The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken serious cognizance of the alleged custodial death of Ram Chandra Maurya in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, following a complaint filed by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi.
Key Observations by the Commission
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The NHRC recorded that the victim was allegedly beaten in police custody and died on 08.01.2025.
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Authorities claimed the deceased was not formally arrested due to ill health and was taken to a Community Health Centre, where he died.
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Crucial documents, including the Medical Legal Certificate, were reported as unavailable.
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No CB/CID inquiry has been initiated so far.
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Despite earlier directions (19.09.2025), mandatory reports remain pending.
NHRC’s Latest Directions (01 January 2026)
The Commission has directed the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur Kheri, to submit the following within four weeks (by 08 February 2026):
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Copy of complaint and FIR registered against the deceased
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Seizure Memo and Recovery Memo
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All relevant GD (General Diary) extracts
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Post-mortem report
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Video recording (CD/DVD) of the post-mortem examination
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Site plan of the place of occurrence
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Chemical and histopathology report of viscera (if applicable)
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Final cause of death based on FSL report
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Magisterial Enquiry Report under Section 176(1-A) CrPC
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Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry (if applicable)
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Status of departmental or criminal proceedings, if any
The NHRC has clearly stated that failure to comply will compel the Commission to invoke coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including personal appearance of the concerned authorities.
Significance
This order reaffirms that custodial deaths demand the highest level of scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. The Commission’s insistence on video evidence, magisterial inquiry, and forensic confirmation underscores the non-negotiable obligation of the State to protect the right to life and dignity.
Date: Thu, Jan 1, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -699/24/46/2025-AD
To: <spkhi-up@nic.in>, <dmlkh@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>
Cc: <cs-uttarpradesh@nic.in>, <csup@nic.in>, <dgp@up.nic.in>
 |
| NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION |
| MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023 |
| Fax No.: 011-24651332 Website: www.nhrc.nic.in |
| (Law Division) |
| Case No.- 699/24/46/2025-AD |
| Date : 01/01/2026 |
| To, |
| THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE LAKHIMPUR KHERI UTTAR PRADESH Email- spkhi-up@nic.in THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE DC Rd, Police Line, Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh 262701 LAKHIMPUR KHERI UTTAR PRADESH Email- dmlkh@nic.in |
| Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from |
DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI |
| Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -699/24/46/2025-AD. |
| Sir/ Madam, |
| I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 01/01/2026 and the Commission has directed as follows.: |
| 1. These proceedings shall be read in continuation with earlier proceedings of the Commission. |
| 2. It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 08/02/2026, for futher consideration by the Commission. |
| 3. Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained |
Your’s faithfully |
| CC to |
| THE CHIEF SECRETARY GOVERNMENT OF UTTAR PRADESH, 1ST FLOOR, ROOM NO. 110, LALBAHADUR SASTRI BHAWAN, UTTAR PRADESH SECRETARIAT, LUCKNOW-226001 UTTAR PRADESH Email- cs-uttarpradesh@nic.in,csup@ THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, 1, TILAK MARG, LUCKNOW- 226001, UTTAR PRADESH UTTAR PRADESH Email- dgp@up.nic.in |
Brijvir Singh |
