TDS Desk:

Deaths from mob beatings more than doubled in January compared to the previous month, while the number of deaths in jail custody also saw a sharp rise ahead of the February 12 national election.

Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), a human rights organisation led by Advocate Sultana Kamal, revealed the data in its monthly monitoring report released on Saturday.

The report termed the human rights situation in January 2026 as “alarmingly violent and complex” compared to December last year.

The report highlighted a disturbing rise in mob violence.

In January this year, 21 people were killed in mob beatings, in contrast with 10 deaths recorded in December 2025.

“The failure of the state to take visible steps against such extrajudicial killings has emboldened perpetrators, leading to a rise in casualties,” the report stated, describing the incidents as a clear sign of the public’s loss of trust in the rule of law.

The report also noted an increase in the recovery of unidentified bodies in January (57) from that of December (48).

The safety of individuals in state custody remains a critical concern.

According to the report, deaths in prison custody jumped to 15 in January from nine in December, totalling 24 deaths in a span of two months. Additionally, two individuals died in the custody of law enforcement agencies in January.

MSF attributed the rise in prison deaths to medical negligence, inhumane treatment, and failures in prison administration.

With the 13th National Parliamentary Election weeks away, electoral violence has also risen.

Four people were killed and 509 were injured in election-related clashes in January, as opposed to one death recorded in December.

The report also pointed out a surge in the use of “unnamed accused” in police cases. The number of unidentified individuals accused in political cases skyrocketed from 110 in December to 320 in January.

Rights activists argue that this tactic allows law enforcement to make blanket arrests and create a climate of fear.

The report flagged a “severe human rights crisis” regarding women and children.

In January, 257 incidents of violence against women and children were recorded, including 34 rapes and 11 gang rapes.

Attacks on minority communities also saw a sharp rise, with incidents of theft or vandalism of temples and idols increasing to 21 in January from just six in the previous month.

The MSF called for an immediate, impartial investigation into these violations and urged authorities to ensure the protection of all citizens to restore confidence in the justice system.