Khargone theft suspect beaten, paraded half-naked after viral video
Villagers in Khargone allegedly caught a theft suspect, assaulted him and marched him through the village. A viral video has led police to investigate both the alleged theft and the public humiliation.
A man suspected of stealing cash and jewellery was allegedly beaten up and paraded half-naked through a village in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, with a box of the stolen valuables placed on his head. A video of the incident went viral on Thursday, prompting a police investigation into the alleged assault and public humiliation.
The incident took place in Tokna Beda village under the Bhikangaon police station area on Wednesday and came to light after the video was circulated on social media. Police said they have begun examining the video and are looking into the role of the villagers involved.
According to police, Rahul, who allegedly has nine criminal cases registered against him, was caught by villagers several kilometres away after a resident, Rakesh Senani, reported that two boxes containing cash and jewellery had gone missing from his house. Senani had gone to drop his daughter at a hostel and found the boxes missing when he returned, after which villagers started searching for the suspected thief.
Police said the villagers allegedly caught Rahul with the boxes and assaulted him. During questioning by the villagers, he allegedly told them that he had sold around 1.10 kg of stolen silver jewellery to a local jeweller, Pranav Soni. The villagers then tied Rahul up, placed one of the stolen boxes on his head and paraded him through the village to the jewellery shop. According to the viral video and police sources, his trousers were removed and he was paraded in his underwear.
The situation reportedly escalated after the group reached the jeweller's shop, following which police were informed. A police team later reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Police arrested Rahul and also registered a case against the jeweller for allegedly purchasing the stolen jewellery. The silver ornaments allegedly bought by him were recovered and seized.
Police said they are also investigating the villagers' alleged assault and public parading of Rahul. A complaint has been received in this connection, and further legal action will be taken against those identified during the investigation. The case now covers both the alleged theft and the actions of the villagers seen in the viral video.