January 22, 2026

Telangana Encounter Was Fake: Inquiry Commission

By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-05-23 07:58:29

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It is no surprise that the Supreme Court-appointed inquiry commission that probed the encounter killing of four accused in the rape and murder of a girl in Telangana has found it to be fake. It also held that the police tried to destroy or withhold evidence and even the state government was trying to hide the truth.

The incident had resulted in huge public protest and the police had picked up the suspects after examining CCTV footage from the area. Then they were killed as the police claimed that they had to retaliate after the suspects snatched their guns and attacked them.

It was such a convenient end to a crime for the police (and the politicians) - catch the suspects and kill them to prevent public glare of going through legal procedure and then failing to make the charges stick due to lack of evidence, leading to a public outrage. The instant justice meted out was applauded by politicians and the public alike. But was it right?

The people picked up were just suspects. It was not proved that they actually committed the crime. It is quite possible that they were not the perpetrators and the real culprits are still roaming free? Further, rule of law demands that the police investigate a case, collect evidence and prove the crime in court. By not doing so, the police failed in their duty.

Instant justice looks good only in movies. In real life, policing is a tough job which needs to be done by following the rules. If the police or the mob becomes judge, jury and executioner, what is the need for enacting laws or having courts? Fake encounters, and even custodial deaths, have become an escape route for the police to wriggle out of sensitive situations and this cannot be allowed.

The commission has recommended that all 10 policemen involved in the encounter should be booked under murder charges. They have taken the law in their hands and made a mockery of due process and they should be held accountable. It will also serve as a reminder to the police all over India that they cannot hide their inefficiencies by eliminating suspects to close the case.