Late one night in November 2005, plain-clothed police officers pulled over a bus in western India and abducted Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife, Kausar. Without any legal grounds, they were taken to Gujarat, where Sheikh was shot dead, and Kausar was killed a few days later. Amit Shah, a senior Gujarati politician, was allegedly involved in these extrajudicial killings. Despite a brief arrest, Shah rose to power and today serves as the second-most powerful man in India, guided by Narendra Modi, his longtime ally. Shah has been accused of manipulating elections, intimidating the media, and orchestrating divisive policies, such as the controversial citizenship amendment.
Shah’s reputation for ruthlessness and opacity has led to a climate of fear in India, where those who oppose the government face threats and intimidation. Despite the concern raised by human rights organizations and fact-checking, Shah’s modus operandi still remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving many unanswered questions about his role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Under his influence, the Indian judiciary and media have been compromised, with few willing to challenge his authority.
As Shah consolidates power and pushes his agenda forward, the shadow of fear looms large over India, stifling dissent and eroding democratic principles. The narrative surrounding Shah is one of manipulation, coercion, and a persistent disregard for accountability that threatens to reshape the very foundations of Indian society.