**NHRC Suo Motu Cognizance: Inmate Deaths in Chhattisgarh Jails**
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken *suo motu* cognizance of a media report regarding the deaths of 285 inmates in various jails across Chhattisgarh over the last four years. The Commission noted that these reports, if accurate, indicate significant violations of human rights.
**Key Statistics and Reported Data**
* **Total Deaths:** 285 inmates over the past four years.
* **Peak Mortality:** 90 deaths occurred in 2022.
* **Recent Figures:** 66 deaths were recorded between January 2025 and January 31, 2026.
* **State Government’s Position:** According to statements made in the Assembly, the primary causes of death are cited as suicide and chronic ailments.
* **Systemic Issues:** Media reports from March 23, 2026, indicate that prisons are overcrowded, leading to mental stress and the spread of infections. Additionally, there is a reported shortage of medical professionals, specifically doctors and psychiatrists.
**Actions Taken by NHRC**
The Commission has issued formal notices to the following officials:
* **Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh**
* **Director General of Prisons, Chhattisgarh**
These officials are required to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The report must specifically address:
1. Data concerning jail overcrowding.
2. The number of vacant posts for doctors and medical staff.
3. Measures implemented by the State Government to address these issues and improve inmate conditions.
**Document Details**
* **Posted Date:** March 26, 2026
* **Release ID:** 2245531
* **Origin:** PIB Delhi / NSK
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India: The statutory body that took suo motu cognizance of inmate deaths and issued notices regarding potential human rights violations in jails.
Chhattisgarh: The state where 285 inmate deaths were reported in various jails over a four-year period, forming the geographic scope of the NHRC's inquiry.
Director General of Prisons, Chhattisgarh: The primary authority responsible for prison administration in the state, directed to provide data on overcrowding and medical staffing.
Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh: The top administrative officer of the state government issued a notice by the NHRC to report on the steps taken to address prison conditions.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suomotu cognizance of the
reported death of 285 inmates in different jails in
Chhattisgarh over the past four years
Reportedly, the state government in the Assembly cited
suicide and chronic ailments as the reasons behind the
inmates’ death
Issues notices to State Chief Secretary and the Director
General of Prisons, calling for a detailed report on the matter
within two weeks
The report to include data regarding overcrowding in the jails,
vacant posts of the doctors and the steps taken to address
the issue
Posted On: 26 MAR 2026 11:26AM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suomotu cognizance of a media report
that a total of 285 inmates died in different jails of Chhattisgarh over the past four years, with the highest
number of 90 deaths in 2022 and 66 during January 2025 to 31st January 2026. Reportedly, the state
government in the Assembly cited suicide and chronic ailments as the reasons behind the inmates’ death.
According to the media report, carried on 23rd March 2026, prisons in the state are mostly overcrowded
which is leading to increased spread of infections and mental stress among the inmates. Most prisons are
facing a shortage of doctors and psychiatrists to attend to the prisoners for medical treatment.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation
of human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director
General of Prisons, Chhattisgarh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It is
expected to include data regarding alleged overcrowding in the jails, vacant posts of the doctors and the
steps being taken by the State Government to address the issue.
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NSK
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