📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Satdeep Gill
Politics
NHRC Criticises Punjab Over DGP's Encounter Murder Report
✍️ India Today
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 05:42 PM
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The National Human Rights Commission has condemned the Punjab government for submitting a report by the Director General of Police concerning encounter‑murder charges against him. The commission said the move undermines accountability.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has publicly rebuked the Punjab government for forwarding a report prepared by the Director General of Police (DGP) that addresses encounter‑murder charges against the officer. The report, which was submitted to the NHRC, outlines the circumstances surrounding the alleged killings that have drawn widespread criticism.
The DGP, who is facing accusations of extrajudicial killings, had requested the NHRC to review the findings. The commission, however, viewed the submission as an attempt to shield the officer from scrutiny and to sidestep independent investigation.
In a statement, the NHRC said that submitting the DGP’s own report to the commission was a breach of procedural norms and could erode public trust in law‑enforcement accountability. The body urged the state to provide a transparent, third‑party inquiry into the encounter incidents.
The criticism comes amid growing concerns over police accountability in Punjab, where several encounter cases have been contested by civil society groups. The NHRC’s remarks may prompt the state to reconsider its approach to handling such sensitive investigations.
The DGP, who is facing accusations of extrajudicial killings, had requested the NHRC to review the findings. The commission, however, viewed the submission as an attempt to shield the officer from scrutiny and to sidestep independent investigation.
In a statement, the NHRC said that submitting the DGP’s own report to the commission was a breach of procedural norms and could erode public trust in law‑enforcement accountability. The body urged the state to provide a transparent, third‑party inquiry into the encounter incidents.
The criticism comes amid growing concerns over police accountability in Punjab, where several encounter cases have been contested by civil society groups. The NHRC’s remarks may prompt the state to reconsider its approach to handling such sensitive investigations.