Custodial deaths, also known as deaths in police custody, have been a persistent issue in India for many years.
The main reasons for custodial deaths in India is the use of torture by police
These deaths occur when an individual dies while in the custody of the police or other law enforcement agencies. Despite laws and regulations in place to prevent such deaths, they continue to occur, often due to a lack of accountability for law enforcement officials and a lack of effective investigations.
One of the main reasons for custodial deaths in India is the use of torture by police officers to extract confessions or information from suspects. Torture methods used in custody include physical abuse, such as beatings and electric shocks, as well as psychological abuse, such as sleep deprivation and death threats. These methods are used to coerce individuals into confessing to crimes they may not have committed or to provide information about others who may be involved in criminal activities.
Another reason for custodial deaths in India is the lack of oversight and accountability for law enforcement officials. In many cases, police officers who are found to be responsible for custodial deaths are not held accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability creates an environment where police officers feel they can act with impunity, leading to a culture of abuse and violence within the police force.
Data from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) shows that there has been a steady increase in the number of custodial deaths in India over the last decade. In the year 2019, a total of 1,674 custodial deaths were reported across the country, with 1,496 of these deaths occurring in police custody. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, when 1,567 custodial deaths were reported, with 1,396 of these deaths occurring in police custody.
One of the most high-profile cases of custodial death in recent years is the death of Jayaraj and Bennix in June 2020. The father-son duo was arrested and taken into police custody on charges of violating lockdown norms. They died due to severe injuries caused by torture and police brutality. This case brought a lot of public outrage, and led to the dismissal of the police officers involved. Another notable case is the death of Ravi Raja, a 27-year-old man who died in police custody in Kerala in 1996. Raja was arrested on suspicion of theft and died while in custody, with injuries consistent with torture. The police officers involved were charged with murder, but were later acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
The issue of custodial deaths in India is not limited to a particular region or community. It is a countrywide problem that affects people from all walks of life. From businessmen to common laborers, anyone can fall victim to custodial death. However, marginalized communities, such as Dalits and Adivasis, are often disproportionately affected by custodial deaths.
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In conclusion, custodial deaths in India are a serious issue that has been ongoing for many years. The use of torture by police officers to extract confessions or information, lack of oversight and accountability for law enforcement officials, and a culture of abuse and violence within the police force are some of the main reasons for these deaths. The data also shows that the number of custodial deaths has been increasing over the last decade. It is essential that the government takes immediate steps to address this issue and ensure that those responsible for custodial deaths are held accountable for their actions. This will go a long way in ensuring justice for the victims and their families
and in creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
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This issue is not only the violation of human rights but also the violation of the trust of citizens on the state machinery. It is important that the government takes steps to address this issue and ensure that those responsible for custodial deaths are held accountable for.