Justice for Bansi Kushwaha: NHRC Directs ₹7 Lakh Compensation in Custodial Torture Death Case

 

⚖️ Justice for Bansi Kushwaha: NHRC Directs ₹7 Lakh Compensation in Custodial Torture Death Case

Posted on: April 16, 2025
Author: PVCHR Editorial Desk
Tags: Human Rights, Police Torture, NHRC, Madhya Pradesh, Custodial Violence, Compensation, PVCHR

📍 Background

In a landmark order dated 15 April 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India directed the Government of Madhya Pradesh to pay a compensation of ₹7,00,000 to the next of kin (NOK) of Mr. Bansi Kushwaha, a 50-year-old farmer who died under suspicious circumstances after allegedly being beaten by police during the COVID-19 lockdown.

This case was taken up by human rights defender Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, founder of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), who had filed the original complaint with the Commission, seeking justice for the victim and his family.

🚨 The Incident

According to the complaint, Mr. Bansi Kushwaha was allegedly brutally beaten by police officials during the nationwide lockdown, leading to multiple fresh antemortem injuries. He succumbed to his injuries within four days of the assault.

The NHRC's expert forensic panel concluded that the massive physical torture was the immediate cause of death, terming it an unnatural death. The report identified 11 distinct antemortem injuries and stated they were sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigations & Findings

Despite denials from the state authorities and a magisterial enquiry that failed to establish police assault, the NHRC remained firm. It pointed out:

  • The delay and lack of cooperation from the state authorities in responding to its show cause notices.

  • The non-functional CCTV cameras at the Golabazar police station at the time of the incident (no CCTV coverage prior to March 2023).

  • Internal departmental actions were limited to minor penalties, such as a ₹2,000 fine on one officer and condemnation remarks for five others.

The NHRC’s panel of experts observed that the marginalized farmer had died due to systemic neglect, custodial violence, and failure of institutional accountability.

💬 NHRC’s Final Decision

After a detailed review, the NHRC rejected the state's objection and confirmed its Show Cause Notice dated 19.09.2024. The Commission directed:

“The NOK of the deceased Shri Bansi Kushwaha must be given a compensation of ₹7,00,000 (Seven Lakhs only)... The reply received does not controvert the findings of the Commission.”

The Chief Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, has been instructed to disburse the amount within eight weeks and submit a compliance report by 20 June 2025.

🙏 A Step Toward Accountability

This is not just about financial compensation. It is a statement — a recognition that custodial violence is real, and the state must be held accountable. Thanks to the sustained efforts of Lenin Raghuvanshi and PVCHR, yet another case of torture and impunity was brought to light and acted upon.

But the road is long. The struggle for justice — especially for India’s marginalized farmers, Dalits, and laborers — must continue.

📣 Join the Movement

PVCHR continues to fight for survivors of torture, custodial abuse, and extrajudicial killings.
Let’s keep raising our voices. Let’s build a future where justice is not a privilege, but a right.

📧 Contact: cfr.pvchr@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.pvchr.asia
📍 Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

#JusticeForBansi #StopCustodialTorture #NHRC #PVCHR #HumanRightsIndia #LeninRaghuvanshi #EndImpunity #DalitLivesMatte

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