A grim picture of custodial death cases has emerged, marking a total of 170 deaths across India in the first 74 days of 2026, the Union government told Parliament on Tuesday. As per the figures revealed, there has been a surge in the custodial deaths when compared to the last financial year, which was 140; prior to that, in 2023-2024, it was 157 cases, 163 in 2022-23, and 176 in 2021-22.
When the data is segregated state-wise, it highlights that Bihar reported the highest number of custodial deaths in 2026 so far, with the number of cases recorded as 19. This was followed by Rajasthan with 18 cases, Uttar Pradesh with 15, and 14 cases from Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
In the north, Assam saw five cases and Arunachal Pradesh three, while Mizoram and Sikkim and Ladakh recorded no cases of custodial death. And in the south, Tamil Nadu recorded seven cases, Telangana five, and Karnataka and Kerala three. When seen in the east, Odisha reported nine cases, and West Bengal reported seven cases.
Marginalised Groups Disproportionately Affected by Custodial Violence
Multiple human rights reports have consistently found that Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, and other marginalized and economically weaker communities are disproportionately subjected to custodial violence, torture, and deaths. The pattern, according to these reports, is shaped by structural factors such as poverty, which limits the ability to pay bribes or secure timely bail; targeted policing in specific localities; and bias in arrests often linked to minor or petty offenses. Limited access to quality legal aid and lower visibility in the media further compound their vulnerability, leaving such cases underreported and inadequately addressed.
Furthermore, it has also been reported that serious injuries and deaths have been reported due to misuse of firearms as well. It has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, which include Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, the LGBTQIA+ community, migrant workers, and homeless persons.
The abovementioned group is reported to face frequent physical abuse and discriminatory policing practices.
“These allegations paint a picture of law enforcement violence that is not sporadic but systemic,” the experts said, adding that if proven, such acts would constitute serious breaches of the right to life, the prohibition of torture, and non-discrimination norms.
