20 custodial deaths in two years in Rajasthan; rights groups express concern

Rajasthan, in the last two years, the police detained 20 deaths, most of them in connection with health problems, one person died after falling into a well during the escape attempt. The figures between August 2023 and August 2025 were announced in a report during the monsoon session of the State Assembly, which ended on September 10th.

The groups of civil rights in the state expressed their concerns about detention deaths and requested a judicial investigation to each of them and requested a transparent investigation into lawsuits classified as suicide or medical reasons to provide accountability.

In response to a query by Congress Mla and Chef Whip Rafiq Khan, the information was given in the parliament. In the report, six of the prisoners died because of suicide that 12 of the deaths could be attributed to health conditions. No policeman was found guilty of any custody deaths.

The People’s Civil Freedom Association (PUCL) said that on Friday, September 12, the police detained deaths were a major violation of human rights, ignoring constitutional and legal protections. Pucl-Rajasthan President Bhanwar Meghwanshi said, “Every custody reflects fatal neglect and suicide allegations in custody is often doubtful, masking torture, negligence or inhuman treatment, Pug Pucl-Rajasthan Bhanwar Meghwanshi said.

Mr. Meghwanshi said that the existence of vehicles for suicide in custody pointed to serious tours under the control, and that the deaths attributed to health reasons show that medical care and humanity could not be provided in time.

“The increase in custody deaths in Rajasthan is not only an attack on human dignity, but also a clear violation of the decisions of the Supreme Court and the NHRC directives. Unless urgent reforms undertake emergency reforms, Meghwanshi said.

In addition to the judicial investigation into all deaths, PUCL said that strict legal and department action should be initiated against guilty police officers and adequate compensation and rehabilitation given to the families of the victims should be initiated.

PUCL also requested a compulsory CCTV scope in all custody centers with secure data protection. Supreme Court had recently received suo motu He said that the media reports will be aware of the custody deaths and that he would examine the compliance with the previous directive, which required the installation of CCTV cameras to police stations.