NHRC notice to Jharkhand over custodial death

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) issued a notice to the Jharkhand government in case of a custodial death in Deoghar district’s Palajori police station. Reports said the deceased was taken from his residence to the police station for interrogation in a cybercrime case. On May 22, 2025, the victim’s health deteriorated during interrogation. He was taken to the Deoghar Sadar Hospital, where the attending doctor declared him dead. The victim’s family members alleged that he was physically tortured in police custody, resulting in his death.

Observing that the incident raised a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim, the NHRC issued notices to the official concerned calling for a detailed report within six weeks. It is expected to include the inquest and post-mortem reports, along with the cause of death, as well as the magisterial enquiry report.

The commission has also taken a serious view of the district police not sending any intimation about this custodial death, required to be sent within 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident as per its guidelines to all the States and union territories. Therefore, it has also sought an explanation for this lapse from the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Jharkhand.

Published - May 28, 2025 10:00 pm IST