Times News NetworkLudhiana: In a disturbing case of alleged mob violence and public humiliation, a group of residents and shopkeepers on Noorwala Road reportedly tied a man to an electricity pole, assaulted him and forcibly shaved his head and one eyebrow using an electric trimmer. The incident was videographed and the clip later circulated widely on social media.The video shows the man pleading for mercy with folded hands even as the assailants continue to thrash him. Those involved reportedly claimed that they suspected the victim of involvement in theft incidents in the area. Despite his pleas, he was assaulted and subjected to what appeared to be deliberate public humiliation. Some local residents later justified the act, alleging that the police had failed to act on repeated complaints related to theft, which prompted them to take the law into their own hands.Following the circulation of the video, the police initiated action. Police commissioner Swapan Sharma ordered a probe into the incident. Subsequently, the Basti Jodhewal police registered an FIR against unidentified residents and traders of the area.Inspector Jasvir Singh, SHO of Basti Jodhewal police station, said the police came to know about the incident only after the video surfaced on social media. He said no one had the right to take the law into their own hands. If the man was suspected of theft, locals should have informed the police, he added. Instead, they allegedly assaulted and publicly humiliated him.The police, taking cognisance of the incident, registered an FIR against unidentified locals and traders under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Efforts are underway to identify those involved on the basis of the video and other inputs.The SHO also said the police had no information about any wrongdoing by the victim. According to him, no complaint regarding theft had been filed against the man before the incident. The matter is under investigation, and further action will be taken once the accused are identified.Hall Of Shame January 2025 (Ekjot Nagar/Bahadurke Road): Faces of a woman, her children and others were allegedly blackened, and they were paraded by a factory owner and aides over suspected theft. Placards reading “I am a thief” were hung around their necks2025: Recurring incidents of suspected thieves being caught, assaulted and filmed by residents were reported2024: A video showing persons being publicly shamed and paraded led to the arrest of those involved for assault and wrongful confinementTrend: Past cases indicate incidents of public shaming — including blackening faces, parading and shaving heads — combined with assault, often justified citing theft or alleged police inaction
