20 Custodial Deaths in 2 Years in Rajasthan Raise Rights Groups’ Concerns

Quick Summary:

• Rajasthan recorded 20 custodial deaths between August 2023 and August 2025, mostly linked to health issues; one occurred during an escape attempt.
• Of the reported deaths, 12 were attributed to health conditions and six to suicide, per a report tabled in the State AssemblyS monsoon session.
• No police personnel were found guilty in connection with these cases.
• Civil rights groups like PUCL expressed concerns over human rights violations and questioned claims of suicides or medical causes as potentially masking neglect or abuse.
• PUCL advocated for judicial inquiry into all deaths, strict accountability measures for officers involved, compensation for affected families, and mandatory CCTV coverage in custody centres.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The revelation of custodial deaths highlights critical gaps in oversight within Rajasthan’s law enforcement framework. While health-related issues account for many fatalities, civil rights advocates stress that inadequate medical care and supervision may exacerbate these tragedies. Furthermore, suicides under custody raise troubling questions regarding mental health interventions and conditions within detention facilities.

The absence of police accountability emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to align practices with constitutional safeguards and Supreme Court directives. Implementation of measures such as CCTV surveillance can strengthen openness while fostering public trust in legal institutions. This situation demands urgent action from both administrative leaders and policymakers to prevent further erosion of human dignity within custodial settings.

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