The West Bengal police custodial torture case in Malda has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about law enforcement accountability. A mason named Jiaul Haque was allegedly detained without charges at Kaliachak police station, severely beaten, and released only after public protest. His wife, Sabera Bibi, has filed a petition in the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court, demanding justice and accountability.
2. West Bengal Police Custodial Torture Case: The Incident
- On December 2, 2025, Jiaul Haque was summoned to Kaliachak police station.
- He was detained for two days without formal charges.
- Family members were denied access to him.
- On December 4, local villagers staged a protest outside the police station.
- Under pressure, police released Haque, who was immediately hospitalized.
3. Medical Evidence of Torture
- Doctors found multiple bruises on Haque’s body.
- His hearing ability was severely affected, allegedly due to assault.
- Injuries were documented in a hospital report.
- The medical evidence strengthens the wife’s petition in court.
4. The Wife’s Petition
- Filed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court.
- Accuses three police officers (two sub‑inspectors, one assistant sub‑inspector) and three civic volunteers.
- Alleges illegal detention and custodial torture.
- Requests judicial intervention and accountability.
5. Police Response
- District Superintendent of Police Avijit Banerjee stated: “Once the complaint formally reaches my office, we will examine the matter.”
- No immediate action was taken against the accused officers.
- The silence has fueled public anger and distrust.
6. Government External Links for Assistance
- West Bengal Police: https://wbpolice.gov.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs: https://mha.gov.in
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): https://nhrc.nic.in
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
7. Legal Framework
Custodial torture violates:
- Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Right to Life).
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections on wrongful confinement and assault.
- Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Rules on arrest and detention.
- Supreme Court guidelines in D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal (1997).
8. Historical Context of Custodial Violence in Bengal
West Bengal has witnessed similar cases:
- 1990s: Allegations of police excesses during political protests.
- 2010s: Custodial deaths in Kolkata and North Bengal.
- 2020s: Rising complaints of police brutality in rural districts.
9. Human Rights Concerns
- Custodial torture is a gross violation of human rights.
- India is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, though it has not ratified it.
- NHRC has repeatedly stressed the need for accountability in custodial cases.
10. Global Comparisons
Custodial violence is a global issue:
- USA: Police brutality cases spark nationwide protests.
- Brazil: Custodial deaths linked to systemic corruption.
- South Africa: Post‑apartheid reforms still struggle with police accountability.
India’s challenge lies in balancing law enforcement authority with human rights protections.
11. Governance Lessons
The Malda case highlights:
- Need for independent oversight of police.
- Mandatory CCTV in police stations.
- Stronger witness protection for victims.
- Judicial monitoring of custodial cases.
12. Future Outlook – Reforming Policing in India
India must move towards:
- Police reforms ensuring accountability.
- Human rights training for officers.
- Community policing models to build trust.
- Ratification of UN Convention Against Torture.
13. Conclusion
The West Bengal police custodial torture case in Malda is a grim reminder of systemic failures in law enforcement. The courage of Sabera Bibi in filing a petition reflects the resilience of citizens demanding justice. If reforms are implemented, Bengal can move towards a policing system that respects human rights and upholds constitutional values.
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