Alleged Custodial Death in Purulia: A Deep Dive into Police Accountability and Public Outcry in West Bengal

Purulia Files

Incident Crisis Injustice Protest Reforms

Incident Crisis Injustice Protest Reforms

Custodial Death: An Unanswered Question

The death of Bishnu Kumar inside the Arsha police station in Purulia has ignited a serious debate over police brutality and institutional accountability. This incident is not isolated, but a reflection of a deeper crisis.

The Purulia Incident: Two Contradictory Narratives

On July 16, 2025, Bishnu Kumar was called to the police station and died on July 19. But how? Here are the conflicting accounts from his family and the police.

👥 Family's Allegations

• ◆ Bishnu was brutally beaten inside the police station after being called in for a mobile theft allegation.
• ◆ After returning home, he became seriously ill and stopped eating for three days.
• ◆ His death on the night of July 19 is directly attributed to the police torture inside the station.
• ◆ Fearing for their safety, the family left their home and refused to take the body, demanding a neutral investigation and a second post-mortem.

🛡️ Police's Statement

• ◆ The allegations of beating are "completely baseless." Bishnu was released after questioning.
• ◆ The post-mortem report identified the cause of death as ailments of the heart, kidneys, and lungs.
• ◆ No signs of external injury were found on the body. The entire process was videographed.
• ◆ The police warned of legal action against those spreading "false information" about the incident.

More Than Purulia: A Nationwide Crisis

Custodial deaths have become a grim reality in India, with West Bengal ranking among the top states. The statistics point to a deep-seated institutional failure.

0

Police Convictions (2017-22)

11,650+

Custodial Deaths (2016-22)

0.18%

Cases with Disciplinary Action

State-wise Comparison of Custodial Deaths (2021-22)

A Pattern of Injustice: Other Noteworthy Cases

The Bishnu Kumar incident is not isolated. Many other cases have occurred in West Bengal where allegations were made against state institutions and justice remained elusive.

Shaukat Mondal Case (Nadia, 2023)

After allegations of a custodial death, a counter-FIR for murder was filed against the victim's brother and witnesses, an attempt to influence the judicial process.

Main Allegation: Shaukat Mondal was allegedly beaten to death in police custody in a drug-related case.

Outcome: The High Court ordered an FIR against the police. However, the very next day, a counter-FIR for murder was filed against the victim's family. The case went up to the Supreme Court, serving as an example of the harassment faced by those seeking justice.

RG Kar Medical College Incident (Kolkata, 2024)

Allegations of tampering with evidence and a flawed investigation into the rape and murder of a female doctor inside the hospital, which raised questions about the transparency of state institutions.

Main Allegation: A young female doctor was raped and murdered, followed by attempts to destroy evidence and influence the investigation.

Outcome: The victim's parents alleged a larger conspiracy. Various organizations, including DYFI, organized widespread protests demanding justice. This incident highlighted the need for accountability not just for the police but for other state institutions as well.

Voice of Protest: The DYFI Movement

While standing with Bishnu Kumar's family, the DYFI continues to lead movements against youth unemployment, corruption, and state-sponsored violence across West Bengal.

Key Issues of the Movement

• ✊ Justice for police brutality and custodial deaths.
• ✊ Demand for youth employment and permanent jobs.
• ✊ End to corruption in recruitment and government schemes.
• ✊ Women's safety and opposition to communalism.

Methods of Protest

• ➡️ Mass rallies, road blockades, and strikes.
• ➡️ Gherao of government offices and submission of memorandums.
• ➡️ Public outreach programs like "Insaaf Yatra."
• ➡️ Joint movements with other Left student and youth organizations.

Path to a Solution: What Reforms are Needed?

To prevent incidents like custodial deaths and restore faith in the justice system, some urgent and comprehensive reforms are necessary.

Independent Investigation

Ensure timely and independent investigation of all custodial death allegations, which should be conducted by a special agency or a judicial commission.

Neutral Post-Mortem

Establish clear protocols for a second post-mortem by an independent medical board if the family expresses credible suspicion.

CCTV Surveillance

Install functional CCTV cameras in all police stations, lock-ups, and interrogation rooms, and securely store the footage as per Supreme Court directives.

Anti-Torture Law

Enact a separate and strong anti-torture law aligned with international human rights standards and ratify the UNCAT.

Police Reforms

Provide extensive human rights training, stress-reduction programs, and mental health support for police personnel.

Support for Victims' Families

Provide prompt and adequate compensation and legal aid to the families of custodial death victims and protect them from harassment like counter-FIRs.

This web application is based on the information from the provided report.

© 2025. All information is used for educational and public awareness purposes.