The brutal power of the police

BY KANAK BHATIA

Custodial violence is a serious issue in India, with numerous reports of police brutality and abuse of power against individuals who are under their custody or control. The problem is particularly acute for marginalized groups, including Dalits, Muslims, and tribal communities.

According to the National Campaign Against Torture (NCAT), there were 1,731 reported cases of custodial deaths in India between 2010 and 2019. These deaths often occur due to the use of excessive force, torture, or lack of medical care.

In addition to custodial deaths, there are also numerous reports of custodial torture, rape, and other forms of violence. In many cases, victims are targeted simply because of their identity or perceived association with criminal activity. Reports suggest that police often use torture as a means of extracting confessions or information, even when there is little evidence to support the allegations.

Despite these issues, there is often little accountability for those responsible for custodial violence in India. Many cases go unreported or are never investigated, and even when perpetrators are caught, they are often able to avoid punishment due to weak legal frameworks and a lack of political will.

In recent years, there have been some efforts to address custodial violence in India. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India issued guidelines for police investigations into cases of custodial violence, and in 2020, the Parliament passed a law criminalizing the use of torture. However, much more needs to be done to address this issue and ensure that those responsible for custodial violence are held accountable for their actions. This includes implementing stronger legal frameworks, increasing police accountability, and addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to police violence in India.