HOW THE POLICE VIEW CUSTODIAL TORTURE IN INDIA

The data reveals an acceptance of coercive tactics ranging from verbal abuse and threats to slapping and third-degree methods even for minor offences

- 

In recent years, concerns over police brutality and custodial torture have intensified, fuelling debates about justice, accountability, and human rights. The findings from a recent study on the 'Status of Policing in India Report' conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in collaboration with Common Cause shed light on this grim reality.

The study, which analysed responses from 8,276 police personnel across 82 locations in 17 States including Delhi, provides troubling insights into the culture of abuse behind closed doors.

In the name of the law | Custodial torture and deaths in Uttar Pradesh

When asked if it is acceptable for the police to use violence against suspects of serious offences for the greater good of society, nearly two out of three police personnel (63%) agreed.

Of them, 22% strongly agreed and 41% moderately agreed. Just 35% of the officers opposed the idea (Table 1). Support for violence against suspected serious offenders remained consistent across ranks.