Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Custodial Deaths: A Growing Problem in India
In India, there have been many cases where people have died while in police custody.
These deaths often happen because of brutal torture by police officers.
For example, Constable Jaswinder Singh died after being beaten by NCB officials, and R. Akash Delison died after being tortured in police custody.
The government has reported many such cases, but very few police officers are punished.
The Supreme Court has ordered that CCTVs be installed in all police stations to prevent these incidents, but many states have not followed these orders.
Advocates want stricter laws and better implementation to stop these deaths, while some defenders say the current laws are enough.
Constable Jaswinder Singh died in NCB custody with 34 wounds, 9 inflicted within 24 hours before death.
R. Akash Delison died in police custody after torture; autopsy showed 24 injuries.
Gade Sai Krishna died in police custody; body was burnt, leading to public outrage.
170 custodial deaths reported in India in 2025-26, with Bihar, Rajasthan, and UP leading.
Supreme Court ordered CCTV installation in police stations, but implementation has been tardy.
- Who
- Constable Jaswinder Singh, R. Akash Delison, Gade Sai Krishna, and other victims of custodial deaths in India.
- What
- Custodial deaths and torture incidents involving law enforcement agencies.
- When
- Incidents occurred in 2025-26 and between 2018-19 and 2020-21.
- Where
- Various states in India, including Tripura, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Lack of accountability, impunity, and inadequate implementation of Supreme Court directives.
Police Accountability Advocates
Law Enforcement Defenders
Accountability and Punishment
Police Accountability Advocates
Advocates argue for stricter accountability and punishment for police officers involved in custodial deaths to deter such incidents.
Law Enforcement Defenders
Defenders claim that existing laws are sufficient and that most incidents are isolated cases of misconduct.
Implementation of CCTV
Police Accountability Advocates
Advocates push for the mandatory installation and proper functioning of CCTVs in all police stations to monitor activities and prevent abuse.
Law Enforcement Defenders
Defenders argue that CCTVs can be manipulated and may not always capture the full context of incidents.
- Constable Jaswinder Singh
- Died in NCB custody with 34 wounds, 9 inflicted within 24 hours before death.
- R. Akash Delison
- Died in police custody after torture; autopsy showed 24 injuries.
- Gade Sai Krishna
- Died in police custody; body was burnt, leading to public outrage.
- Custodial Deaths in India
- 170 reported in 2025-26, with Bihar, Rajasthan, and UP leading.
- National Human Rights Commission
- 348 deaths and 1,189 torture cases in police custody between 2018-19 and 2020-21.
- NCRB Report
- 1,107 custodial deaths registered between 2011 and 2022, with no convictions.
- Tamil Nadu Custodial Deaths
- 490 deaths between 2016 and 2022, leading among southern states.