Waquar Hasan | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — A recent report has revealed that Muslims, Dalits, and Adivasis are disproportionately affected by custodial torture in India. Additionally, a significant percentage of police personnel believe that minority communities are more likely to engage in criminal activities.
The report, titled “Status of Policing in India Report 2025: Police Torture and (Un)Accountability”, was released on Wednesday by civil rights advocacy group Common Cause at the India International Centre in the national capital.
According to the report, many interviewees acknowledged that custodial torture is a frequent occurrence, with victims primarily coming from poor and marginalised communities. A lawyer described this trend, stating that “all the faceless and voiceless” are targeted. The groups most commonly subjected to torture include Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, illiterate individuals, and slum dwellers. Lawyers emphasised how poverty and social marginalisation influence the police’s targeting of vulnerable communities.
The study surveyed 8,276 police personnel of various ranks across 82 locations, including police stations, police lines, and courts, in 17 states and union territories. Responses were collected from both urban and rural areas, covering state capitals, district headquarters, and towns of different sizes. The survey encompassed constables, upper subordinates (from Assistant Sub-Inspector to Deputy Superintendent of Police), and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with doctors, lawyers, and judges who interact with both the police and individuals in custody.
Justification of Torture
The survey found that 30% of police personnel have a high propensity to justify torture, while another 32% have a moderate propensity. IPS officers were the most likely to justify torture (34%), with officers who frequently conduct interrogations showing an even higher tendency (37%).
Among states, Jharkhand (50%) and Gujarat (49%) recorded the highest proportion of police personnel who justify torture, whereas Kerala had the lowest (1%).
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