Police face more human rights complaints than seasoned criminals in Gujarat: Report

Gujarat’s reputation as a peaceful state has taken a hit, with complaints against the police surging sharply. According to the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission, from 2017–18 to 2020–21, authorities received 912 complaints against gangsters compared to 3,307 complaints against police personnel.

Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, complaints against police touched 1,228—significantly higher than the 112 complaints received against gangsters during the same period.

Allegations include wrongful arrest, misuse of power, custodial assault, sexual harassment, and refusal to register complaints.

The commission receives nearly 3,000 complaints every month, prompting a serious review of policing standards. The data has raised concerns about the growing ‘dabanggiri’ within the force and its impact on public trust.