Over 1,500 died in custody: NHRC by Vijaita Singh

As many as 1,574 people were killed in custody in the past year, according to the data released by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 331 deaths being reported in both police and judicial custody.

The data was submitted in the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha in response to MP H K Dua’s query to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The record number of 316 custodial deaths reported in Uttar Pradesh were in jails. Maharashtra was the only state to record more than 30 deaths in police custody.

“We collect the data on the basis of individual complaints as well as those sent by prison authorities. The most complaints were sent from UP,” said an NHRC official.

The other states where more than 100 custodial deaths were reported were Andhra Pradesh (106), Bihar (136) and Maharashtra (130).

At least 22 cases were reported from Delhi. Of these, three were reported in police custody and 19 by the Tihar Jail authorities. Thirty-six people died in Chhattisgarh jails and 25 in Assam jails.

“Once we have received the intimation about any custodial death, we conduct our independent inquiry and prepare a report. If any official is found guilty, we send advice to the district administration,” said the official. “The NHRC also calls for reports for ascertaining any foul play or negligence”.