Haryana notifies Rs 7.5 lakh compensation for deaths in police custody

The Haryana government has introduced a new policy providing Rs 7.5 lakh compensation for deaths in police custody caused by torture, inhumane treatment or negligence, according to an official. The policy was notified following the Haryana Human Rights Commission's (HHRC) intervention in a complaint filed by Pinjore resident Parvesh Sharma.

Sharma alleged that despite being granted bail, he was illegally detained by the police on July 15, 2025, and subjected to physical assault and third-degree torture, leading to his critical condition. The HHRC noted that such incidents constituted serious human rights violations and emphasized that departmental penalties alone were insufficient.

In response, the Haryana Home Department notified the policy, stating that at least 50% of the compensation will be recovered from the guilty police officer's salary. The policy covers deaths caused by police torture or assault, deaths resulting from conflicts among detainees, suicides in custody, and deaths due to police negligence or medical staff misconduct.

However, it excludes deaths caused by natural illness, deaths during escape attempts, and deaths resulting from natural disasters.