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Zero Accountability in Custody Deaths

Custodial deaths in India remain a serious human rights concern. Despite thousands of reported deaths in police and judicial custody, the rate of conviction for police personnel remains virtually non-existent. This report draws from recent data and a specific case in Tamil Nadu to highlight systemic impunity within the Indian criminal justice system.

Key Statistics (2017–2022)
  • Total custodial deaths reported: 11,656
  • Magisterial inquiries conducted: 345
  • Police personnel arrested: 123
  • Police personnel charge-sheeted: 79
  • Police personnel convicted: 0

Despite arrests and inquiries, not a single conviction was recorded in custodial death cases across the country during this five-year period.

A Recent Case: Ajith Kumar (2024, Tamil Nadu)

Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old security guard, died in police custody in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, while hearing related PILs, remarked:

“Even a murderer would not have caused this much injury.”

Allegations:
  • Over 30 injury marks found on his body
  • Chili powder allegedly applied to his face and genitals
  • All five constables involved were arrested

Despite arrests in this case, historical data warns against expecting a conviction.

Tamil Nadu: A Troubled Past

Tamil Nadu continues to face public scrutiny for custodial violence.

  • 490 deaths in police or judicial custody were reported from 2017–2022
  • Notable incidents:
    • Sathankulam case (2020): Father and son died in custody
    • Ambasamudram torture scandal (2023)
State-wise Trends
  • Uttar Pradesh: Highest number of custodial deaths in India
  • Tamil Nadu: Highest among southern states

Note: Not all custodial deaths stem from torture. However, lack of postmortem transparency and poor investigative standards make accountability nearly impossible to ensure.

Human Rights Violations by Police

Between 2017 and 2022:

  • 74 cases of human rights violations (including illegal detention, custodial torture and deaths) were filed
  • 41 personnel were charge-sheeted

This further underscores a pattern of impunity in cases involving serious rights abuses.

Conclusion: Justice Denied

The statistics lay bare a disturbing truth — custodial deaths are frequent, but justice is rare. Investigations do occur. Arrests are made. But convictions remain elusive.

The Ajith Kumar case has renewed public outrage, yet systemic reform remains the need of the hour. Without strong accountability mechanisms, the message being sent is clear:

Police Brutality Comes Without Consequence.

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