Punjab: ASI among 4 Bathinda cops indicted for custodial torture, electric shocks
Source Entity
Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times
A judicial inquiry has indicted four Bathinda police officers for the custodial torture and illegal detention of Narinderdeep Singh, who died in May 2025. The report also holds senior supervisory officers accountable for grave dereliction of duty regarding the victim's unnatural death.
Judicial Inquiry Exposes Custodial Torture in Bathinda
A recent judicial inquiry conducted by Bathinda Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Prabhjot Bhatti has brought to light a harrowing case of custodial violence. The investigation focused on the death of 34-year-old tutor Narinderdeep Singh, a resident of Goniana, who died under mysterious circumstances on May 23, 2025. The findings confirm that Singh was subjected to illegal detention and severe physical abuse, including the use of electric shocks, at the hands of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA)-2 unit of the Bathinda police.
Accountability and Institutional Failure
The report does not merely stop at the four indicted officers, which include an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Crucially, CJM Bhatti has extended the scope of responsibility to the senior supervisory officers of the Bathinda police. By citing "grave dereliction of duty," the inquiry highlights a systemic failure in oversight that allowed such egregious violations of human rights to occur within a police facility. This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for rigorous internal monitoring within law enforcement agencies.
The Human Cost of Custodial Violence
Narinderdeep Singh’s death represents a profound tragedy for his family and the local community. The confirmation of torture during illegal detention strikes at the heart of the judicial process, where the state is expected to uphold the rule of law rather than bypass it through extrajudicial means. The transition from a routine investigation to an inquiry into "unnatural death" underscores the gravity of the misconduct involved in this case.
Legal and Procedural Implications
Following the conclusion of the proceedings on September 1 and the subsequent submission of the report to the Bathinda sessions judge, the legal system now faces the challenge of ensuring justice. The indictment of high-ranking supervisors suggests that the judiciary is looking beyond the immediate perpetrators to address the culture of impunity that often shields officers from accountability. This case may serve as a precedent for future investigations into police misconduct in the region.
Future Trends in Police Accountability
Moving forward, this report is likely to trigger increased scrutiny regarding police interrogation techniques and detention protocols in Punjab. As the judicial process continues, the demand for transparency and reform will likely intensify. The outcome of this case will be a litmus test for the state’s commitment to human rights and its ability to hold its own officers accountable for abuses of power that result in the loss of life.
Verification Required?