🔆 Key Takeaways: 📍 Study on Police Torture in India: - A comprehensive report by Common Cause and CSDS highlights disturbing patterns in police torture and custodial violence across India, based on interviews with 8,276 police personnel. 📍 Prevalence of Torture: ✅ 20% of police personnel believe using "tough methods" is *very important* for extracting information. ✅ 55% consider it *somewhat important*. ✅ 35% admitted that they have not talked about torture despite recognizing its use. 📍 Custodial Deaths and Discrepancies: ✅ Official statistics from NCRB and NHRC show a discrepancy in custodial deaths. ✅ A separate NGO report documented 111 deaths between 2018-22 with zero convictions, exposing the lack of accountability. 📍 Marginalized Communities Targeted: ✅ Victims of torture are predominantly from poor and marginalized backgrounds, including Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, and those who cannot read/write. 📍 Use of “Third-Degree” Methods: ✅ 30% of police justified using third-degree methods for serious crimes. ✅ Kerala showed the highest compliance with procedural safeguards, while others reported inconsistent adherence. 📍 Lack of Medical Oversight: ✅ Arrested persons are often examined by doctors without forensic expertise. ✅ Many medical professionals act as “silent spectators,” failing to report signs of torture. 📍 Training and Reform Gaps: ✅ Only 17% of personnel received training in torture prevention. ✅ 71% were trained in human rights. ✅ Few supported evidence-based interrogation methods. 📍 Accountability and Legal Gaps: ✅ India has signed but not ratified the UN Convention Against Torture, making it non-binding. ✅ There is no standalone anti-torture law in India. ✅ The NHRC has been criticized for not defining or addressing "torture" adequately. 📍 Urgent Call for Legislation: ✅ Experts urge the enactment of a national law against torture. ✅ International examples (e.g., US, Iraq, China) reveal how unchecked power leads to severe abuses. ✅ Torture not only violates human rights but erodes public trust and rule of law. 📍 Conclusion: ✅ The report stresses the need for systemic reforms—clear laws, professional training, accountability, and political will—to end the culture of custodial torture in India.