legacy, and political narrative. Romig also includes the story of P. Rajagopal, founder of Saravana Bhavan, to examine how power and violence intersect even in seemingly unrelated spaces. These interludes enrich the narrative, revealing how myth and murder are often entangled.
Intersectionality and the Fight for Marginalized Voices: One of the most striking aspects of I Am on the Hit List is how Romig centres Gauri’s activism for marginalized communities. Gauri stood with Dalits, Muslims, women, Adivasis, and LGBTQ+ groups people who are often sidelined or vilified in mainstream narratives. Romig highlights her commitment to intersectional activism, where multiple forms of oppression are challenged together. The book captures the emotional weight of her mission to speak up for those ignored by the system and her belief that journalism should be used as a tool for justice. Her life and work become a symbol of inclusive resistance.
Justice Denied: Slow Courts, Silent Institutions: Romig offers a harsh but necessary look at the Indian legal system. Despite a massive investigation and overwhelming evidence, justice in Gauri’s case remains delayed. I Am on the Hit List highlights how slow procedures, political meddling, and weak prosecution allow murderers to walk free or remain unidentified. Romig also shows how institutions like the police and judiciary sometimes fail to protect democratic values. This failure is not just legal instead it is moral, as it signals that violence against activists can go unpunished, setting a dangerous precedent.
Hate, Polarization, and Radicalization: A central theme in I Am on the Hit List is how hate is manufactured and spread. Romig explores how young minds are radicalized to believe in dangerous ideologies without ever questioning them. He uncovers the machinery of online trolling, hate speech, and propaganda that fuels religious and ideological divisions in India. Gauri herself was a frequent target of such campaigns, and Romig shows how this digital harassment often turns into real-world violence. The book is a chilling reminder of how hatred, once seeded, grows unchecked in echo chambers of social media and biased news.
A Personal Tribute to Gauri Lankesh: Above all, I Am on the Hit List is a moving personal tribute to Gauri Lankesh. Romig does not portray her as a flawless hero; instead, he captures her complexities, her sharp tongue, her stubbornness, her courage, and her warmth. Through interviews with friends, family, and critics, Romig builds a full picture of who Gauri was, both as a person and as a public figure. Her life becomes a case study in how to live with conviction, even when the cost is high. In doing so, Romig keeps Gauri’s voice alive and makes sure her story continues to inspire those fighting for truth and justice.

Critical Acclaim for I Am on the Hit List

‘Rollo Romig is a powerful storyteller … [He] writes with lyricism and empathy, fear and hope in equal measure, telling stories within stories that meander across three southern states.’—Suchitra Vijayan, author of Midnight’s Borders

‘Rollo Romig expertly crafts this tale of an awful murder and its ramifications while bringing alive the dark underbelly of India’s Silicon City, Bangalore.’—Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking

‘[A] gripping, multifaceted inquiry into the nature of India itself … What emerges is a portrait of an India caught in the grip of rapid change and a scarily uncertain future.’—Jon Lee Anderson, author of Che Guevara

‘A riveting true crime narrative and an insightful and ominous forecast of India’s political direction.’—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

‘Romig makes for a powerful, effective chronicler of this bleak moment in Indian politics.’— The New York Times

‘Compelling, sometimes chilling … A sharp, captivating, penetrating inquiry that evolves into something more profound than just a true-crime book.’—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Why You Should Read and Buy I Am on the Hit List

If you want to understand what is happening in India today especially the rising dangers faced by journalists, the spread of religious extremism, and the fight for democracy then I Am on the Hit List is a must-read. Written in engaging and accessible language, the book explains complex political and social issues in a way that is easy to follow, even for readers who are new to Indian current affairs. Rollo Romig tells the true story of Gauri Lankesh’s murder with sensitivity, detail, and depth, making it both emotional and informative.

According to the international organization Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 1,600 journalists were killed worldwide between 1992 and 2024 and these were only the confirmed cases where the death was linked to their work. While countries like Mexico are known for being dangerous for the press, fewer people realize that similar risks exist in India, the world’s largest democracy. Journalists in India, especially those who speak out against powerful ideologies, face growing threats and violence.

I Am on the Hit List is more than just a book about one crime and it is a window into today’s India. It introduces readers to the deep history of South India, the Kannada literary world, the rise of the Hindutva ideology, and the lives of activists who continue to resist it. The storytelling is suspenseful, informative, and often tender. If you care about truth, press freedom, and the future of democracy, then I Am on the Hit List is a powerful and necessary read. This bookis ideal for anyone interested in journalism, human rights, Indian politics, or true crime, offering an accessible and powerful account of courage and dissent.

Final Thoughts

I Am on the Hit List by Rollo Romig is a deeply moving, fearless, and insightful exploration of the life and death of Gauri Lankesh, and the disturbing realities behind her assassination. More than a true crime story, the book is a bold commentary on the shrinking space for dissent, the threats faced by journalists, and the alarming rise of right-wing extremism in India. Romig’s storytelling is powerful yet empathetic, blending investigative journalism with cultural, political, and historical depth. His respectful and honest portrayal of South India, and his focus on courage in the face of fear, make this book essential reading. It reminds us that the fight for truth, justice, and democracy often comes at a price but it is a fight worth having.

Also Read: The World With Its Mouth Open Book by Zahid Rafiq