A police team in Jammu and Kashmir has landed in controversy after a video emerged showing officers humiliating a theft suspect by garlanding him with slippers and parading him shirtless through the streets of Jammu. The incident has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism over the public shaming tactic and prompting immediate action from the authorities.
According to police, the man was caught allegedly stealing Rs 40,000 while buying medicines for a patient in the Bakshi Nagar area. In the now-viral video, he is seen stripped to the waist, handcuffed, and made to sit on the bonnet of a police jeep. Officers used a loudspeaker to announce the alleged theft as the jeep drove through busy areas, accompanied by several locals.
J&K Police Admit To Misconduct
The act, carried out by personnel from the Bakshi Nagar police station, has been condemned by the Jammu police. In an official statement, they termed the behaviour “unprofessional and unbecoming of members of a disciplined organisation.”
The statement further read: “A video went viral on social media platforms wherein a person whose upper part is naked and being garlanded with slippers, was found paraded by police personnel. This act calls for stern departmental action.”
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-level officer has been appointed to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within a week.
The police assured the public that disciplinary action would be taken against the personnel involved. The incident has reignited debate over police behaviour, human rights, and the importance of due process in handling accused persons.