The Feared: Conversations with 11 Political Prisoners by Neeta Kolhatkar, published in 2024 is a powerful and honest book that shares the stories of eleven political prisoners from different parts of India who have experienced the harsh realities of incarceration in India. Through long and sensitive interviews, the author brings out their daily lives inside jails which highlighting how they survived poor living conditions, lack of medical care, and isolation, while also forming strong human connections behind bars. What makes The Feared stand out is how it presents real, personal stories with simplicity and care, without any loud judgment or political bias. The Feared shows how these prisoners held onto courage and hope, and how their strength became a symbol of resistance. It talks about the emotional and physical scars they carry, while also showing their will to keep fighting for justice.
As a journalist writing her first book, Neeta Kolhatkar has done deep research and careful documentation. The Feared goes beyond political party lines and brings to light the harsh truth of how the state often reacts to dissent and why it is vital to defend democratic rights today. Through these stories, the book forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, freedom, and the cost of speaking up.
This book is not only a call for prison reform but also a tribute to the individuals who refuse to be broken by fear. The Feared serves as a reminder that behind every label of “prisoner” is a person with a voice that deserves to be heard. This book is a good-read for anyone who wants to understand the struggles of political prisoners and the urgent need for prison reforms in India.
Read Also: Inside The Terrifying World of Jaish-E-Mohammed
Availability & Details of Book
The Feared: Conversations with 11 Political Prisoners by Neeta Kolhatkar was published on 20 December 2024 by Simon & Schuster India. The book is available in English, with a paperback edition of 275 pages priced at ₹249 and a Kindle edition available for just ₹180. It can be purchased online through major platforms like Amazon India, Goodreads, Flipkart, and Kindle Store. The Kindle version is a great choice for readers who prefer instant access, portability, and a more affordable price.
Read Also: Nimbu Saab-Story of a Barefoot Naga Kargil Hero
About the Author: Neeta Kolhatkar
Neeta Kolhatkar is a veteran journalist based in Mumbai, with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years across print, television, and digital media. Known for her strong voice and commitment to truth, she has consistently focused on human rights, marginalised communities, and the impact of political power on everyday lives. Her reporting reflects a deep understanding of social issues, which stems from her academic foundation a Master’s in Social Work that has shaped her empathetic and grassroots approach to storytelling.
In recognition of her impactful journalism, she was honoured with the Mumbai Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2008. Neeta has also expanded her expertise in peace-building and governance through the prestigious Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Certificate Program at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok (2009).
With The Feared, Neeta Kolhatkar steps into the world of nonfiction writing with the same fearless dedication that has marked her journalistic journey. Her ability to build trust with vulnerable voices and translate complex legal and political experiences into simple, relatable narratives makes this debut both timely and powerful.
Read Also: The World With Its Mouth Open Book by Zahid Rafiq
Key Themes of The Feared
The book does not just record their legal battles or political affiliations and it captures their emotional journeys, daily hardships, and the systems that failed them. At the heart of The Feared are 11 powerful interviews with political prisoners, some of whom were accused in high-profile cases like Bhima Koregaon. Each of these interviews offers valuable insights and deeply personal reflections on political imprisonment in India. These include:
- Sudha Bharadwaj – trade unionist and human rights lawyer
- Anand Teltumbde – scholar and anti-caste activist
- Kobad Gandhy – Leftist thinker
- Dr. Binayak Sen – doctor and civil rights activist
- K. Muraleedharan & P. Hemlatha – former Naxalite sympathizers
- Sanjay Raut – Shiv Sena MP
- Sameer Khan and Nilofer Malik – family of Nawab Malik
- Koel Sen – daughter of Prof. Shoma Sen
- Kishorechandra Wangkhem – Manipuri journalist
- Prashant Rahi – journalist and political worker
Some interviews include conversations with family members when direct access to prisoners was not possible. Each story sheds light on how the state treats those who dissent. Here is what readers will find in the book:
- Life Behind Bars: A Daily Struggle for Dignity: The Feared gives readers a rare, raw look at the harsh day-to-day existence of political prisoners in Indian jails. The book shares firsthand accounts of overcrowded cells, poor hygiene, lack of proper food, and medical neglect. Inmates speak of basic rights being denied and how survival becomes a full-time effort. The COVID-19 pandemic made things even worse when phone calls were limited to five minutes, physical visits were suspended, and even minor medical requests were delayed for weeks.A haunting line stays with the reader: “The first night in jail is reputed to be the hardest. After that, you learn how to survive, though many prisoners carry lifelong scars.” This sentence captures the emotional shock and long-term trauma of entering prison life.
- Punishing Dissent: How the State Silences Opposition: At its core, The Feared explores how political prisoners are often not criminals, but individuals who dared to speak up. Activists, academics, trade unionists, and journalists were imprisoned not for acts of violence but for challenging the system. Many were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a law that allows long detentions without trial.Kolhatkar shows how both the Congress-led UPA and the BJP governments have used such laws to suppress voices of resistance. The book makes it clear that political power, regardless of ideology, has often targeted those who question authority.
- Trauma and the Psychology of Imprisonment: The Feared does not stop at external hardships but it dives deep into the emotional toll on prisoners. Interviews show how people suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and depression, and how fear never really leaves them, even after release. Families too are devastated, often left without answers for months, dealing with the pain of separation and stigma.Kolhatkar notes: “Even after acquittal, many continue to live in fear because the legal battle never truly ends.” This reflects how imprisonment breaks more than bodies and it disrupts minds, relationships, and the very idea of justice.
- Human Bonds in Inhuman Conditions: Despite the cruelty of prison life, The Feared tells stories of humanity and solidarity. Inmates supported each other emotionally and legally and writing bail applications, learning new languages to communicate with staff, and even teaching fellow prisoners. Sudha Bharadwaj, for example, became a legal aid within the jail, helping undertrials with no support.One powerful story reveals how Kobad Gandhy found unexpected comfort from Afzal Guru during his early days in Tihar Jail. These stories remind us that prisons can confine the body but not the human spirit.
- Discrimination and Unequal Treatment in Indian Jails: The Feared highlights how caste, class, and ideology influence how prisoners are treated. Many political prisoners were given separate uniforms with green bands, denied family food parcels, and forced into degrading tasks. In Maharashtra jails, those accused of Naxal links were isolated and visibly marked and treated as more dangerous than others.The book also reveals disturbing inequalities where wealthier inmates could pay for better food or escape certain chores, while the poor had to clean, sweep, and struggle for basic dignity.
- India’s Outdated Prison System: Another major theme in The Feared is the failure of prison reforms. Though the Model Prison Manual was introduced in 2016, many states still follow outdated colonial laws. As a result, inmates struggle to get phone calls, legal books, or proper medical help. K. Muraleedharan had to approach courts just to get a Marathi grammar book in Yerawada Jail and a basic right denied until fought for.Kolhatkar makes it clear that prison conditions reflect the soul of a nation. If laws exist but are not followed, prisoners suffer endlessly in silence.
- Life After Release: The Struggles Continue: Release from jail does not mean freedom. The Feared shares stories of how acquitted individuals still struggle to find rented homes, are evicted by landlords, or are shunned by society. Families carry the burden emotionally and socially. Many interviewees talk about anxiety, fear, and being constantly watched even after their release. Even after acquittal or bail, many find it hard to resume normal life. Children live in fear, partners face financial ruin, and the mental trauma lingers long after the court verdict.This shows that the punishment for political beliefs does not end with bail instead it continues through stigma, poverty, and social exclusion.
- Journalism as Resistance: In a time when independent media is under threat, The Feared acts as a bold reminder of journalism’s power. Neeta Kolhatkar takes on the role of a chronicler who gives voice to those deliberately silenced. Her interviews are not just journalistic work; they are acts of moral courage.Through her writing, Kolhatkar reaffirms the press’s role as the fourth pillar of democracy especially when democratic values are being chipped away.
- Dangerous Laws: UAPA and the Criminalisation of Thought: The Feared raises serious concerns about how laws like the UAPA are used as tools of suppression. Many interviewed had no proven involvement in violence but were still held for years without trial. Father Stan Swamy, who later died in custody, was denied a simple sipper cup for drinking water. Anand Teltumbde was not given a mosquito net.The book compares such state behavior to the early fascist laws of Nazi Germany, making us reflect: Are we criminalizing ideology and conscience under the garb of national security?
- A Cry for Reform, a Call for Hope: Ultimately, The Feared is not just about suffering instead it is about resilience. It demands that India treat its prisoners as human beings and reform a deeply broken system. It shows how many accused are eventually acquitted, proving that fake charges are often used to silence activism.The conversational style, emotional depth, and factual honesty make The Feared a significant work. It not only tells stories but asks us; “Do these individuals really deserve such brutal repression simply because they are feared by the state?”
Why You Should Read and Buy The Feared
Read Also: Terror Financing in Kashmir – Book Review
The Feared by Neeta Kolhatkar is a powerful and eye-opening account of the lives of 11 political prisoners in India. Through in-depth interviews and quiet observation, the book captures their personal struggles, the harsh realities of jail life, and the emotional cost of being labelled a threat for simply holding different political views. The bookreveals that many political prisoners in India have been jailed not for committing violent crimes, but for expressing dissenting opinions, questioning government actions, or defending marginalized communities. Laws like Sedition, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – UAPA, and the National Security Act – NSA have been widely misused to silence these voices. Take the example of Kishorechandra Wangkhem, a journalist from Manipur, who was arrested for uploading a video expressing his disagreement with the official celebration of Rani of Jhansi’s legacy in his state. He argued that while he respected her bravery, she held no cultural relevance in Manipur, which was not even part of India in 1857. His video, which used strong language, was seen as offensive by the state machinery, and he was arrested under the NSA, which allows detention without bail for up to a year.
Written in clear and accessible language, the book avoids jargon, making it suitable for both general readers and those interested in human rights, politics, or social justice.
Kolhatkar’s writing style is calm, respectful, and deeply empathetic. She allows her subjects to speak in their own words, creating a sense of honesty and trust throughout the book. Each chapter reveals the everyday injustices these individuals faced from denial of medical care and mental trauma to social stigma and prolonged detentions without trial. At the same time, the book also shows their inner strength, acts of kindness in prison, and enduring hope. With its simple yet impactful storytelling, The Feared stands out as an important book that sheds light on the cost of dissent in a democracy and the urgent need for prison reform.
Final Thought
What makes The Feared truly powerful is not just the subject but the humanity with which it is written. The stories are heartbreaking but never hopeless. They reflect the strength of people who have faced the worst, yet still speak out. Kolhatkar gives them that platform and in doing so, asks all of us to look closely at what democracy really means when dissent becomes a crime.
