Whereas Assam has done very well in a number of spheres, especially in coping with the Sardah scam, it recorded the highest number of custodial deaths in 2012, accounting for 11 such deaths out of 30 across the country. It is according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Andhra Pradesh came second with five custodial deaths followed by Maharashtra with four such deaths. The Assam figure is simply shocking. The NCRB had not recorded a single custodial death in the state in 2011. Andhra Pradesh had recorded the maximum of 11 deaths in 2011. Madhya Pradesh was in the second spot and Maharashtra came third.
Autopsy case registration and magisterial enquiries were conducted in the 11 cases of custodial death in Assam. No policeman however, was charge sheeted. The Assam police have demanded a rechecking of the figures released by the NCRB before they can act upon their grave concern. Former police chief Hare Krishna Deka said that the Assam police should take the matter seriously and initiate prompt action. There should be a thorough study of the cases by the CID. It should ascertain the causes of the deaths. Surprise visits by the top brass of the Assam police should be made to police stations to check the state of affairs concerning those in police custody. It should be seen also that the magisterial enquiries make a thorough job. It may be recalled that earlier this month, the Assam Human Rights Commission had ordered a magisterial enquiry into the death of Palash Baruah in Jorhat district jail. The findings are not known. The number of custodial deaths in India is very high. They are usually due to brawls between prisoners which take place because of police laxity. Sometimes police complicity to suppress evidence cannot be ruled out. It is regrettable as custodial death means denial of justice.
