On April 15, alleged mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother, Ashraf were killed while in police custody and in the presence of media persons. The police allege that three assailants shot them at close range. The entire incident took place on live television.

Despite questions being raised on this custodial killing, there also appears to be public approval. Such “encounter” killings of alleged rapists or alleged gangsters are often celebrated by the public. In fact, Ahmed’s son, Asad was killed in a so-called police encounter just a few days before the incident after which Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister praised the police team. But what does this visible public acceptance of encounter killings tell us? 

Sneha Richhariya speaks to Prakash Singh, ex-IPS Officer, who has also served as Director general of Police, Uttar Pradesh. He has also served in Assam and Border Security Force. Singh filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court seeking police reforms, in which a landmark verdict was delivered.

References:

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2287 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23RD MARCH, 2022
Plea moved in SC seeking inquiry over murders of Atiq Ahmed,Ashraf and 183 encounters in UP – ThePrint
3 Assailants Fired Over Dozen Rounds To Kill Atiq Ahmad, Brother Ashraf On Live Camera | 10 Points
183 criminals killed in police encounters since March 2017: UP Police – ThePrint –
A Chronicle of the Crime Fiction That is Adityanath's Encounter Raj
SC orders death for cops in fake encounters - India Today
Police encounters: No separate laws, but SC and NHRC have laid down strict guidelines - India Today
Prakash Singh & Ors vs Union Of India And Ors on 22 September, 2006