New Delhi: Two United Nations Special Rapporteurs have urged the Government of India to order urgent and independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, custodial torture and widespread injuries linked to law enforcement agencies.
Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on torture, and Morris Tidball Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, said the allegations point to systemic patterns rather than isolated incidents. They warned that if proven, such actions would amount to grave violations of the right to life, the prohibition of torture and the right to non discrimination.
The experts cited credible information indicating excessive and often lethal use of force, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Assam. They referred to so called encounters and half encounters and raised concern over custodial abuse. Reports indicate that Muslims, Dalits and Adivasis face disproportionate impact.
They also flagged persistent complaints of beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence, humiliation and denial of medical care in custody. Overcrowded detention centres and poor conditions were said to worsen the situation.
The experts noted gaps in legal safeguards. India has not ratified the Convention against Torture and domestic law does not explicitly criminalise torture. They stated that existing Supreme Court directives on CCTV installation in police stations and encounter investigations are often ignored.
They called for prompt, transparent investigations into every reported incident and urged reforms to align policing with international human rights standards. They also condemned harassment of victims, families and civil society actors seeking accountability.
The Special Rapporteurs have written to the Government of India and offered technical assistance. They said they will continue to monitor developments.
