Status of Policing in India 2025: Custodial Torture Findings
Why in the news
A Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause study exposed how many police staff accept force and torture during investigations, especially for serious crime and national security cases.
Key facts
- Sample: 8,276 personnel, 82 locations, 17 states including Delhi.
- 63% accept violence against suspects in serious cases; 35% oppose.
- Torture support: 42% (terrorism), 34% (rape, sexual assault, murder), 28% (history sheeters).
| Practice | Minor offences such as theft | Serious crimes |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal abuse or threats | 49% | 55% |
| Slapping | 32% | 50% |
| Third-degree torture | 9% | 30% |
How often it happens
- Threats: 26% say often, 34% sometimes.
- Slapping or light force: 18% often, 28% sometimes.
- Third-degree torture: 10% often, 16% sometimes.
- One in three officers say coercion is frequently used.
Reporting views
- About 40% back mandatory reporting of torture in every case; a similar share wants it only in some cases; 10% never.
- Junior officers favour it more than seniors.
- Over 40% strongly, and 36% moderately, would report superiors if given legal protection.
Way forward
- Human rights sensitisation training.
- Strict enforcement of anti-torture protocols.
- Independent oversight bodies.
- Legal protection for whistleblowers and junior officers.
Exam angle
- Study by Lokniti-CSDS with Common Cause.
- Themes: police reform, custodial torture, constitutional morality.