170 custodial deaths in India in early 2026, MHA tells Parliament

India reported 170 custodial deaths between Jan 1 and Mar 15, 2026, a rise from 140 in the previous year, as per MHA data from NHRC. Bihar recorded the highest number of deaths (19), followed by Rajasthan (18) and Uttar Pradesh (15).

170 Custodial Deaths Reported in Early 2026

A total of 170 custodial death cases have been reported across the country from January 1 to March 15, 2026, the Parliament was told Tuesday. The figures shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are part of state-wise information received from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The state-wise data detailing custodial deaths from 2021 to 2026 shows a notable increase compared to the previous year. In 2024-25, the total number of cases registered in respect of custodial deaths stood at 140, while earlier years recorded 157 cases in 2023-24, 163 in 2022-23, and 176 in 2021-22.

State-Wise Breakdown: Bihar Reports Highest Cases

Among states, Bihar reported the highest number of custodial deaths this year so far, with 19 cases, followed by Rajasthan with 18 and Uttar Pradesh with 15. Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra recorded 14 cases each. In southern states, Tamil Nadu registered seven cases, Telangana five, and Karnataka three. Kerala also reported three cases during the same period.

Figures from Other Regions

In eastern India, West Bengal recorded seven cases, while Odisha reported nine. In the northeastern region, Assam accounted for five cases, while Arunachal Pradesh reported three. Several smaller states and Union Territories, including Mizoram, Sikkim, and Ladakh, reported no custodial deaths during the period.

Among Union Territories, Delhi recorded four cases, while Jammu and Kashmir reported none in 2026 so far. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry reported one case each.

The data reflects variations across states but indicates an overall rise in custodial deaths in the current year compared to the previous financial year. (ANI)

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