From Custody to Coffin: TGHRC Orders Probe into Alleged Custodial Death
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Hyderabad,22,Dec,2025 The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TGHRC), through proceedings in SR Nos. 4129 and 4130 of 2025, has taken serious cognizance of disturbing allegations concerning the illegal detention, custodial torture, and eventual custodial death of Mr. Karla Rajesh.
The matter was formally brought before the Commission by Mrs. Karla Lalitha, mother of the deceased, along with noted social activist Mr. Manda Krishna Madiga, who highlighted grave violations of fundamental human rights.
The allegations state that Karla Rajesh, a Dalit youth, was illegally detained and subjected to severe custodial torture by personnel of Chilkur Police Station and Kodad Rural Police Station, leading to his death while in custody.
Illegal Detention and Custody
It is alleged that Rajesh was taken into custody by the Chilkur and Kodad Rural police without following due legal process, effectively amounting to unlawful detention. He was held in police custody for several days (reported as four to five days) without being produced before a magistrate in a timely manner, thereby violating his fundamental right to liberty and fair procedure under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Custodial Torture and Third‑Degree Methods
During his detention, Rajesh was allegedly subjected to brutal third‑degree interrogation methods, including physical torture and inhuman treatment, which constitute custodial torture. The family and Dalit organisations have specifically alleged that he was tortured in police lock-up to extract confessions or to implicate others in the CMRF cheque fraud case, in violation of Supreme Court guidelines on custodial violence.
Falsely Implicated and Denied Legal Protection
Rajesh was reportedly falsely implicated in a criminal case relating to the misappropriation of a Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) cheque, allegedly to shield influential persons involved in the scam. By being framed in this case and denied access to legal remedies, he was effectively deprived of the protection of law and the right to a fair trial.
Denial of Family Access and Isolation
Throughout his detention, Rajesh was allegedly denied access to his family members, leaving him isolated and cut off from any external support or oversight. This prolonged isolation in custody, without allowing his relatives to meet him or know his condition, further aggravated his vulnerability and suffering.
Transfer to Hospitals and Death
After sustaining severe injuries during the alleged torture, Rajesh was shifted from the Huzurnagar sub‑jail to various government hospitals, including Huzurnagar Government Hospital, Suryapet Government Hospital, and finally Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. Despite this transfer, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on 16 November 2025, with his family and activists asserting that his death was a direct result of the custodial torture inflicted upon him.
Recognizing the seriousness and gravity of these allegations, the Commission decided to club the present complaints with an earlier matter already under consideration (SR No. 3693/2025) pertaining to the same issue.
In its directive, the TGHRC has ordered the Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, Telangana, to furnish a comprehensive and detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the detention, treatment, and death of Mr. Rajesh.
The Commission has scheduled the matter for further consideration on 12 January 2026, underscoring its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the sanctity of human rights in custodial settings.
