NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report in Alleged Custodial Torture Case in Kanpur

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a serious allegation of custodial torture and caste-based humiliation involving police personnel in Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Acting on a complaint filed by human rights defender Lenin Raghuvanshi, the Commission has directed the Commissioner of Police, Kanpur Nagar to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.

Background of the Case

According to the complaint submitted to NHRC on 5 November 2025, a 25-year-old Scheduled Caste e-rickshaw driver from Kanpur was allegedly subjected to brutal treatment by police personnel after a minor dispute with a neighbor.

The complaint alleges that:

  • The victim was detained by police officials from Kalyanpur police station.

  • He was beaten brutally by police personnel.

  • The officers allegedly used casteist slurs against him.

  • In an act of extreme humiliation, the victim was allegedly forced to drink water from a shoe.

  • Police personnel allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹10,000.

  • It was also alleged that police attempted to misrepresent the injuries as the result of a personal fight.

The incident reportedly occurred in Navsheel Dham police post area under Kalyanpur police station.

Media Report Raises Concern

The matter gained public attention after a Hindi newspaper report highlighted the allegations that police personnel forced a Dalit youth to drink water from a shoe and beat him after a dispute. The report also indicated that the victim’s family approached higher authorities seeking justice.

Such incidents raise serious concerns about custodial violence, caste discrimination, and abuse of power, particularly when vulnerable communities are involved.

NHRC Intervention

After examining the complaint, the NHRC Law Division registered the case (Case No. 24135/24/43/2025) and placed it before the Commission on 12 March 2026.

The Commission directed:

  • A copy of the complaint to be sent to the Commissioner of Police, Kanpur Nagar.

  • The police authorities to conduct an inquiry and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.

  • The report to be submitted through the HRCNet portal, the official complaint tracking system of NHRC.

The communication was issued by Indrajeet Kumar, Deputy Registrar (Law), NHRC.

Demands in the Complaint

The complaint requested:

  • A fair and impartial investigation into the incident

  • Accountability of the police personnel involved

  • Compensation and justice for the victim

  • Measures to ensure such violations do not recur

Significance of NHRC’s Action

NHRC’s intervention is an important step toward ensuring accountability in cases of custodial violence and caste-based discrimination. By seeking an Action Taken Report, the Commission has formally placed responsibility on the local police administration to investigate the allegations and report their findings.

This action demonstrates the role of national human rights institutions in monitoring abuse of power and protecting the dignity of marginalized communities.

At a time when incidents of custodial violence and caste humiliation continue to be reported, timely intervention by bodies such as the NHRC strengthens the mechanisms of justice, transparency, and democratic accountability.

A Step Toward Justice

Civil society organizations and human rights defenders have welcomed the Commission’s action, emphasizing that prompt investigation and strict action against those responsible are essential to restore public confidence in the justice system.

The case will now be reviewed by the Commission after the Action Taken Report is submitted by the Kanpur Police authorities.

Case Reference: NHRC Case No. 24135/24/43/2025
Complainant: Lenin Raghuvanshi
Incident Location: Kalyanpur, Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
Date of NHRC Direction: 12 March 2026



 

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