In June 2021, inside a police station in Bengaluru, a young man’s life was changed forever. What should have been an ordinary day quickly became a nightmare shaped by prejudice, power, and the harsh realities of a justice system that can often fail those it is meant to protect. This harrowing incident is the foundation of INTERROGATION: Not a monster. Not a saint. Just a common man—crushed by justice gone blind in this Republic, a novel by writer and director Sagar Kumar that confronts these uncomfortable truths with unflinching honesty.
Based on real events but told as fiction to protect the victim’s identity, Interrogation goes beyond a single case to highlight a systemic problem—a world where language, identity, and invisible social barriers can dictate one’s fate. The story follows a young man caught in a web of injustice during an interrogation that spirals out of control, reflecting the brutal intersection of power and prejudice that many face quietly every day. Through this lens, the novel becomes a tribute to the unheard and a reflection on dignity, resilience, and the cost of silence.
What makes Interrogation especially compelling is its refusal to simplify its protagonist into a hero or villain. Instead, Sagar Kumar presents him as an ordinary man, flawed and vulnerable, whose suffering represents a much larger narrative of injustice. The novel challenges readers to rethink how justice is administered in India today—often with blind spots toward the marginalized and vulnerable. It asks difficult questions: When does justice become an instrument of oppression? How do social divisions rooted in language and identity erode trust in the legal system?
Sagar Kumar’s transition from IT professional to full-time storyteller is rooted in his passion for uncovering and amplifying human truths. Originally from Shimoga and now based in Bangalore, Kumar’s background in technology and storytelling equips him with a unique perspective on human resilience and societal challenges. His earlier work as a filmmaker, notably the critically acclaimed Anamadheya Ashok Kumar, already established his interest in bold, emotionally rich narratives that engage with real-world issues. Now, with Interrogation, he continues this journey through the written word, deepening his exploration of social realities with literary nuance.
At its core, Interrogation is a powerful exploration of the human cost behind headlines about custodial torture, wrongful accusations, and systemic bias. The novel draws readers into the emotional and psychological torment of its protagonist, capturing the quiet suffering that is often invisible yet deeply felt. It reminds us that behind every story of injustice is a person struggling to hold on to dignity in a system that sometimes seems indifferent to it.
The subtitle of the book—Not a monster. Not a saint. Just a common man—crushed by justice gone blind in this Republic—is a stark reminder that the victims of such injustice are everyday people. They are not caricatures of evil or innocence but complex individuals caught in a system that can fail them. This nuanced portrayal encourages empathy and reflection on how justice can sometimes blind itself to fairness, especially when prejudice and societal divisions come into play.
Kumar’s storytelling is not only about highlighting pain but also about shining a light on resilience and hope. The novel emphasizes moments of connection, compassion, and the unexpected strength that arises even in the darkest circumstances. It pushes readers to consider their own roles in challenging systems of injustice and the importance of listening to voices that society often silences.
By presenting Interrogation as “Truth, told as fiction,” Kumar acknowledges the sensitive nature of the story and the risks involved in bringing such narratives to light. Yet, this framing also underscores the urgency and relevance of the novel’s themes. It is a call to awareness and action—urging society to look beyond official narratives and recognize the human stories behind them.
As India grapples with questions of law enforcement, civil rights, and social equity, Interrogation stands as a timely literary intervention. It challenges complacency and insists on the need for accountability and reform. More importantly, it insists on remembering the human beings at the heart of these stories—their dignity, their pain, and their hope.
In telling the story of one young man’s ordeal, Sagar Kumar shines a light on the many who endure similar fates in silence. His work is a reminder that justice should never be blind to humanity and that every individual’s story matters. Interrogation published by Astitva Prakashan, is not just a novel; it is a mirror reflecting the fractures in society’s promise of fairness and a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice.
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