Rajasthan High Court Takes Stern Action in Custodial Torture Case
The Rajasthan High Court's principal seat in Jodhpur has taken decisive action in a disturbing case of alleged custodial torture, ordering the immediate removal of a police station head officer and imposing strict restrictions on his duties. The court's intervention came during a hearing that revealed shocking details of police misconduct in Pratapgarh district.
Court's Strong Observations on Police Treatment
After examining photographic evidence showing severe injuries on the victim's body, a single judge bench of Justice Farjand Ali delivered a powerful statement on Tuesday. The judge declared that, based on preliminary examination, the treatment amounted to "treatment like that meted out to animals" and constituted clear custodial torture. This strong language from the judiciary underscores the seriousness with which the court views the allegations.
Immediate Actions Ordered by the Court
The court issued several immediate directives in response to the evidence presented:
- Ordered the immediate removal of the Station Head Officer (SHO) from the Pratapgarh police station
- Directed that the SHO not be assigned any police duties until further orders
- Barred the accused officer from accessing the case diary or attempting to contact the complainant
- Summoned the Additional Superintendent of Police along with the FIR case diary for the next hearing
- Directed the Superintendent of Police to personally ensure no tampering with CCTV footage, call records, or case documents
Detailed Allegations of Police Brutality
The petitioner, Shakir Sheikh, presented a harrowing account of events that allegedly occurred on the night of December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. According to his testimony:
- Police officer Gulab Singh and his team forcibly entered Sheikh's residence
- The officers assaulted Sheikh's father and another individual present
- Valuable belongings were allegedly looted during the incident
- Sheikh claims police broke his arms and legs during the assault
- The most serious allegation involves police planting a mobile phone in Sheikh's pocket to falsely implicate him in a four-year-old NDPS case
Judicial Response to Evidence Presented
When photographs showing Sheikh's injuries were presented before the court, Justice Farjand Ali expressed strong concern about the nature of the injuries and the circumstances under which they were inflicted. The judge immediately directed the Superintendent of Police to ensure the accused SHO's removal from the police station, emphasizing the need to prevent any influence on the ongoing investigation.
The court order specifically stated: "Until further orders, he will not perform any duty in that police circle and will not be allowed to influence the investigation." Additionally, the court directed the Inspector General of Police to personally oversee the matter, indicating the high-level attention this case is receiving within the police hierarchy.
Next Steps in the Judicial Process
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on January 23, 2026, when several crucial developments are expected:
- The Additional SP must appear before the court with the complete FIR case diary
- The Superintendent of Police must submit a detailed affidavit explaining why the investigation should not be transferred to an independent agency or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Further examination of evidence including CCTV footage and call records
This case represents a significant judicial intervention in alleged police misconduct, with the Rajasthan High Court demonstrating its commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in matters of custodial treatment. The court's strong language and immediate actions reflect growing judicial concern about police brutality and the need for systemic reforms in law enforcement practices.
