The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government’s handling of a complaint regarding alleged extra-judicial killings and custodial torture. The Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary and the Secretary of the Home Department to initiate an independent inquiry into these serious allegations and submit a revised report within four weeks.

The NHRC’s discontent stems from the Punjab government’s decision to forward a report prepared by the office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav. This action was particularly concerning as the allegations in the complaint were directed against the police chief himself. The NHRC had specifically requested that the Home Department investigate the matter and provide a report, rather than relying on the DGP’s office.

In its proceedings dated November 2, 2026, the NHRC noted that the report submitted by the Punjab government did not align with its earlier directives issued on November 24, 2025. The Commission observed that the Secretary of the Home Department appeared not to have thoroughly examined the allegations before sending the DGP’s report for consideration.

Concerns Over Punjab Home Department’s Approach

The NHRC has raised concerns regarding what it termed a lackadaisical approach by the Punjab Home Department. The Commission has mandated that the Chief Secretary and the Home Secretary ensure a thorough and independent inquiry into the allegations. It has also cautioned against merely forwarding another report from the same department that has already been implicated in the complaint.

The NHRC has set a deadline for the Punjab government to submit the inquiry report within four weeks. The Commission has warned that failure to comply with this directive may compel it to exercise its coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Additionally, the NHRC has requested that a complete or additional report be submitted by December 10, 2026, for further evaluation.

The Commission’s actions underscore the seriousness with which it views the allegations of human rights violations in Punjab, particularly those involving law enforcement officials.

Details of the Complaint Filed

The NHRC’s proceedings are based on a complaint submitted on July 12, 2025, by Nikhil Saraf, a resident of Mohali, Punjab. The complaint was received by the Commission via email on July 14, 2025. Saraf has alleged that DGP Gaurav Yadav instructed police officials to carry out extra-judicial killings, referred to as ‘encounters’, as part of their professional assessments.

The complaint referenced a social media post by a journalist dated June 1, 2025, which included a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the DGP containing such directives. It also cited several recent incidents of purported extra-judicial killings and custodial torture that occurred across various districts in Punjab, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

Upon reviewing the complaint, the NHRC, in its proceedings dated November 24, 2025, acknowledged that the allegations involved significant violations of the victims’ human rights. Consequently, it directed the Secretary of the Punjab Home Department to investigate the matter and submit a report promptly within 15 days. However, the response received was a report from the DGP’s office, which the NHRC has now rejected in favour of a more independent examination of the allegations.

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