NHRC’s Timely Intervention in Alleged Custodial Death: A Strong Reminder of Accountability and Rule of Law

The recent action by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in calling for an Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding the alleged custodial death of 38-year-old Anil Rawat represents a significant and reassuring step toward safeguarding constitutional rights in India. At a time when concerns about custodial violence continue to challenge the justice system, the Commission’s proactive approach reinforces the importance of transparency, due process, and institutional accountability.

A Responsive Human Rights Institution

The NHRC’s decision to formally examine the complaint demonstrates the vitality of India’s human rights framework. By directing District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to submit detailed reports within eight weeks, the Commission has sent a clear message: allegations involving the deprivation of life, especially in state custody, demand immediate scrutiny.

What stands out in this directive is the depth of documentation sought by the Commission. From arrest memos and medical legal certificates to post-mortem reports, forensic findings, magisterial inquiry reports, and even video evidence of the post-mortem examination—the NHRC has insisted on a comprehensive evidentiary trail. Such rigor minimizes the possibility of procedural gaps and ensures that the truth is established through verifiable records rather than conjecture.

Strengthening the Culture of Accountability

Custodial deaths strike at the very heart of democratic governance because the state bears a heightened duty of care toward individuals in its custody. The NHRC’s intervention underscores the principle that authority must always be accompanied by responsibility.

By also seeking clarification on whether this case overlaps with an already pending matter, the Commission has demonstrated procedural prudence. This prevents duplication, ensures administrative clarity, and accelerates justice. Moreover, directing State Human Rights Commissions to report whether they have taken cognizance reflects a coordinated institutional approach—essential for addressing serious human rights concerns efficiently.

Empowering Citizens Through Accessible Mechanisms

Equally noteworthy is the fact that the complaint originated from a concerned citizen. This highlights the accessibility of the NHRC as a forum where individuals and civil society actors can raise their voices against potential injustices. When citizens trust that their complaints will be heard and acted upon, it strengthens democratic participation and reinforces the rule of law.

The Commission’s structured process—requiring submissions through the HRCNet portal and discouraging informal communication—also signals a shift toward professionalized governance. Digitized accountability mechanisms not only streamline proceedings but also create a documented chain of responsibility.

A Deterrent Against Future Violations

Every credible inquiry into alleged custodial misconduct serves a broader purpose: deterrence. When authorities know that lapses will invite independent examination, it encourages adherence to arrest protocols, medical safeguards, and humane treatment of detainees. Over time, such oversight contributes to institutional reform and improved policing standards.

The NHRC’s insistence on details such as whether the family was informed of the arrest aligns with established human rights jurisprudence and Supreme Court guidelines. These procedural safeguards are not mere formalities—they are protections designed to prevent abuse.

Appreciating Institutional Vigilance

The Commission deserves appreciation for treating the matter with the seriousness it warrants. Rather than allowing the complaint to remain a statistic, the NHRC has activated a process capable of uncovering facts, fixing responsibility, and recommending corrective measures where necessary.

In a democracy as vast and complex as India, the consistent functioning of oversight bodies is essential. The NHRC’s action reassures citizens that constitutional promises are not symbolic—they are enforceable.

The Road Ahead

While calling for reports is the first step, the true measure of justice will lie in the thoroughness of the investigation and the transparency of its conclusions. Swift compliance by the concerned authorities will be crucial. Equally important will be the Commission’s follow-through to ensure that accountability, if established, translates into meaningful action.

Cases like these remind us that human rights protection is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment requiring vigilance from institutions, civil society, and citizens alike.

The NHRC’s intervention in the alleged custodial death case reflects institutional courage and dedication to human dignity. By demanding clarity, documentation, and accountability, the Commission has reaffirmed its role as a guardian of fundamental rights.

Such actions strengthen public confidence and remind us that justice systems must remain alert—especially when the power of the state intersects with the vulnerability of individuals. The NHRC’s timely response is not just an administrative exercise; it is a powerful affirmation that every life matters, and every allegation deserves to be examined with seriousness and integrity.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Tue, Feb 3, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -13449/24/32/2025-AD
To: <dmgaz@nic.in>, <dm-gopalganj.bih@nic.in>, <spgzr-up@nic.in>, <sp-gopalganj-bih@nic.in>, <uphrclko@yahoo.co.in>, <sec-bhrc@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 13449/24/32/2025-AD

---

Date : 03/02/2026

To,

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE GHAZIPUR UTTAR PRADESH Email- dmgaz@nic.in THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE GOPALGANJ BIHAR Email- dm-gopalganj.bih@nic.in THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE SP Office, Kacehri Road, Kacheri GHAZIPUR UTTAR PRADESH Email- spgzr-up@nic.in THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE Office of the Superintendent of Police, Collectorate Campus, GOPALGANJ BIHAR Email- sp-gopalganj-bih@nic.in THE SECRETARY - STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Uttar Pradesh State Human Rights Commission Manav Adhikar Bhawan,TC-34, V-1, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar,Lucknow-226010 LUCKNOW UTTAR PRADESH 226010 Email- uphrclko@yahoo.co.in THE SECRETARY - STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BIHAR HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, 09, BAILEY ROAD PATNA BIHAR BIHAR 800015 Email- sec-bhrc@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

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

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -13449/24/32/2025-AD.

Sir/ Madam,

The complaint/ intimation dated 23/06/2025, was placed before the Commission on 03/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

The Commission has received a complaint from Sh. Lenin Raghuvanshi, SA 4/2a Daulatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh regarding custodial death of Anil Rawat r/o Village Dhadhani Bhanmal Rai, PS Suhwal, District Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, aged about 38 years, on (date of death not mentioned), due to alleged torture by police. In NHRC's cases, one police custody case in respect of death of one Anil Ram R/o P.S. Subawal, District Ghazipur, U.P. is pending as case no. 2555/4/12/2025-PCD, though it is not clear if the present matter is related to the same person or not. The District Magistrate, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, the District Magistrate, Gopalganj, Bihar, the Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh and the Superintendent of Police, Gopalganj, Bihar, are directed to submit whether the aforesaid case and the present case are concerned with the same person or not, and if not, the following reports and records duly translated in English be submitted to the Commission within a period of 08 weeks:- i. Detailed Report, covering all the aspect leading to death (including time, place and reason for arrest/detention) ii. Copy of complaint and FIR 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 at the time of arrest 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. Following reports, if applicable, may also please be sent: - i. Copy of Remand order ii. Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry Report. iii. Final Outcome/Status of Departmental action or Criminal Proceedings, if any. iv. CB/CID Inquiry Report, if any. (If any of the aforesaid reports/records have already been sent to the Commission, the same need not be sent again.) In addition, the Secretary, State Human Rights Commission, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, be asked to inform the date of cognizance, if any, taken by the SHRC in this matter, within 8 weeks.

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 8 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/- Sparsh Agarwal DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663291

CC to

Complainant Details Case No. 13449/24/32/2025-AD LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331 Sparsh Agarwal DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663291

 

Torture Against SC/ST Communities: Voices That Refuse to Stay Silent

Torture in India is often imagined as rare, hidden, or exceptional. But for many Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, violence by authorities is not an exception — it is a lived reality.

This blog is based on survivor testimonies, field documentation, and human rights advocacy that reveal a disturbing pattern: police, government agencies, and forest authorities using intimidation, beatings, and humiliation as tools of control against the poorest citizens.

When the State Becomes a Source of Fear

For marginalized communities, approaching authorities should mean protection. Instead, many families describe fear when they see uniforms.

Survivors spoke about:

• custodial beatings inside police stations

• threats of false criminal cases

• caste slurs used as psychological torture

• forced signatures on documents they could not read

• violence during forest patrols

• assault when trying to escape bonded labour

• denial of medical treatment after abuse

One survivor said:

“We survive by staying silent. Silence is our protection.”

This silence is not consent — it is survival.

Ten Survivors, One Pattern

The testimonies of ten survivors reveal the same structure of abuse repeating across villages and settlements:

A labourer beaten for demanding wages.

A forest-dependent family attacked during patrol.

A woman threatened in front of her children.

A minor slapped to teach “obedience.”

A worker forced to sign papers under fear.

These stories are not isolated. They expose how torture becomes normalized when accountability disappears.

Healing Through Collective Voice

Something powerful happened during documentation.

When survivors sat together and shared their stories, many said it was the first time they felt believed. The peer space became a place of healing. Listening to one another restored dignity stolen by violence.

Documentation is not only about recording pain — it is about restoring voice.

Justice must include healing.

Advocacy and Public Accountability

On 10 July 2025, during a public dialogue at Banaras Hindu University on the status of SC/ST communities, a memorandum was submitted highlighting torture and institutional abuse in the presence of Hon’ble MP Tanuj Punia and former National SC Commission Chairperson P. L. Punia.

The message was clear:

Torture is not a rumor.

It is documented reality.

And silence is no longer acceptable.

Why This Matters

Torture is not only a legal violation — it is a moral failure of democracy.

It violates the Constitution.

It violates human dignity.

It violates the promise of equality.

When the poorest citizens fear the state, democracy weakens.

What Must Change

India must:

• explicitly criminalize torture

• protect SC/ST complainants

• ensure independent oversight of custody

• end violent forest enforcement

• fast-track cases of custodial abuse

• provide survivor rehabilitation

Justice delayed is violence extended.

A Final Word

The survivors in this report did not ask for sympathy.

They asked to be seen.

They asked to be heard.

They asked to live without fear.

A democratic nation cannot tolerate normalized torture.

A humane society must stand with its most vulnerable.

The voices of SC/ST survivors are no longer silent.

And neither should we be.

 

India’s Water Crisis Reaches Human Rights Watchdog: NHRC Seeks Report on Decades-Long Deprivation in Kelhariya Village

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) has formally taken cognisance of a complaint alleging prolonged denial of safe drinking water and basic services in Kelhariya village, located in Naugarh block of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh.

In an official communication dated 28 January 2026, the NHRC directed the District Magistrate of Chandauli to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks, following allegations that residents have endured acute water scarcity for decades, alongside the absence of roads, schools, healthcare, and government services.

A Village Without Water

Kelhariya village depends on a seasonal natural stream locally known as a chuaad—a narrow water passage that dries up during summer months. According to residents and field documentation, the village has:

• No functional piped water supply

• Two hand pumps that are non-operational

• Failed borewell attempts

• Irregular and insufficient water tanker services

Despite repeated announcements under India’s flagship Har Ghar Jal scheme, villagers report no consistent water supply for at least three years.

Women and Children Bear the Cost

The burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women and children, who make multiple daily trips—often standing in long queues—to fetch water from distant sources.

Local accounts describe:

• Children missing school due to water collection duties

• High incidence of dehydration and water-related illnesses

• Physical exhaustion and health risks for women

Public health workers have not conducted routine visits to the village, and residents must travel long distances for even basic medical care.

Forced Migration as a Survival Strategy

During peak water scarcity, entire families reportedly migrate seasonally toward areas near the Musakhand Dam or the Karmanasa River, erecting temporary shelters until the monsoon replenishes the chuaad.

This seasonal displacement disrupts:

• Education

• Livelihoods

• Social cohesion

Experts note that such migration is increasingly recognised as a consequence of environmental and governance failure, rather than voluntary mobility.

Independent Media Documentation

The crisis in Kelhariya has been independently documented by Frontline, a national investigative magazine, which detailed how structural neglect, ecological vulnerability, and policy failure intersect in the region.

🔗 Frontline report:

https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/uttar-pradesh-kelhariya-water-scarcity-development-issues/article69214549.ece

The report corroborates community testimonies and highlights the absence of sustainable water planning despite official schemes.

The Human Rights Complaint

The formal complaint submitted to the NHRC argues that the denial of safe drinking water constitutes a violation of the right to life and dignity, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and recognised under international human rights standards.

It calls for:

1. An urgent on-site investigation by NHRC

2. Immediate steps to establish a sustainable water supply system

3. Interim relief through regular tanker services

4. Accountability of officials responsible for non-implementation

5. Emergency measures prioritising women, children, and marginalised groups

NHRC Response: Accountability Initiated

In its official order (Case No. 10648/24/19/2025), the NHRC stated:

“The Commission has received a complaint… alleging that the residents of Kelhariya village of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, have been facing acute water shortage since several years… The complainant has requested the Commission to intervene into the matter.”

The Commission subsequently instructed the District Magistrate, Chandauli, to submit a report within four weeks via the HRCNet portal, marking a formal step toward administrative accountability.

Why This Case Matters Beyond One Village

Right to Water as a Global Standard

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognised access to safe drinking water as a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other rights.

Implementation Gap

Kelhariya’s situation illustrates a broader pattern in which policy announcements fail to translate into last-mile delivery, particularly in remote and marginalised regions.

Structural Inequality

The crisis highlights how environmental vulnerability, poverty, and governance failures combine to produce chronic rights deprivation, often invisible until escalated to oversight bodies.

What Comes Next

The NHRC’s directive now places responsibility squarely on district authorities. Human rights observers note that the effectiveness of the intervention will depend on the transparency and seriousness of the Action Taken Report—and whether it leads to sustained infrastructure, not temporary relief.

For the residents of Kelhariya, access to water is not a development metric. It is a matter of survival, dignity, and justice.

Key Documents & Links

• NHRC Official Website: https://www.nhrc.nic.in

• Frontline Investigation:
  https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/uttar-pradesh-kelhariya-water-scarcity-development-issues/article69214549.ece

• Har Ghar Jal Mission: https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 10648/24/19/2025

---

Date : 28/01/2026

To,

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE DISTRICT COLLECTORATE, CHANDAULI UTTAR PRADESH 232104 Email- dmchn@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, VARANASI, INDIA VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- LENIN@PVCHR.ASIA

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -10648/24/19/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

The complaint/ intimation dated 25/02/2025, was placed before the Commission on 28/01/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

The Commission has received a complaint from Shri Lenin Raghuvanshi, a human rights activist from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh alleging that the residents of Kelhariya village of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, have been facing acute water shortage since several years. The complainant has also alleged that the basic facilities like roads, hospitals, schools are not available in the village. The villagers have to travel long distances for schools and basic medical care. Despite making several complaints, no action has been taken by the authorities, till date. The complainant has requested the Commission to intervene into the matter. Transmit a copy of the complaint to the District Magistrate, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh calling for a report in the matter within 4 weeks.

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 4 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/- Mukesh DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-1 Section Ph. No. 011-24663317

CC to

Complainant Details Case No. 10648/24/19/2025 LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, VARANASI, INDIA VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- LENIN@PVCHR.ASIA Mukesh DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-1 Section Ph. No. 011-24663317

 

Listening as Healing: Testimonial Therapy, Dignity, and the Long Struggle for Justice

Varanasi | 22 January 2026 | People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

The room was silent—not because there was nothing to say, but because every word carried the weight of irreversible loss.

On 22 January 2026, at the office of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in Varanasi, an honour ceremony was held. It was not a public celebration, not an award function, and not a symbolic gesture. It was a therapeutic moment, carefully grounded in the principles of testimonial therapy, narrative healing, active listening, and empathy.

At the centre of this moment sat Smt. Anju Devi, a mother who has lost both her son and her daughter in the aftermath of alleged police brutality and custodial violence. Beside her sat her husband, Narayan Prasad, a daily wage labourer, quiet and withdrawn, carrying grief that words could barely hold.

As part of the testimonial therapy process, Anju Devi’s testimony was read aloud—slowly, respectfully, without interruption. This was not done to interrogate her pain, but to return her story to her, spoken back with dignity. As she listened, her body began to tremble. She broke down repeatedly. Tears flowed, silence followed, and then more tears.

This was not weakness.

This was trauma finding a safe language.

Shruti Nagvanshi and Chhaya Kumari, representing PVCHR, stepped forward not as officials, but as witnesses. Through a simple act of honouring—placing a colorful Testimony in her hands, holding her gaze, and listening without judgment—they affirmed a central truth of testimonial therapy:

Your suffering is real.

Your voice matters.

You are not alone.

Your life has dignity.

This honour ceremony did not attempt to erase grief. It did something far more important—it restored agency. It transformed Anju Devi from a silent victim into a narrator of truth, a woman whose pain was no longer invisible or dismissed.

Narayan Prasad remained silent throughout the ceremony. His eyes were fixed on the floor. Yet his presence spoke volumes. For men like him—poor, illiterate, repeatedly betrayed by institutions—being listened to without fear or humiliation is itself a radical act.

This moment marked the beginning of narrative repair. Through collective witnessing, empathy, and ethical listening, the family’s trauma was no longer carried alone. Their story was no longer buried under fear.

What followed—legal struggle, NHRC proceedings, and demands for accountability—must be understood in this context:

Justice does not begin in courtrooms.

It begins when suffering is heard.

A Father’s Testimony: “I Am Illiterate, But I Know Injustice”

“My name is Narayan Prasad. I am 50 years old. I am illiterate. I work as a labourer. I had two sons and one daughter. Because of the police, my younger son Vijay, who was only 21 years old, is no longer alive.”

Narayan Prasad lives in Hanumanganj Pateeha, Korav Police Station, Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh. His testimony is not a legal argument. It is a lived account of how state violence and corruption dismantle entire families.

On 9 September 2023, Vijay returned home from Varanasi after bathing at the Triveni Sangam. The next morning, at around 6 a.m., while Vijay was sleeping and Narayan was away at work, two police vehicles arrived. Inside were 20–21 police personnel, some in uniform, others in plain clothes.

Without explanation, they began beating Vijay. When his mother tried to intervene, a male police officer grabbed her hair, abused her, and threw her onto a stone, rendering her unconscious. Vijay was taken away without any warrant or information.

For hours, the family searched for him. Local police stations denied custody. Fear began to take hold.

The next day, 11 September 2023, after repeated attempts and emails to the Chief Minister’s portal and the Police Commissioner, villagers informed Narayan that the police vehicle bore the marking UP73. After multiple failed calls, they finally learned that Vijay was illegally detained at Charwa Police Station, Kaushambi.

From Custody to a Staged Encounter

On 12 September 2023, police changed Vijay’s clothes and took him to a forest area in Kaushambi. According to the family’s testimony:

• His hands and mouth were tied

• A pistol was forced into his hands

• A video was recorded while police shouted “catch him”

• Shots were fired, hitting Vijay in the right shoulder

This was not law enforcement.

This was a staged encounter.

Vijay was taken to Swaroop Rani Hospital, where police continued to abuse him, calling him a “dacoit” and demanding to know where he had hidden money. When his mother pleaded, police told her:

“Go and arrange thirty thousand rupees. Only then will your son be operated on.”

Earlier, during the so-called “search,” police had already taken the family’s jewellery, land documents, and Aadhaar cards, which remain unrecovered.

Left with nothing, Narayan borrowed money at high interest from the village landlord.

Medical Neglect and Death

Vijay’s surgery took place on 19 September 2023. At 3 a.m. on 20 September, the family was allowed to see him. His shoulder was bleeding. He whispered to his sister:

“Take me away from here… otherwise the police will kill us.”

Minutes later, after an injection, blood began to flow from his mouth and nose. Vijay died in front of his parents’ eyes.

The police immediately took his body to the mortuary. The family was not allowed to take him home. They were pressured to bury him immediately. When they resisted, police followed them continuously, guarding the house through the night, fearing public protest.

Even grief was controlled and surveilled.

Legal Betrayal: Violence Inside the Justice System

Seeking justice, Narayan approached the courts. What followed was another form of violence.

His lawyer, Shivdatt Mishra (also known as Satendra) of Prayagraj District Court, colluded with police. Under the pretext of “compromise,” Narayan, his wife, and daughter were taken to a hotel room near the court, where:

• A police officer demanded ₹4.5 lakh to settle the case

• When they refused, lawyers locked the chamber

• Narayan was beaten

• His daughter was assaulted

• His wife’s hair was pulled

When they escaped and sought help from women police officers nearby, they were told to leave or risk being beaten again.

Justice itself became a site of terror.

A Family Destroyed Beyond the Death

Vijay’s sister Khushboo, deeply attached to her brother, could not survive the trauma. She stopped eating, speaking, and smiling. Eventually, she died from psychological shock.

This was not an isolated tragedy.

It was collective punishment.

Anju Devi now lives with constant fear, panic attacks, fainting spells, and trauma triggers. Narayan Prasad lives in silence, unable to sleep, haunted by his son’s face.

NHRC Proceedings and the Rejoinder

The case is registered before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) under Case No. 26139/24/4/2023-AFE. Despite repeated NHRC directions, police authorities have failed to submit crucial reports, including:

• Ballistic Expert Report

• Post-mortem videography

• Wireless logs

• Identification and hand-over memos

On 22 January 2026, PVCHR submitted an urgent rejoinder highlighting:

1. Persistent non-compliance with NHRC orders

2. The family’s continuing fear and vulnerability

3. The need for immediate protection

4. Interim relief and rehabilitation

5. Accountability for erring officials

6. An independent, high-level investigation

The rejoinder asserts that this case represents a grave violation of the right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Why This Story Matters Beyond India

Narayan Prasad’s testimony reflects global patterns of:

• Custodial violence

• Criminalisation of poverty

• Corruption within legal systems

• Trauma passed across generations

• Silencing of marginalised voices

Yet it also reveals something else: truth survives when people listen.

From Silence to Resistance

The honour ceremony at PVCHR was not symbolic. It was therapeutic, political, and human. It marked the moment when suffering was no longer invisible, when trauma was met with empathy, and when dignity was restored through listening.

Justice begins here—not in verdicts alone, but in witnessing.

PVCHR stands with this family not until sympathy fades, but until truth, accountability, and dignity are secured.

Further Reading & Documentation

• Hindi testimony & family narrative:
  https://pvchr-folkschool.blogspot.com/2026/01/blog-post.html

• Detailed betrayal & corruption account:
  https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2023/10/a-tragic-tale-of-betrayal-seeking.html

• NHRC proceedings & follow-up:
  https://testimonialhealing.blogspot.com/2025/08/national-human-rights-commission-calls.html

• Urgent Rejoinder Seeking Immediate Protection and Rehabilitation – NHRC Case No. 26139/24/4/2023-AFE

  https://testimonialhealing.blogspot.com/2026/01/fwd-urgent-rejoinder-seeking-immediate.html

Systematic Torture in Israeli Detention Facilities: A Call for Global Human Rights Solidarity

 The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has received a communication from the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India drawing urgent attention to grave human rights violations committed against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons and detention facilities. The letter encloses findings from a recently released report by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem titled “Living Hell – The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps” (January 2026).

The contents of this report raise serious concerns for the global human rights community. Based on extensive documentation, survivor testimonies, medical evidence, and official Israeli data, the report concludes that Israeli detention facilities have, since October 2023, been transformed into a coordinated system of torture camps targeting Palestinian detainees.

Findings of Grave Concern

According to the report, at least 84 identified Palestinians, including a minor, have died in Israeli custody. Many of these deaths are attributed to torture, starvation, denial of medical care, and extreme neglect. The documented methods of abuse include electric shocks, stress positions, prolonged shackling, severe beatings, psychological humiliation, and widespread sexual violence, including rape and forced penetration.

These violations are not described as isolated or exceptional incidents. Rather, they point to a systematic pattern of abuse carried out openly and, alarmingly, with public endorsement by Israeli officials. Such practices meet the legal definitions of torture and crimes against humanity under international law.

Arbitrary Detention and Denial of Due Process

The report further highlights the mass incarceration of Palestinians without charge or trial. More than 3,500 Palestinians are currently held under administrative detention, alongside hundreds of minors and thousands of civilians from Gaza classified as “unlawful combatants.” This designation effectively removes detainees from the protections of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Family visits have been entirely suspended, depriving detainees of contact with their loved ones. Lawyers face systematic obstruction in accessing their clients, undermining the right to legal defense. Additionally, access by the International Committee of the Red Cross has reportedly been denied, placing detainees beyond independent monitoring and oversight.

The deliberate denial of transparency and accountability exacerbates the risk of further abuse and reinforces a culture of impunity.

Implications for International Human Rights Norms

The normalization of torture and institutionalized cruelty sets a dangerous global precedent. When grave violations of international law are tolerated or ignored, the universality of human rights is fundamentally undermined. Torture cannot be justified under any circumstances—whether in the name of security, conflict, or political expediency.

India’s human rights movement has a long and principled history of opposing colonial violence, arbitrary detention, and institutional brutality. This legacy obliges Indian civil society and human rights organizations to speak out consistently against such violations, regardless of where they occur or who the victims are.

PVCHR’s Commitment to Universal Human Rights

As an organization committed to defending the dignity and rights of marginalized and oppressed communities, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights reaffirms its belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Human rights lose their meaning when applied selectively. Silence in the face of torture erodes the moral foundations of justice.

In the spirit of global solidarity and shared responsibility, PVCHR echoes the call made by the Embassy of the State of Palestine urging Indian human rights organizations and civil society to:

• Publicly acknowledge and disseminate the findings of credible human rights reports

• Raise these concerns within national and international human rights forums

• Express solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and their families

• Defend the universality of human rights irrespective of nationality, religion, or political context

A Call to Conscience and Action

The suffering documented in Israeli detention facilities demands more than sympathy. It calls for moral clarity, principled advocacy, and collective action. Upholding human rights requires consistency, courage, and the willingness to challenge injustice wherever it occurs.

PVCHR stands in solidarity with all victims of torture and arbitrary detention and reiterates its commitment to working with national and international partners to defend human dignity, accountability, and justice.

Human rights cannot be conditional. They must be defended for all—or they cease to exist at all.

Embassy of the State of Palestine in India Appreciates PVCHR’s Human Rights Advocacy

The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has received an official communication from the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India, acknowledging PVCHR’s correspondence regarding grave human rights violations against Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

In its response, the Embassy expressed deep appreciation for PVCHR’s unwavering solidarity with victims of torture and other serious human rights abuses. It emphasized the vital role played by civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and democratic institutions in upholding the universality and indivisibility of human rights.

The Embassy noted that principled voices such as PVCHR represent an indispensable moral force in the collective struggle for accountability, justice, and human dignity. It reaffirmed that international solidarity and sustained advocacy are essential to challenging impunity and advancing the cause of human rights for all.

Furthermore, the Embassy of the State of Palestine conveyed its interest in continued engagement and cooperation with PVCHR in promoting human rights and international justice, particularly in relation to the rights of the Palestinian people.

PVCHR reiterates its commitment to standing with oppressed communities worldwide and to amplifying the voices of victims whose fundamental rights continue to be violated.

سفارة دولة فلسطين في الهند تُثمّن جهود PVCHR وتؤكد التضامن مع الأسرى الفلسطينيين

تلقت لجنة يقظة الشعب لحقوق الإنسان (PVCHR) رسالة رسمية من سفارة دولة فلسطين لدى جمهورية الهند، أعربت فيها عن تقديرها البالغ لتواصل اللجنة وجهودها الحقوقية المتواصلة في تسليط الضوء على الانتهاكات الجسيمة لحقوق الإنسان التي يتعرض لها المعتقلون الفلسطينيون في سجون الاحتلال الإسرائيلي.

وأكدت السفارة في رسالتها تقديرها لموقف PVCHR الثابت وتضامنها غير المشروط مع ضحايا التعذيب والانتهاكات، مشددةً على أهمية دور منظمات المجتمع المدني، والمدافعين عن حقوق الإنسان، والمؤسسات الديمقراطية في حماية عالمية حقوق الإنسان وعدم قابليتها للتجزئة.

وأشارت السفارة إلى أن هذه الأصوات الحقوقية الحرة تمثل ضميرًا إنسانيًا لا غنى عنه في النضال الجماعي من أجل المساءلة والعدالة وصون الكرامة الإنسانية، مؤكدةً أن التضامن الدولي يشكل ركيزة أساسية في مواجهة الإفلات من العقاب.

كما أعربت سفارة دولة فلسطين عن تطلعها إلى تعزيز التعاون والتنسيق المستمر مع PVCHR، بما يخدم قضايا حقوق