India's top court to investigate police violence allegations during youth unrest

India's Supreme Court constituted a fact-finding committee on Thursday to probe allegations of police brutality and assaults on law enforcement personnel during youth protests that swept the country last month. The panel will investigate competing claims of misconduct arising from the demonstrations, which intensified calls for administrative accountability and ultimately prompted the resignation of the education minister.

The establishment of the court-appointed committee reflects growing concerns about the conduct of security forces and protesters during the unrest. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the need for an independent assessment of incidents that drew scrutiny from civil liberties groups and government critics.

The committee's mandate covers allegations of excessive use of force by police officers as well as incidents in which demonstrators reportedly targeted security personnel. The panel is expected to gather evidence and testimony from affected parties to establish a factual record of events during the protest period.

The investigation comes as India continues to grapple with periodic outbreaks of civil unrest and questions about police accountability. The court's decision to establish an independent probe suggests judicial concern that normal investigative channels may lack sufficient impartiality or transparency to address public grievances comprehensively.