Custodial deaths: Zero police convictions in Tamil Nadu and India
A disturbing pattern of custodial deaths persists in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, with zero police convictions despite numerous reported cases. Data from 2016-2022 reveals 490 deaths in Tamil Nadu and 11,656 nationwide in judicial/police custody, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number. While magisterial inquiries were ordered in 345 cases and 123 policemen arrested, none were convicted. The data also highlights a disproportionate targeting of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in preventive detentions in Tamil Nadu, where 38.5% of detenues were SCs compared to their 20% population share. This underscores a severe lack of accountability and systemic issues in policing and human rights enforcement.
Key Points
- Custodial deaths are a persistent issue in India, with Tamil Nadu showing a significant number but zero police convictions.
- Despite arrests and chargesheets against police personnel for human rights violations, convictions remain negligible.
- Scheduled Castes are disproportionately targeted in preventive detentions in Tamil Nadu, indicating systemic discrimination.
- The lack of accountability for custodial deaths underscores a serious failure in state regulation and enforcement of human rights.
Exam Facts
- 490 deaths reported in judicial/police custody in Tamil Nadu between 2016-17 and 2021-22.
- Total 11,656 deaths recorded in India in the same period.
- Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of fatalities (2,630).
- In Tamil Nadu, 38.5% of detenues were SCs (as of Dec 31, 2022), while their population share is 20.01%.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.