CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal/Rajasthan : Between August 2023 and August 2025, Rajasthan witnessed 20 deaths in police custody, as revealed in a government report submitted to the state assembly in response to a query by Congress MLA Rafeek Khan
Among these, 12 deaths were attributed to health-related issues, including six due to heart attacks
Six detainees committed suicide, one individual died following a fall into a well during an escape attempt, and the cause of one death remains disputed
The report flagged recurring patterns such as chest pain, heatstroke, abdominal pain, and hanging inside police lock-ups, raising serious concerns about custodial safety and procedural compliance
Investigations are still ongoing in 13 of the cases, while in the seven concluded inquiries no police personnel were held responsible—most cases were ruled as natural deaths or suicides
However, there have been instances where negligence by sentry staff led to show-cause notices or disciplinary action; for example, two constables received 17 CCA notices in one case
The report has sparked political backlash, with opposition leaders demanding transparency, accountability, and full disclosure, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s scrutiny over non-functional CCTV systems in police stations across the state
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