The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of a media report claiming that 285 inmates died in jails across Chhattisgarh over the past four years, raising concerns over prison conditions and custodial care.
According to the report, the highest number of deaths was recorded in 2022 at 90, while 66 deaths were reported during 2025–26. The state government has attributed these deaths to suicide and chronic illnesses.
However, the report also highlighted serious systemic issues, including overcrowding in prisons, which allegedly contributes to the spread of infections and mental stress among inmates. It further pointed to a shortage of doctors and psychiatrists across most jails, affecting timely medical care.
Taking note of these findings, the NHRC observed that, if true, the situation raises “serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims.” The Commission has issued notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Prisons, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The report is expected to include data on overcrowding, vacancies in medical staff, and steps being taken by the government to address these concerns.
The issue has already triggered political tensions in the state Assembly. On February 26, proceedings were disrupted after the government disclosed that 66 inmates had died in jails over the previous 13 months.
MLAs from the Congress staged protests and walked out of the House, demanding a probe into custodial deaths, including that of a tribal leader.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel raised the matter during Question Hour, seeking details of custodial deaths between January 2025 and January 2026 and asking whether judicial inquiries had been completed in accordance with NHRC guidelines.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma informed the House that 66 inmates, including convicts, had died in central and district jails during the period. He added that judicial magistrate inquiries—mandatory in such cases—had been completed in 18 instances, while others were still underway.
Baghel also raised the case of tribal leader Jeevan Thakur, who died in judicial custody on December 4, 2025, after his health deteriorated.
According to the government, Thakur was initially lodged in Kanker district jail and later shifted to a prison in Raipur following a court order. He was admitted to Raipur district hospital and subsequently to the state-run Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, where he died during treatment.
Sharma stated that due procedure was followed, with the jail superintendent informing the District Judge and an inquiry committee being constituted.
However, Baghel alleged negligence, claiming that Thakur, a diabetic, was denied timely medication and proper medical care. He also pointed to protests by tribal communities in Bastar demanding a thorough investigation.
The Congress leader rejected a routine magisterial inquiry and demanded a probe by an Assembly committee. Sharma, however, maintained that the ongoing judicial inquiry should be allowed to conclude before further steps are considered.
With the NHRC stepping in, the spotlight is now firmly on prison conditions in Chhattisgarh. The Commission’s findings and the state government’s response are expected to determine whether systemic lapses contributed to the deaths and what corrective measures may follow.
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