Deaths under police custody have become a norm and torture is considered as part and parcel of a routine police investigation. Unfortunately, there is no decrease in the torture tactics deployed in the criminal justice system, by the police. It is imperative that the public and the police both should be aware of the fact that torture is illegal and unethical, while legislation should also be made on discouraging such acts. This will not only curb the human rights violations at the hands of police, but will also bridge the widening gap which has been present between the citizens and police. YASIR HAMEED, Islamabad, August 26.