Allahabad High Court Seeks State’s Reply on Alleged Custodial Death of Dalit Man in Prayagraj
By Rajesh Pandey
In a case that has raised serious questions about human rights and accountability of law enforcement, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file its reply within two weeks on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging the custodial death of a Dalit labourer at the Nawabganj police station in Prayagraj.
The PIL, filed by Adhivakta Manch along with two others, demands a thorough and independent probe into the alleged custodial torture and death of the victim, Hira Lal, a resident of Narepar village in Budauana, under Nawabganj police station.
The petitioners have also sought ₹25 lakh as compensation for their family.
According to the petitioners’ counsel, Charlie Prakash, the incident dates back to May 27, 2025, when police personnel picked up Hira Lal from his home in connection with a theft case, even though the FIR did not name any accused.
It has been alleged that after his detention, no family member was allowed to meet him.
Later, the family was informed that Hira Lal had died. While the police maintain that he died of a heart attack, the petitioners allege that his death was a direct result of brutal custodial torture inside the police station.
Adding to the anguish, the PIL contends that the police did not hand over the deceased’s body to his family. Instead, they allegedly performed the cremation themselves at Daraganj Ghat, Prayagraj, denying the family the right to perform the last rites of their loved one.
The division bench, comprising Justice Siddharth and Justice Santosh Rai, heard the matter on September 17, 2025, and fixed the case for further hearing on October 10, 2025, before the appropriate court.
Calling it a clear violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), the counsel for the petitioner strongly argued that this incident amounted to a “brutal custodial murder by the police.”
The PIL has demanded that an independent high-level enquiry committee be constituted under the chairmanship of a retired High Court judge.
It further requests that the enquiry into the alleged illegal detention, custodial torture, and custodial death be conducted under the direct supervision of the High Court, with a mandate to submit its report within a stipulated timeframe.
This case has once again brought into focus the longstanding concern over custodial deaths in India and the urgent need for transparent accountability mechanisms in policing.
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