Sat Sep 13 01:25:05 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article, formatted for publication:

**Summary:**

A report presented to the Rajasthan State Assembly revealed that 20 deaths occurred in police custody in the state between August 2023 and August 2025. The report attributed the majority of deaths to health issues or suicide, and stated that no police officers were found guilty in any of the cases. Civil rights groups, particularly the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), have expressed strong concerns about these deaths, alleging administrative negligence, potential torture or inhuman treatment masked as suicide, and failure to provide adequate medical care. The PUCL is demanding judicial inquiries, transparent investigations, accountability for police officers, compensation for families, and mandatory CCTV coverage in custody centers.

**News Article:**

**Rajasthan Records 20 Custodial Deaths in Two Years, Sparking Outrage**

*JAIPUR, September 13, 2025* – A report tabled during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Rajasthan State Assembly has revealed a disturbing trend: 20 deaths in police custody over the past two years (August 2023 – August 2025). The report, presented in response to a query by Congress MLA Rafiq Khan, attributes the deaths primarily to health conditions (12 cases) and suicide (6 cases). One death was reported as a result of an escape attempt where the individual fell into a well.

The findings have ignited a firestorm of criticism from civil rights organizations, who are demanding thorough and transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding each death. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has emerged as a leading voice, condemning the deaths as a grave violation of human rights.

“Every custodial death reflects administrative negligence,” stated Bhanwar Meghwanshi, president of PUCL-Rajasthan. “The claims of suicide in custody are often suspect, appearing to mask torture, neglect, or inhuman treatment. The availability of means for suicide in custody points to serious lapses in supervision, while deaths ascribed to health causes indicate a failure to provide timely medical care and humane treatment.”

The PUCL argues that the increase in custodial deaths is a blatant breach of the Constitution, Supreme Court rulings, and directives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). They are calling for immediate reforms, including:

* Judicial inquiries into all deaths.
* Strict legal and departmental action against guilty police officers.
* Adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the families of victims.
* Mandatory CCTV coverage in all custody centers, with secure data preservation.

The Supreme Court recently took *suo motu* cognizance of media reports on custodial deaths and said it would examine compliance with its earlier directive mandating installation of CCTV cameras in police stations. The PUCL hopes this scrutiny will lead to meaningful changes and prevent future tragedies. The report stated no police man was found guilty in any of the custodial deaths. The organization warns that if urgent reforms are not undertaken, such incidents will continue to erode public trust in the rule of law in Rajasthan.

Read More