The state is perceived as ‘safe’ and ‘prosperous’, but the statistics reveal a troubling reality about the state of human rights in Gujarat. Over the past six years, 17,348 individuals have filed complaints with the Human Rights Commission, highlighting serious concerns and challenges in ensuring the protection of human rights in the state.

This significant number underscores a troubling rise in various human rights violations, including police misconduct, atrocities against women and children, and the exploitation of labourers.

In the last three years, approximately 8,000 complaints of human rights violations have been reported, mainly involving atrocities against children and women, police torture or custodial deaths, and exploitation of individuals.

The commission resolved most of the complaints during the investigation year, but 400 cases remain pending.

Out of the total cases received, 363 cases involve police atrocities, 112 are related to women, and 1,998 cases are pending.

According to the statistics, 72 deaths occurred in jail custody, and 15 in police custody, making a total of 87 deaths.

The highest number of cases were reported in Ahmedabad (28), followed by Vadodara (11), Rajkot (10), and Surat (9).

The 17th report of the commission mentioned that based on news reports, the commission took suo motu action in 238 cases, issuing notices to the responsible parties and recommending further steps.

In its one-year operation, the commission has provided compensation of ₹12.50 lakhs to some victims.

According to a report by the State Human Rights Commission Secretary, Bhargavi Dave, the commission received 2,890, 2,700, and 2,576 cases in the last three years, respectively.

Crimes against children and women

The state has witnessed crimes such as child labour, child marriages, child trafficking, sexual harassment, and the disappearance of children.

Out of the 12,072 cases registered in the last four years, the highest number (3,307) are against the police. Moreover, 912 cases involve gangsters, mafia, and underground elements, while 675 cases pertain to service-related matters, followed by 547 cases related to women.

Also read:

Congress slams state govt over rising custodial deaths