NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Custodial Death in Hyderabad, Journalist Assault in MP

Moneylife Digital Team 05 June 2025

Economy & Nation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of two separate incidents of alleged police brutality—one involving the custodial death of an auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad (Telangana) and another concerning the assault of two journalists in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. In both cases, the Commission has issued notices to the respective state directors general of police (DGP), seeking detailed reports within two weeks.

The first case pertains to the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old man at Rajendranagar police station in Hyderabad. According to a media report, the victim had been taken to the police station by his wife to resolve a domestic dispute. After a counselling session, he was reportedly taken to a separate room by police personnel, where he was beaten with rubber belts. An hour later, he emerged from the station vomiting and collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Terming the reported incident a 'serious violation of human rights', NHRC has demanded a thorough report from the Telangana DGP. NHRC’s action signals deep concern over the recurring instances of custodial violence and the urgent need for accountability mechanisms within the law enforcement system.

In a separate but equally disturbing case, NHRC has also taken note of a press release issued by the Press Club of India (PCI) on 25 May 2025, reporting that two journalists were brutally manhandled by police officers in Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh. The incident reportedly occurred on 1 May 2025 and, as alleged, was carried out under the supervision of the district superintendent of police (DSP).

The commission says the allegations, if proven true, amount to a grave violation of press freedom and the fundamental rights of the journalists involved. NHRC has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh DGP, calling for a comprehensive report on the matter within a fortnight. Further, it has expressed concern over the claim that the journalists were coerced into recording video statements falsely suggesting that the matter had been 'resolved'.

NHRC’s swift intervention in both cases underscores the growing concerns over misuse of police authority and infringement on civil liberties. Human rights groups have frequently flagged these issues, and recent incidents have renewed calls for independent oversight of law enforcement practices.

While the commission’s notices mark a crucial first step, activists and civil society observers stress that timely investigation, accountability, and structural reforms are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring. In both Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, the focus will now be on the state responses and whether they result in disciplinary or legal action against those found culpable.

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