Indian court rejects bail plea in custody death case, flags persistent trend

Justice Manish Mathur dismissed the bail applications filed by RPF Sub-Inspector Karan Singh Yadav and Constable Amit Kumar Yadav in connection with a death that occurred while the accused were in custody. The case pertains to an incident in Gonda, a district in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

During proceedings, Justice Mathur remarked that custody-related deaths remain a persistent problem in the state, even as the coronavirus crisis has subsided. The comment underscores growing judicial concern over alleged police and security force misconduct resulting in fatalities while suspects are in detention.

The rejection of the anticipatory bail pleas means the two RPF officials now face the prospect of arrest and custodial interrogation. The case adds to a growing list of custody death allegations against security personnel across India, many of which have drawn scrutiny from courts and human rights organizations.

Custody deaths have remained a contentious issue in Indian criminal justice, with periodic high court interventions calling for accountability and investigations. The Allahabad High Court's latest order reflects ongoing judicial vigilance on the matter.