Acclaimed graphic journalist Joe Sacco has spoken out following Penguin Random House India's decision to withdraw his latest book, 'The Once and Future Riot', which details the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Sacco, known for his in-depth graphic journalism on conflict zones, claims the publisher's extensive demands for editorial changes were merely a pretext to avoid distributing a politically sensitive title.
The book, which reconstructs the sectarian violence in Uttar Pradesh that led to over 60 deaths and displaced 40,000 people, predominantly Muslims, was expected to launch in Indian bookshops in August or September after its international release last year. However, Penguin Random House India opted not to distribute it after a legal and editorial review. Sacco revealed he received a five-page list of requested alterations, which he found 'quite onerous', including demands for consent verifications for individuals he had interviewed and changes to specific quotes from public figures.
A key point of contention for Sacco was the publisher's request to remove a line stating, "and just since the BJP has taken power, that Hindu hegemony has been firing on all cylinders," from the Indian edition. The publisher reportedly deemed this potentially "inflammatory and causing religious offence." Sacco firmly rejected this, stating he would not remove a conclusion he had drawn from his reporting, suggesting the publisher was "finding excuses because ultimately this is about communal violence in India. It's about how politicians use violence as a means of advancing themselves electorally."
In response, Gaurav Shrinagesh, chief executive of Penguin Random House India, told The Indian Express that the book was flagged during a "pre-check and legal scrutiny process." He cited an "inaccurate map" depicting Indian boundaries and outstanding content questions, including a lack of citations, as primary reasons for the withdrawal. Shrinagesh emphasised that the publisher would not proceed if an inaccurate map was present and no changes were forthcoming. Sacco, however, maintains that the manuscript had already undergone thorough fact-checking with his US publisher and that he had only accepted a handful of minor factual corrections from the Indian imprint.
This incident raises concerns within the publishing world about freedom of expression and potential self-censorship in India, particularly when dealing with topics that could be perceived as critical of the ruling establishment. Sacco's previous works, such as 'Palestine' and 'Footnotes in Gaza', have established his reputation for fearless reporting on complex geopolitical issues, making this withdrawal a significant event for his readership and the broader literary community.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises British nationals travelling to India to be aware of local laws and customs, and to exercise caution in areas that may be sensitive or prone to public unrest, though no specific travel advice has been issued in relation to this particular publishing dispute. The implications for UK publishers and authors considering works on sensitive topics in India may include increased scrutiny and potential challenges in distribution.
Source: The Wire, The Indian Express, The Comics Journal