SC judge flags rise in extra-judicial killings, questions police methods

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has expressed concern over the rising number of extra-judicial killings and custodial violence in India, questioning whether such 'shortcut methods' are used to cover up gaps in investigations. Speaking at a legal discourse in New Delhi on Friday, he said he had initially believed custodial violence was a thing of the past but was forced to reconsider that view.

Justice Bhuyan questioned the police practice of taking accused persons to recreate crime scenes at unusual hours, such as 3 am, when no urgency exists. He noted that police often offer explanations such as the accused trying to snatch a rifle, a scuffle leading to firing, or the accused being hit by a speeding truck. He also cited a case where an accused was said to have jumped into a well.

The judge said such incidents force right-thinking people to ask if these are ways to hide flaws in investigation. He emphasised that the Constitution does not approve of such practices. He also raised concerns about young IPS officers personally attacking demonstrators, warning of what could happen to an accused in police custody at night.