Rise in cases of custodial deaths in the country

Sun, May 11 12:06 PM

New Delhi, May 11 (PTI) With the number of custodial deaths showing an increasing trend, the Union Home Ministry has issued guidelines to all State Governments and Union Territories to inform the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) about such incidents within 24 hours of occurrence. In 2007-08, the number of police custodial deaths was 188, up from 118 in 2006-07, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said.

There were 136 such deaths in 2004-05 and the figure rose to 139 in the next year. "The NHRC has recommended departmental or disciplinary action as well as initiation of prosecution against delinquent officials in cases where, prima facie, cases of custodial violence is established," Jaiswal told PTI.

During the last three years and the current year, the NHRC has recommended disciplinary action in eight cases and prosecution in three cases, he said, adding the NHRC has also awarded a total interim relief or compensation of Rs.69.

45 lakh in cases of deaths in police custody. Concerned over the increase in the number of custodial deaths, the Home Ministry has circulated important guidelines, as directed by the Supreme Court, to be followed by all authorities concerned while making arrests, he said.

The States and Union Territories have been directed to monitor closely the implementation of the guidelines. PTI.

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