Encounter killings refer to police officers killing a suspect during an attempted arrest or in a shootout.
In India, encounter killings are often used to describe extrajudicial killings carried out by the police during investigations or crackdowns on organized crime.
The practice is controversial and violates the fundamental rights of citizens.
Indian law authorizes police officers to use force, but it must be used within the limits of the law and established procedures.
The Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines on the use of force, and the National Human Rights Commission has established a framework for investigating encounter killings.
Encounter killings continue to occur, often in the context of anti-terrorism operations or the fight against organized crime.
Critics argue that encounter killings are often used as a shortcut to justice and can lead to the wrongful targeting of innocent individuals.
The Indian government and law enforcement agencies must work to ensure that encounters are not used as a shortcut to justice and that police officers are held accountable for any violations of the law.