Gujarat Faces High Custodial Deaths Over Five Years
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recently published its latest report. It reveals a troubling trend in Gujarat. The state reported 75 custodial deaths between 2019 and 2023. This period saw 386 such deaths across India. Gujarat consistently ranks among the top two states for these incidents.
Recent Cases Highlight Ongoing Issues
In 2023, Gujarat and Maharashtra together accounted for nearly half of all custodial deaths in the country. They recorded 30 out of 62 total deaths. Gujarat alone reported 13 cases that year. Maharashtra had 17. The data indicates that illnesses and suicides are the leading causes. Of Gujarat's 13 deaths in 2023, five were suicides, seven resulted from illness, and one stemmed from a previous injury.
Over the five-year span, Gujarat's 75 custodial deaths included 31 suicides and 32 illness-related fatalities. Nationally, 150 out of 386 deaths were suicides, with 167 due to illnesses. The NCRB does not specify if those who died of illness had pre-existing conditions.
Police Encounters and Investigations
Gujarat has a history of police encounter deaths, particularly in the early 2000s. Courts supervised investigations into these cases. Several police personnel faced arrests. More recently, in 2021, an FIR was filed against policemen following court directions. The investigation closed with a clean chit for all accused officers. The court has not yet made a final decision.
One notable incident occurred on November 6, 2021. Surendranagar police allegedly shot dead Hanifkhan Jat Malek, 45, and his 14-year-old son Madeenkhan. Police claimed self-defense. Hanifkhan's daughter moved the sessions court, leading to an FIR in May 2025 against seven police personnel. However, police filed a closure report within seven months, citing nil findings of guilt.
2025 Incidents and Legal Actions
In September 2025, Gujarat police shot dead Vipul Parmar in Gandhinagar. He was accused of assaulting a couple, resulting in a murder. Police stated he snatched a weapon and fired at them, injuring one officer. A magisterial inquiry is ongoing.
Another case involved Karansinh Jadeja, who died after consuming herbicide in August 2025. He allegedly attempted suicide following police thrashing. An FIR was filed against two head constables for assault and abetment to suicide. They were arrested after bail rejections.
Minors Among Victims
In September 2025, four constables in Botad were booked for allegedly brutalizing a 17-year-old. The minor was beaten for several days and extorted for money. An FIR was registered, with two accused arrested and chargesheeted.
In Rajkot, the NHRC took notice of a minor boy's alleged torture at a police station in October 2025. A video showed a man pulling the boy's hair. A constable and a sanitary worker were booked, and a chargesheet was filed in December 2025.
Shooting Cases in Late 2025
Gujarat police reported multiple shooting incidents in late 2025. Over 50 days, seven cases involved police shooting accused persons in the legs. Accused allegedly attacked officers or tried to escape. For example, in December 2025, police shot Ramsingh Dudwa in both legs after he attempted to attack with a scythe. Dudwa was later sentenced to death for rape.
Other incidents included shootings in Surendranagar, Navsari, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhinagar. Accused in these cases faced charges like rioting, rape, and weapons trafficking. Police cited self-defense or prevention of escape.
Custodial Status and Deaths
NCRB data shows most custodial deaths in Gujarat occur while 'not in remand,' meaning before court production. From 2019 to 2023, 73 of Gujarat's 75 deaths were in this category. Only two were 'in remand.' Nationally, 231 out of 386 deaths were 'not in remand.' In 2023, Gujarat had no deaths 'in remand,' while Maharashtra reported four.
This pattern underscores ongoing concerns about police custody conditions and accountability in Gujarat.
