Mumbai Police has introduced a new dress code for accused persons kept in police lockups, in a move aimed at preventing suicides and custodial deaths. Under the revised protocol, those placed in police custody will no longer be allowed to wear full-sleeve shirts, trousers or other long garments that can be misused for self-harm.

Instead, accused persons will now be made to wear half-sleeve T-shirts and shorts while in lockup. Officials said the decision forms part of a broader safety review initiated after a series of deaths in police custody raised concerns over supervision and infrastructure inside lockups.

Suicide Risk In Focus

The new rule comes amid growing scrutiny over custodial deaths in Maharashtra, particularly cases where accused persons allegedly died by suicide inside police lockups. According to officials, long clothing such as shirts with sleeves, collars, drawstrings and full-length trousers can be used to fashion ligatures, increasing the risk of self-harm.

Mumbai Police believes the revised dress code will reduce access to such materials and help minimise the possibility of suicide attempts in custody. The move is being seen as a preventive step under a wider internal review of lockup safety procedures.

Trigger Behind Move

The issue drew sharp public attention after the death of Anuj Thapan, an accused in the firing case outside actor Salman Khan’s residence. As per reports, Thapan allegedly died by suicide inside police custody after using a bedsheet in the lockup.

The incident triggered questions over custodial safeguards, surveillance lapses and the overall handling of vulnerable accused persons in police custody. It also renewed calls for stricter lockup protocols and stronger accountability measures across police stations.

Changes Inside Lockups

The dress code revision is not the only change being introduced. Mumbai Police has also started modifying the physical layout of lockups to improve constant monitoring and reduce blind spots.

Officials indicated that bathroom doors inside lockups are being redesigned so that accused persons cannot fully isolate themselves. Portions of the upper and lower panels are being removed to ensure continuous visual access for police personnel stationed outside.

The redesign is intended to improve surveillance without fully compromising basic privacy, according to officials familiar with the changes.

Mental Health Monitoring

Police have also begun placing greater emphasis on the mental condition of accused persons immediately after arrest. Sources indicated that officers are being asked to assess behavioural distress, signs of panic and possible self-harm tendencies at an earlier stage.

As part of the revised protocol, accused persons may be given safer clothing soon after being brought into custody, especially in cases where police suspect emotional instability or elevated risk.

Officials said the changes are aimed at improving preventive intervention rather than reacting after a critical incident.

Custodial Death Concerns

Data from recent years has kept custodial safety under the spotlight. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 54 accused persons reportedly died in police custody across Maharashtra. Several of these deaths were linked to alleged suicide inside lockups, according to available records and public reports.

These figures have intensified concerns around custodial oversight and prompted calls for stronger compliance with detention safety norms.