NHRC issues notice to Chhattisgarh government over death of 285 inmates in different jails of State in four years

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday (March 26, 2026) issued a notice to Chhattisgarh government over death of 285 inmates in different jails of the State over the past four years.

According to reports, a highest number of 90 deaths of inmates took place in the State in 2022 and 66 inmates during January 2025 to 31st January 2026. The government in the Assembly cited suicide and chronic ailments as the reasons behind the inmates’ death.

The commission also cited media reports which stated poor conditions of prison in the state especially in terms of overcrowding 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, reports said.

Observing that issue raises serious issues of violation of human rights of the victims, NHRC issues notice to 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.