Police torture cases

Under investigation2 months ago

State vs. prison inmates — Sabari Varman custodial death case

An inmate named Sabari Varman died inside Nagercoil Sub Jail in Tamil Nadu. Eight prison inmates were arrested in connection with his death following investigation of warders and other inquiries. Family members alleged torture, though a police official denied the allegations and stated evidence showed the deceased was in good health when he left the police station.

Custodial / human rightsInmate deathPolice torture

Tamil Nadu7Police investigation

Under investigation3 months ago

State vs Ankit Balyan, Pradeep Balyan, Shiva Tyagi — UP bonded labour and human trafficking case

Twelve to thirteen bonded labourers, including minors, were rescued from a factory in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh after alleged 10-month abuse involving torture, branding, whipping, and severe malnutrition. Factory owner Ankit Balyan, his father Pradeep Balyan, and supervisor Shiva Tyagi have been booked under human trafficking, bonded labour, murder, child labour, and SC/ST atrocities provisions; two are arrested and one is absconding.

Human traffickingBonded labourChild Labour+2

Uttar Pradesh4FIR

On trial2 weeks ago

State vs. Former CI Nagaraju — Custodial death of Sai Krishna at Krishna Lanka Police Station, Vijayawada

A 26-year-old man, Sai Krishna, allegedly died in police custody at Krishna Lanka Police Station in Vijayawada, NTR district, between May 9 and early hours of the next day. The NHRC sought reports from the Andhra Pradesh DGP and Chief Secretary regarding illegal detention, torture, alleged death, and body disposal. An FIR was registered against former CI Nagaraju.

Custodial / human rightsPolice torturePolice misconduct+4

Andhra Pradesh9FIR

Under investigationlast month

State vs Unknown — Vejalpur Police Station custodial death case, Ahmedabad

A 70-year-old man alleged died in custody at Vejalpur Police Station, Ahmedabad, in May 2026. The Supreme Court of India directed the Gujarat government to register an FIR and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged custodial death.

Custodial / human rightsPolice misconductCow slaughter case+8

Gujarat4Police investigation

Under investigation2 months ago

State of Maharashtra vs. Police Personnel — Suman Kale Custodial Death Case (Re-investigation)

Suman Kale, a Pardhi activist, died in police custody 19 years ago. Following allegations of police torture and lapses in the original CID investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was newly constituted to re-investigate the case.

Custodial / human rightsSIT probeRe-investigation+1

Maharashtra3Police investigation

Under investigation4 years ago

Investigation into the death of Sajeevan Ponmeriparambil in Vadakara police custody

Sajeevan Ponmeriparambil died while being transported to a hospital after allegedly being subjected to police brutality at the Vadakara police station. An investigation is underway into the conduct of the police officers involved.

Custodial / human rightsPolice torture

Kerala2Police investigation