In the Rathnagarh district, a custodial death has sparked intense public outrage and protests, raising critical ethical and administrative concerns.

Q7. In the Rathnagarh district, a custodial death has sparked intense public outrage and protests, raising critical ethical and administrative concerns. The incident took place at the Rathnagarh Central Police Station, where Ramesh, a 25-year-old laborer, was arrested on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle. His family alleges that he was wrongfully detained due to mistaken identity. Although police records suggest Ramesh confessed and cooperated, evidence of torture and physical abuse found in the post-mortem report contradicts the police’s claim of suicide. The case has led to widespread protests by human rights activists, civil society groups, and the local community, demanding justice and accountability from the police. The government has appointed a committee led by a Senior IPS officer (you) to investigate. However, you face pressure from the government and colleagues to downplay the issue to protect the police’s public image, creating a dilemma.

• Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved. What options are available to you in this situation, and what course of action would you take? Propose long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. [20M]

• Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved.

• What options are available to you in this situation, and what course of action would you take?

• Propose long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. [20M]

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why the question: The critical ethical and administrative concerns arising from custodial deaths, highlighting the need for impartial investigations and systemic reforms in policing practices. Key Demand of the question: The answer must identify relevant stakeholders and ethical concerns, analyze available options with justification for the chosen course of action, and suggest preventive measures to curb custodial violence. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Start by discussing the prevalence of custodial deaths in India and their implications on human rights and public trust in law enforcement. Body: Identify key stakeholders (victim’s family, police, government, civil society, etc. and outline major ethical concerns like integrity, justice, and accountability. List potential options such as impartial investigation, downplaying the incident, or suggesting reforms. Justify the best course of action by emphasizing justice, public trust, and ethical principles. Suggest long-term preventive measures, including police sensitization, independent oversight bodies, CCTV monitoring, community engagement, and legal reforms. Conclusion: Refer to landmark Supreme Court judgments and emphasize the need for responsible policing alongside institutional reforms to ensure justice and accountability.

Why the question: The critical ethical and administrative concerns arising from custodial deaths, highlighting the need for impartial investigations and systemic reforms in policing practices.

Key Demand of the question: The answer must identify relevant stakeholders and ethical concerns, analyze available options with justification for the chosen course of action, and suggest preventive measures to curb custodial violence.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Start by discussing the prevalence of custodial deaths in India and their implications on human rights and public trust in law enforcement.

• Identify key stakeholders (victim’s family, police, government, civil society, etc. and outline major ethical concerns like integrity, justice, and accountability.

• List potential options such as impartial investigation, downplaying the incident, or suggesting reforms. Justify the best course of action by emphasizing justice, public trust, and ethical principles.

• Suggest long-term preventive measures, including police sensitization, independent oversight bodies, CCTV monitoring, community engagement, and legal reforms.

Conclusion: Refer to landmark Supreme Court judgments and emphasize the need for responsible policing alongside institutional reforms to ensure justice and accountability.