Archive · 17 Sep 2025
Gauhati High Court Dismisses Plea on Custodial Deaths
Three men from the Hmar community died in Assam after being arrested by police.
Their families believed the police were responsible and wanted an outside investigation.
The Gauhati High Court decided the National Human Rights Commission would investigate instead.
The court said it couldn't assume the investigation would be biased, and that the families could still file a complaint if unsatisfied with the results.
A lawyer questioned the court's trust in the government.
The court has accepted that torture had occurred but has not determined guilt or taken any action.
The court had reserved judgement for three months, which some find unusual.
Gauhati High Court dismissed a petition regarding the alleged custodial deaths of three Hmar men.
The men were arrested on suspicion of being militants and died in an alleged gunfight on July 17, 2024.
Families sought an independent investigation, citing distrust in the Assam government.
The court referred the investigation to the National Human Rights Commission and an ASP.
The court stated families could file an application if unsatisfied with the investigation's conclusion.
- Who
- Gauhati High Court, families of deceased men, Assam Police
- What
- Dismissed a petition regarding the alleged custodial deaths of three Hmar men.
- When
- Deaths occurred on July 17, 2024; petition dismissed on Monday.
- Where
- Assam, Cachar district
- Why
- Families sought an independent investigation due to lack of trust in Assam government.
Family's Perspective
Police/Government
Cause of Death
Family's Perspective
Victims were murdered in custody.
Police/Government
Victims died in a gunfight.
Fairness of Investigation
Family's Perspective
The Assam government cannot be trusted to conduct a fair investigation.
Police/Government
The investigation is being handled by the National Human Rights Commission and an ASP.
Victims' Identities
Family's Perspective
The deceased were village volunteers.
Police/Government
The deceased were suspected militants.
- Incident
- Alleged custodial deaths of three Hmar men
- Location
- Assam, Cachar district
- Victims
- Lallungawi Hmar, Lalbeikkung Hmar, Joshua
- Date of Deaths
- July 17, 2024
- Court Decision
- Dismissed the petition seeking investigation
- Investigation Agency
- National Human Rights Commission and ASP of Hailakandi district