Punjab labourers allege ‘police torture’ in J&K, High Court issues notice to 11 cops
Srinagar/Amritsar, July 23, 2025 — A group of labourers from Punjab has accused police in Jammu and Kashmir of illegal detention and torture. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court responded to the claims and issued notices to 11 police officers, including senior officials.
This incident has triggered outrage among labour groups. Activists have called for an independent probe and better protection for migrant workers.
What the Labourers Say
Seven workers from Tarn Taran and Amritsar said they were picked up earlier this month in Kupwara. They were working for a private contractor in road construction.
They claim police took them from their accommodation at night without any warrant. The workers said they were not brought before a magistrate and were held for several days.
They allege that police beat them, made them sign blank documents, and forced them to confess to thefts they didn’t commit.
“We were innocent. Police dragged us out at night, beat us, and kept us in a filthy room with no food,” one labourer told a local reporter.
Court Action
The High Court took immediate notice of the complaint. It issued notices to 11 officers, including the SHO and SDPO of Kupwara. The court has asked them to reply within two weeks.
Justice Rajesh Bindal, who heard the petition, stressed the importance of protecting rights during custody.
“We must treat these allegations seriously. Vulnerable people working away from home deserve the same constitutional protection as anyone else,” he said.
What the Petition Seeks
The workers want a judicial inquiry. Their lawyer, Manpreet Kaur, urged the court to order medical tests and take action under laws that cover wrongful detention and custodial assault.
Several rights groups in Punjab support their demands. They have asked both the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Union Home Ministry to step in.
“Migrant workers often face abuse and don’t get legal help. This must change,” said Harbhajan Singh from the Labour Rights Forum.
Kupwara Police Respond
Kupwara police denied the allegations. They said they only called the workers for questioning in a theft case and followed all legal steps.
“We didn’t harm or detain them illegally,” said a senior police officer in a written statement. “We will fully cooperate with the court.”
The department plans to submit all records to support its claim.
Political Fallout
Leaders in Punjab reacted strongly. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa demanded action against the officers and compensation for the workers.
“This is a human rights issue. Our labourers must be protected when they work in other states,” he said.
The Shiromani Akali Dal also issued a statement. They called for an investigation by the CBI and NHRC.
Wider Concerns Over Migrant Safety
This case has added to concerns about how migrant workers are treated in regions with a heavy security presence. Experts say workers from states like Punjab and Bihar often suffer abuse due to poor legal awareness and lack of support.
An NHRC report from last year said custodial abuse cases rose by 25%, with most victims from weaker economic groups.
Next Steps
The court has set the next hearing for August 6. The police must file their responses by then. The court may also decide whether to order medical tests for the workers.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for police accountability and stronger rights for migrant workers in high-risk areas.
