Telangana Probes Police Torture of Minor

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The Telangana Human Rights Commission (THRC) has initiated a formal inquiry into allegations of custodial torture involving a 17-year-old boy in Hyderabad. The complaint, received earlier this month, claims the minor was unlawfully detained by police and subjected to severe physical abuse, resulting in partial paralysis.

According to the submission made to the commission, the boy was taken into custody without a formal First Information Report (FIR) and allegedly held beyond the legally permissible time. During this period, he was reportedly assaulted by officers, causing injuries that led to spinal trauma. The family of the boy asserts they were not informed about his detention and only discovered his condition once he was hospitalized.

The incident allegedly occurred at Karkhana Police Station, where the boy was suspected of involvement in a theft case. The THRC has taken cognizance of the complaint and directed the Hyderabad Police Commissioner to appear before the panel on August 12. The commission has also ordered a detailed medical report on the boy’s condition to be submitted within 48 hours.

Initial reports suggest the teenager is undergoing treatment at a local hospital and is unable to move parts of his body. The THRC has labeled the matter as serious and stated that the commission will pursue accountability based on the findings of the investigation.

The Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is also monitoring the case and has indicated it may initiate its proceedings. Under the Juvenile Justice Act, minors in custody are entitled to specific protections, including legal representation and immediate notification of guardians, standards that appear to have been disregarded in this case.

Local human rights organizations have strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a potential breach of both Indian law and international conventions on the rights of the child. “This case represents a grave failure of procedure and a serious violation of a minor’s rights,” said a representative from a Hyderabad-based advocacy group.

The Hyderabad Police Department has issued a brief statement acknowledging the complaint and confirming that an internal review is underway. However, it declined to comment on specific allegations, citing the pending medical report and ongoing inquiry.

The incident has added to growing concerns about custodial practices across India, where national and state-level human rights bodies have frequently called for reforms to prevent abuse and ensure adherence to legal protocols.

The outcome of the THRC investigation will likely determine whether criminal charges or departmental action will be pursued against the officers involved.