Custodial Death in Agra: NHRC Seeks Reports from Police and District Administration in Kedar Singh Case

 

Custodial Death in Agra: NHRC Seeks Reports from Police and District Administration in Kedar Singh Case
By Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
(Human Rights Defender)

Custodial deaths remain one of the gravest human rights violations in India. Despite constitutional guarantees and Supreme Court guidelines, allegations of torture and deaths in police custody continue to surface. One such case is the custodial death of Kedar Singh, a 55-year-old man from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Case Details (NHRC)

• Diary No.: 2603/IN/2025

• Case/File No.: 2095/24/1/2025-PCD

• Victim: Kedar Singh (55 years)

• Incident Category: Custodial Death (Police)

• Incident Date: 07 February 2025

• Place: Police Chauki Kabis, District Agra, Uttar Pradesh

• Complainant: Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi

The complaint was submitted through HRCNet and registered by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Allegations in the Complaint

The complaint alleges that third-degree torture was inflicted upon Kedar Singh by police officials of Kabis Police Chauki, Agra, while he was in custody on 07 February 2025.

As per the complaint and the media report cited therein:

• A cloth was forcibly stuffed into the victim’s mouth to suppress his screams

• The victim allegedly succumbed due to custodial torture

• The incident was reported in print media on the same date

These allegations raise serious concerns regarding custodial violence, abuse of authority, and violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

NHRC Takes Cognizance

The NHRC took cognizance of the matter and, vide proceedings dated 21 March 2025, directed the District Magistrate, Agra and the Commissioner of Police, Agra to submit detailed reports covering all aspects of the custodial death.

The Commission specifically called for:

1. A detailed report covering time, place, and reasons for arrest/detention

2. Copy of the complaint registered against the deceased

3. Arrest memo and inspection memo

4. Information on whether family/relatives were informed of arrest

5. Seizure memo and recovery memo

6. Medical Legal Certificate (MLC)

7. Copies of all relevant GD entries

8. Inquest report

9. Post-mortem report (typed, with injury details)

10. Video recording of post-mortem examination

11. Site plan of the place of occurrence

12. Chemical and histopathological examination of viscera (if applicable)

13. Final cause of death based on FSL report

14. Magisterial enquiry report under Section 176(1-A) CrPC

Non-Compliance and NHRC Reminder

Despite these clear directions, no reports were received by the NHRC within the stipulated time.

Consequently, the Commission issued an Additional Information Called for (AIC) order dated 30 July 2025, directing:

• The Commissioner of Police, Agra

• The District Magistrate, Agra

to submit the complete reports within two weeks, with a final reminder deadline of 23 August 2025.

This continued non-submission of reports reflects serious administrative apathy in a matter involving death in police custody.

Why This Case Is Important

Custodial deaths strike at the heart of:

• The rule of law

• Police accountability

• India’s obligations under international human rights standards

The Supreme Court of India and the NHRC have repeatedly emphasized that custodial violence is impermissible and that every custodial death must be subjected to independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation.

Failure to submit mandatory reports not only delays justice but also deepens mistrust in law-enforcement institutions.

Call for Accountability

I urge:

• The Agra Police Commissionerate and District Administration to immediately comply with NHRC directions

• A fair, impartial, and independent investigation into the death of Kedar Singh

• Accountability of officials responsible for custodial torture, if established

• Compensation and relief to the family of the deceased as per law

Custody does not extinguish fundamental rights. No person should lose their life at the hands of the state.

Conclusion

The NHRC’s continued monitoring of this case is crucial. However, justice will only be meaningful when:

• Truth is established

• Responsibility is fixed

• Structural safeguards are strengthened to prevent future custodial deaths

Every custodial death is a reminder that human dignity must remain inviolable—especially when the state exercises its power.