Policing Report 2025: Custodial Torture in India

A recent study by Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause uncovers deeply rooted attitudes towards police brutality, custodial torture, and coercive interrogation within India’s policing system. Surveying 8,276 police personnel across 82 locations in 17 Indian States, including Delhi, the report highlights systemic approval of violence, especially in cases involving serious crimes or national security.

Key Findings from the Report

Broad Approval of Violence for “Greater Good”

• 63% of police personnel believe it is acceptable to use violence against suspects in serious cases.
  • 22% strongly agreed, and 41% moderately agreed.
• Only 35% opposed the idea, suggesting widespread normative support for extra-judicial practices.

Torture Justified in Interrogations

• 42% strongly support torture in terrorism-related cases.
• 34% strongly back torture in rape, sexual assault, and murder cases.
• 28% support using torture on known repeat offenders (history sheeters).

Routine Coercion in Criminal Investigations

• 49% justify verbal abuse or threats in minor offences like theft.
• 32% approve slapping suspects.
• 9% endorse the use of third-degree torture even for petty crimes.
• In serious crimes:
  • 55% support verbal abuse.
  • 50% approve slapping.
  • 30% justify third-degree violence.

Frequency of Coercive Practices in Police Stations

• 26% say threats against suspects occur often; 34% say it happens sometimes.
• 18% admit slapping or light physical force is common; 28% say it happens occasionally.
• 10% confirm third-degree torture occurs often; 16% say it happens sometimes.
• 1 in 3 officers report that coercive methods are frequently used in investigations.

Mixed Views on Mandatory Reporting of Custodial Torture

• ~40% support making reporting of torture mandatory in all cases.
• Similar proportion supports mandatory reporting in selective cases.
• 10% believe reporting should never be required.
• Junior officers show more support for mandatory reporting than senior officials.

Willingness to Report Abuse by Superiors

• Over 40% strongly agree they would report their superiors if provided legal protection.
• Another 36% agree moderately, suggesting latent demand for institutional safeguards.

Implications for Police Reform and Human Rights

• The findings raise critical questions about institutional accountability, human rights compliance, and the normalization of violence within Indian policing culture.
• While some openness exists toward mandatory reporting and whistleblower protection, deep-seated attitudes continue to justify custodial violence as a means to an end.
• Police reforms must prioritize:
  • Sensitization training on human rights.
  • Strict enforcement of anti-torture protocols.
  • Independent oversight mechanisms.
  • Legal protection for whistleblowers and junior officers.

The study reveals that police brutality is not merely incidental but institutionally rationalized by a significant segment of the force. For India to uphold democratic values and constitutional morality, an urgent and holistic police reform agenda must be implemented one that redefines accountability, safeguards human dignity, and aligns law enforcement with global human rights standards.

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