20 custodial deaths in two years in Rajasthan; rights teams categorical concern

Rajasthan has recorded 20 deaths in police custody over the last two years, with most of them linked to well being points, whereas one particular person died after falling right into a effectively throughout an escape try. The figures between August 2023 and August 2025 had been revealed in a report tabled in the course of the State Assembly’s monsoon session, which ended on September 10.

Civil rights teams within the State have expressed concern over the custodial deaths and demanded judicial inquiry into every of them and clear investigation into the instances labeled as suicides or medical causes, to be able to guarantee accountability.

The info was offered within the Assembly in response to a question by Congress MLA and chief whip Rafiq Khan. The report stated that 12 of the deaths could possibly be attributed to well being situations, whereas six of the inmates died by suicide. No police man was discovered responsible in any of the custodial deaths.

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) stated right here on Friday (September 12, 2025) that the deaths in police custody had been a grave violation of human rights, with disregard to constitutional and authorized safeguards. “Every custodial loss of life displays administrative negligence and the claims of suicide in custody are sometimes suspect, showing to masks torture, neglect, or inhuman therapy,” PUCL-Rajasthan president Bhanwar Meghwanshi stated.

Mr. Meghwanshi stated the supply of means for suicide in custody pointed to severe lapses in supervision, whereas deaths ascribed to well being causes indicated failure to supply well timed medical care and humane therapy.

“The enhance in custodial deaths in Rajasthan just isn’t solely an assault on human dignity but in addition a blatant breach of the Constitution, Supreme Court’s rulings, and NHRC directives. Unless pressing reforms are undertaken, such incidents will proceed to recur, eroding public belief within the rule of regulation,” Mr. Meghwanshi stated.

The PUCL stated that along with judicial inquiry into all deaths, strict authorized and departmental motion needs to be initiated in opposition to the responsible cops, and sufficient compensation and rehabilitation offered to the households of victims.

The PUCL additionally demanded obligatory CCTV protection in all custody centres, with safe information preservation. The Supreme Court had just lately taken suo motu cognisance of media experiences on custodial deaths and stated it might look at compliance with its earlier directive mandating set up of CCTV cameras in police stations.