Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison is a memoir by Jigna Vora, a crime reporter who was arrested in connection with the murder of fellow journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011. Vora spent seven years in prison, including two years in Byculla Jail, before being acquitted of all charges.
In her book, Vora recounts her experiences in prison, from the harsh conditions to the complex relationships between inmates. She also writes about the challenges of being a woman in prison, and the discrimination she faced from both inmates and guards.
Vora’s book is a powerful indictment of the Indian criminal justice system. She writes about the corruption, incompetence, and brutality that she witnessed firsthand. She also writes about the lack of support for women in prison, and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives after they are released.

Behind Bars in Byculla is an important book that shines a light on a dark corner of Indian society. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the criminal justice system, women’s rights, or the power of journalism.
Here are some of the things that I liked about the book:


- Vora’s writing is honest and raw. She does not shy away from describing the harsh conditions in prison, or the challenges she faced as a woman inmate.
- Vora’s book is an important contribution to the conversation about the Indian criminal justice system. She writes about the corruption, incompetence, and brutality that she witnessed firsthand.
Vora’s book is a powerful reminder of the importance of journalism. She writes about the risks that journalists take in order to bring the truth to light.
Here are some of the things that I didn’t like about the book:
- The book can be a bit slow at times. There are some sections that are more detailed than necessary.
- The book is not always easy to read. Vora’s descriptions of the violence and abuse in prison can be quite graphic.
Overall, I thought Behind Bars in Byculla was a well-written and important book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the criminal justice system, women’s rights, or the power of journalism.
You can get this book at this link.
