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Widespread Acceptance of Custodial Torture Among Police

Why in the News ?

A recent Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause study reveals alarming acceptance of custodial torture among Indian police. Surveying 8,276 personnel across 17 States, it highlights normalized use of violence during interrogations, even for minor offences, raising serious concerns about accountability.

Perception of Violence and Torture in Policing:

• A 2023 study by Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause surveyed 8,276 police personnel across 17 Indian States.
• 63% of respondents felt it was acceptable to use violence on suspects of serious crimes for society’s benefit.
  • 22% strongly agreed, and 41% somewhat agreed.
  • Only 35% opposed the use of violence.
• High support was noted for torture during interrogation in:
  • Terrorism/national security cases – 42% strongly supported.
  • Rape/sexual assault/murder – 34% strongly supported.
  • History sheeters – 28% strongly backed torture.

Acceptance of Coercive Tactics in Investigations:

• Minor crimes (e.g. theft):
  
  • 49% justified verbal abuse or threats.
  • 32% endorsed slapping.
  • 9% approved third-degree torture.
• Serious crimes (e.g. rape, murder):
  
  • 55% supported verbal abuse/threats, 50% slapping, and 30% third-degree methods.
• Coercion frequency:
  • 26% said threats occur often, 34% sometimes.
  • 18% admitted to frequent slapping/light force, 28% said occasionally.
  • 10% admitted frequent use of third-degree methods, 16% occasional use.

Reporting Torture and Accountability

• 40% of personnel said reporting custodial torture must be mandatory.
• A similar number supported conditional or partial mandatory reporting.
• Only 10% felt it should never be required.
• Junior personnel are more likely than seniors to support mandatory reporting.
• Over 40% strongly agreed, and 36% moderately agreed that juniors should be able to report seniors if legally protected.