Fri Nov 08 22:12:00 UTC 2024: ## Custodial Deaths in Uttar Pradesh: A Pattern of Impunity?
**Lucknow, November 9, 2024:** The families of two men, Mohit Pandey and Aman Gautam, who died in police custody in Lucknow, are demanding justice and accountability from the Uttar Pradesh police.
Mohit Pandey, a 32-year-old businessman, died in police custody on October 26 after being detained for a minor dispute with a neighbor. His family claims he was tortured in custody, and a CCTV video allegedly shows him collapsing in the police station lock-up. While the police initially claimed he died of natural causes, his family filed an FIR against the police officers involved. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered the family compensation, housing, free education for their children, and access to government schemes.
Aman Gautam, a daily wage laborer, died on October 11 after being detained for alleged gambling. His family alleges he was beaten to death in the police van. While a case was registered against four police officers, the family claims it was downgraded to culpable homicide. The family received minimal assistance from the government compared to Mohit’s family, highlighting the potential discrimination faced by Dalits.
These two deaths are not isolated incidents. Uttar Pradesh has consistently ranked high in custodial deaths, with 501 deaths recorded in 2021-22 alone. Activists and lawyers point to systemic issues, including lack of accountability, pressure on police to “show results,” and a culture of unchecked power within the law enforcement agency. They argue that the Uttar Pradesh government’s emphasis on law and order, often through heavy-handed tactics, has emboldened police brutality.
While the police department issued comprehensive guidelines in July to curb custodial deaths, experts argue that the problem lies not in the rules, but in their implementation. They point to India’s declining Rule of Law Index ranking as evidence of a larger systemic issue.
The families of both victims are struggling for justice and support. They highlight the lack of effective mechanisms to hold the police accountable and the ongoing trauma experienced by families of victims of custodial violence.
The cases of Mohit and Aman have once again brought to light the systemic issues contributing to custodial deaths in Uttar Pradesh. With India lacking specific laws against torture and the NHRC having limited powers, it remains to be seen if these cases will lead to meaningful reform and accountability.
First Piper 