NHRC of India: A Beacon of Hope in Pursuit of Justice for Custodial Death in Agra

 

NHRC of India – A Pillar of Justice and Dignity, Safeguarding Human Rights Against All Odds.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has once again exemplified its commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, especially the marginalized and voiceless. In a recent heart-wrenching case involving the custodial death of Kedar Singh, a 55-year-old resident of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the NHRC took prompt and decisive action by issuing a directive for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from concerned authorities.

Swift Intervention for Justice

Following a detailed complaint submitted by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a human rights defender based in Varanasi, highlighting alleged third-degree torture by police officials of Kabees Police Station, Agra, NHRC acted with urgency. The complaint reported that the victim succumbed to police brutality, with horrifying details such as the forcible stuffing of cloth in his mouth to silence his cries, ultimately leading to his tragic death.

On 21st March 2025, the Commission issued formal notices to:

  • Commissioner of Police, Agra

  • District Magistrate, Agra

Requesting a comprehensive set of reports within two weeks, including:

  • Details surrounding the arrest and detention

  • Medical and post-mortem documentation

  • Magisterial inquiry findings under Section 176 (1-A) CrPC

  • Final cause of death based on forensic and chemical examination

Additionally, the Commission requested updates on any departmental or criminal proceedings, and coordinated with the Uttar Pradesh State Human Rights Commission for a parallel inquiry.

Why This Matters

Custodial deaths represent one of the gravest human rights violations, undermining public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. NHRC’s proactive stance in this case sends a strong message of accountability and transparency, ensuring that no death in custody goes unexamined.

This intervention highlights NHRC’s pivotal role in:

  • Upholding constitutional values

  • Acting as a watchdog against abuse of power

  • Ensuring timely and fair investigation into serious allegations

A Salute to NHRC’s Commitment

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to NHRC for standing up for justice and for being a guardian of human rights in the truest sense. The timely response and demand for transparency not only offer hope to the victim's family but also act as a deterrent against future abuses.

In times when human rights often face neglect or violation, NHRC’s unwavering resolve reinforces the belief that justice will prevail—not only in courts but also in the conscience of our nation.

Let this be a call for continued vigilance, action, and empathy from all stakeholders—so that human dignity remains protected, and such tragic incidents are never repeated.

For updates on this case and ongoing human rights advocacy, stay connected.
#HumanRights #NHRCIndia #JusticeForKedarSingh #EndCustodialTorture

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -2095/24/1/2025-PCD
To: <cp-pol.ag@up.gov.in>, <sspaga-up@nic.in>, <dmagr@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>
Cc: <uphrclko@yahoo.co.in>



Case No.- 2095/24/1/2025-PCD
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
(LAW DIVISION)
* * *
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN, BLOCK-C,
G.P.O. COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
Date : 21/03/2025  
To,
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Near Shobia Inter College, Sadar Bhatti, Dhawlikar, Rakabganj,
AGRA UTTAR PRADESH
282007
Email- cp-pol.ag@up.gov.in,sspaga-up@nic.in

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE
Near, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Dhakran Crossing, Panchkuian, Rakabganj,
AGRA UTTAR PRADESH
282002
Email- dmagr@nic.in

 
Sub : Complaint/Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -2095/24/1/2025-PCD.
 
Sir/Madam,
 
        The complaint/intimation dated 07/02/2025, was placed before the Commission on 21/03/2025. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:
 
         

The Commission has received a complaint from Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi R/o Daulatpur, Varanasi; Uttar Pradesh regarding death of Kedar Singh, aged 55 years R/o Agra, Uttar Pradesh in Police custody on 07.02.2025. It has been alleged that third-degree torture inflicted by the police officials of Kabees Police Station, District Agra, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the tragic death of the victim. A cloth was forcibly stuffed into the victim's mouth to muzzle his screams, ultimately leading to victim’s death. The complainant has given a link published in print media on 07.02.2025 reporting the incident.


The District Magistrate/District Collector, Agra, Uttar Pradesh and Commissioner of Police, Agra, Uttar Pradesh are directed to send the following reports to the Commission within two weeks:


i. Detailed Report, covering all the aspect leading to death (including time, place and reason for arrest/detention)
ii. Copy of complaint registered against the deceased
iii. Copy of arrest memo and inspection memo
iv. Whether information of arrest was given to family/relative?  
v. Copy of Seizure Memo and Recovery Memo
vi. Copy of Medical Legal Certificate of the deceased
vii. Copies of all relevant GD extracts (all must be legible and transcribed in English/Hindi).
viii. Inquest Report
ix. Post Mortem Report (typed copy of PMR especially description of injuries must be provided)
x. Video Cassette/ CD of post mortem examination
xi. Site Plan of scene of occurrence giving all the details
xii. Chemical & histopathology examination of viscera (if applicable)
  xiii. Final cause of death based on FSL report
xiv. Magisterial Enquiry Report (u/s 176 (1-A) Cr PC as, amended by Act 25 of 2005.


Following reports, if applicable, may also please be sent: -


i.    Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry Report.
ii. Final Outcome/Status of Departmental action or Criminal Proceedings, if any.
iii.  CB/ CID Inquiry Report, if any.


The Registry is also directed to take up the matter with the Uttar Pradesh State Human Rights Commission to inquire whether they have taken cognizance of this case of deaths in Police custody. If so, the date of cognizance to be obtained from the State Human Rights Commission.

 
2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
L.M. Pathak
CONSULTANT (LAW)
M-3 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663299

CC to
THE SECRETARY - State Human Rights Commission
TC-34 V-1, VIBHUTI KHAND, GOMTI NAGAR, LUCKNOW - 226010
UTTAR PRADESH
Email- uphrclko@yahoo.co.in

Complainant Details
Case No. 2095/24/1/2025-PCD
DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

L.M. Pathak
CONSULTANT (LAW)
M-3 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663299


NHRC of India: A Beacon of Hope in Pursuit of Justice for Custodial Death in Agra by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

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