Can Police Torture You Inside Police Station?

While police are not allowed to beat or torture you, they can take action if you try to evade arrest or escape or become violent

From an early age, we have grown up seeing people being beaten up and tortured inside police stations. This has been shown in various movies and TV serials. Even today, we see the same visuals. In real-life also, the media has reported various cases of alleged police brutality. It makes us wonder if the police can beat or torture you inside police station. To answer that, we need to take a look at the rules mentioned under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Can police beat you during interrogation or after arrest?

The answer to this is a big NO. The police are not allowed to use any form of physical violence or torture. It is also illegal for the police to intimidate or threaten any individual. Many people do not know their rights. This is why some police personnel may resort to beating or torture. However, all such acts are illegal.

But if we look at the other side of the coin, the police too have certain rights. For example, the police can justify their action if you try to escape or evade arrest. The police can also take appropriate action if you become violent or try to use any weapon or firearm.

As such, it is recommended that you conduct your actions peacefully in all circumstances. Irrespective of whether you have been called for questioning, caught breaking a law or have been arrested, it is important to remain calm and peaceful. Trying to escape or becoming violent will work against you in the court of law.

What to do if police torture you inside police station?

It is possible that the police may beat or torture you. They may also try to intimidate you and force you to make a confession. In all such instances, it will be better to report such developments to your lawyer. Your lawyer can accordingly approach the relevant higher authorities for help.

For example, the lawyer can approach the magistrate or any higher court of law including the High Court and Supreme Court. The matter can also be reported to the State or National Human Rights Commission. If found guilty, the policemen can be suspended or removed from service. They can also be jailed for beating, torturing or intimidating any person.

All the provisions related to arrest, your rights after arrest and relevant police duties are mentioned in Section 35 to Section 62 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Key takeaways are that police are not allowed to use force or intimidation during interrogation or after arrest. You have the right to contact your lawyer in case you are called for questioning or have been arrested. Also, you have the right to seek bail, as per the rules of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.