Sun Sep 07 07:12:16 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A government report reveals that Rajasthan recorded 20 custodial deaths in police lock-ups between August 2023 and August 2025. Causes include suicide, health issues (like heart attacks), and one death during an escape attempt. Inquiries are pending in most cases, and completed inquiries have not found police personnel at fault, though some disciplinary actions (transfers, suspensions, notices) were taken where negligence was suspected. The Supreme Court is currently examining compliance with CCTV installation mandates in police stations, a matter relevant to the context of custodial deaths.

**News Article:**

**Rajasthan Sees 20 Custodial Deaths in Two Years; Few Blame Police**

**Jaipur, Rajasthan – September 7, 2025:** A government report presented to the Rajasthan state assembly has revealed that 20 individuals died in police custody between August 2023 and August 2025. The report, responding to a query from Congress MLA Rafeek Khan, details the deaths occurring in police lock-ups across the state.

According to the findings, six deaths were attributed to suicide, 12 were linked to health complications including six heart attacks, and one person died during an escape attempt, falling into a well. The cause of one death remains disputed.

The report highlighted concerning patterns, including instances of detainees complaining of chest pain, heatstroke, or abdominal pain before their deaths. One case in Jaitaran (Beawar) drew particular scrutiny after a detainee allegedly hanged himself with a blanket, raising questions about adherence to standard operating procedures.

Investigations into the deaths are still ongoing in 13 of the 20 cases. Of the seven completed inquiries, none have found police personnel at fault. In instances where negligence was suspected, disciplinary actions were taken, including transfers, suspensions, and the issuance of departmental notices. For example, an SHO and three constables in Jaipur were transferred after a custodial suicide, and a constable in Sriganganagar was denied an increment.

The report emerges as the Supreme Court examines the country’s compliance with previous directives mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations, in response to growing concerns about custodial deaths and potential misconduct.

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