French writer exposes rights violations, prison abuse in India
New Delhi: A French writer and filmmaker, Valentin Hénault, has revealed widespread mistreatment of minorities and harsh prison conditions in India, documenting his experiences in his memoir In the Hell of Gorakhpur Prison.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Hénault, 32, published his book on January 15, 2026, recounting his 2023 visit to India, which turned into a prolonged ordeal after he was arrested for attending a protest in support of Dalit rights. The book, currently available only in French, details arrests, abuse and what he describes as fabricated cases against minorities, particularly Muslims and Dalits.
Hénault had arrived in India in August 2023 to produce a documentary on atrocities against Dalit women. After travelling through Bihar and Jharkhand, he reached Uttar Pradesh, where he attended a march led by peasant women demanding land rights for Dalits. He was subsequently detained by authorities, accused of violating visa conditions under the Foreigners Act and of financing the protest.
He was lodged in Gorakhpur Prison, where he claims to have faced inhumane conditions. In his account, he describes being confined in overcrowded barracks with around 300 inmates, lacking space even to lie down. He also reported witnessing deaths inside the prison and highlighted deep-rooted caste and religious segregation among inmates.
According to his observations, Muslim prisoners were housed separately, while upper-caste inmates occupied relatively better areas, with those from lower castes pushed into darker sections near toilets. He further noted that many detainees remained incarcerated for extended periods without hearings or clear legal proceedings.
The French author also alleged that minorities in India, particularly Muslims and Dalits, are subjected to systemic discrimination, including arbitrary detentions and lack of access to basic facilities such as education, employment and housing. He wrote that Dalit women are frequently subjected to violence, including sexual abuse.
Hénault was kept under restrictions for several months before leaving India in May 2024. His account further alleges that laws such as the Foreigners Act are used to target foreign nationals involved in documenting social issues or participating in protests.
The case is part of a broader pattern highlighted by rights observers, citing incidents involving foreign journalists, activists and researchers who have faced visa cancellations, detention or deportation in India.
Critics say such measures reflect increasing restrictions on independent reporting and research, particularly on sensitive issues such as minority rights and social inequalities.
